Expert Speak: How To Choose The Right Dining Table For Your Home

Last updated on March 9th, 2022

Planning to give your dining room a face-lift? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

A dining table is the heart of a home. Holding the most important place in a dining room, it is a long-term investment that sometimes might even end up becoming a family heirloom. This is why, buying the perfect dining table and chairs, cannot be taken lightly.
From its size and shape to the material and utility, there are many things to consider before you make this important purchase. Let’s have a look!

1. The size of your dining room

It’s vital that the table and chairs that you choose for the scale of your dining space, and are comfortable for everyone using them. Remember Goldilocks?
Consider the available space you have and where the table will sit. Make sure there is a distance of at least three feet between the table and the wall or any other furniture piece in the room. This will ensure there is enough space to move chairs out and to walk around the table, without bumping into anything.

2. Its usage


Think about how you’ll use the table. If your entire family will be using it, choose a table that is sturdy, durable, and large in size. If you will use it less frequently, you can choose one with a more decorative finish. If you live in a rented apartment and move often, choose one that is lightweight and durable.
For smaller spaces, drop-leaf dining tables that can be extended when needed can be a great option. If you need one for outdoors, you’ll need something in plastic or rattan.

3. Your décor style

Choose a dining table that complements your décor style. So, whether it’s a traditional table, a contemporary piece or an industrial-looking set, make sure your dining table works well with your existing décor. Even if your style is more eclectic, make sure the dining table makes a good focal point, working well with other elements in the setting.

4. The right shape

If you have a small dining space, a 36-inch square or round four-seater will make sure the space doesn’t feel cramped. You can also think of a triangular table that can accommodate up to 6 people at a time.
If you have a larger space and prefer a more formal, classic style, think of a rectangular or an oval table. Larger spaces can easily accommodate a large 72-inch or even a 96-inch rectangular table, seating 6 to 8 people comfortably.

5. The material and finish

It’s important to choose high-quality and durable materials for your dining table and chairs. If you like a wooden finish, go for hardwoods. If you are drawn to glass tops, remember that along with making the room brighter and classier, they also bring with them issues like fingerprint stains and chipped edges. You can also choose treated MDF, which is cheaper and easy to maintain. Contemporary interiors also do well with granite or quartz tabletops.

6. Finally, the type of seating

You can do what a million others do and buy the entire set together or choose to go eclectic and experiment a little and make your dining room unique! You could also pick a bench along with chairs. It’ll not just save space, but also add an element of coolness to your setting.
If you’re choosing chairs, make sure they are the right height and comfortable to sit on, and similar in style to the table you’ve chosen. It’s a good idea to buy chairs without armrests if you want to be able to slide them under the table when they’re not in use.

Happy shopping!