You may think that a dining room table is just for meals, but the right table can be so much more. It can be a game table, a desk for homework, an arts and crafts center, a place to entertain guests, or simply a place to sit down and catch up with your loved ones after a busy day. Since it can have so many uses it is important to pick the right table.
The first and most obvious factor in choosing a dining table is the size. How much room do you have in your home? Make sure you leave enough room for the chairs to slide in and out so your family and guests don’t have to squeeze in and sit uncomfortably. It is recommended to allow about 30 to 36 inches around the table to ensure the chairs can fit and be moved without any hassle.
Another big factor in choosing a table is how many you are planning on seating at any given time? Do you like to invite guests over for dinner? Do you have a large family to accommodate? If either of those scenarios applies to you then you should get a larger table or a table with removable leaves in order to fit everyone comfortably. There’s nothing worse than trying to eat in a cramped space.
Shape is another factor to consider. A smaller square or round table is more for intimate settings with few people using the table. These smaller tables encourage conversation because everyone at the table is visible to one another. Larger rectangular or oval tables are able to seat many more people.
Tables can be made from wood, metal, glass or stone. Wooden tables have always been the most popular because they are fairly easy to take care of, and they have a more traditional look that can be dressed up or down. Metal tables have a more contemporary look. They are very durable, come in many shapes and sizes, and are typically less expensive than other materials. But some metals can rust and metal tables are harder to match when it comes to the chairs you choose. Glass tables have a lot of beauty but are very hard to keep clean due to fingerprints. And lastly, stone tables add beauty and are durable, but they can be very expensive and some stone can react negatively to chemicals regularly found in a typical kitchen.
If you have small children a Formica top would be a good idea. Formica is a coating over the top of the table that protects it from spills and scratches. But Formica can sometimes take away from the natural beauty of the wood. All wood tables are very appealing but they are more prone to scratches and can absorb moisture from glasses and cans leaving rings on the wood so coasters are a good idea.
Buying a table with leaves is a great way to extend the usefulness of your table. Some tables have only 1 leaf and others have two. So depending on how many you desire to seat at your table, you will always have enough room.
A dining room table is an important place in the household. It is important to decide what you want to use your table for and one that is aesthetically pleasing to you as well. Putting some good thought into it can really make the difference and you’ll be sure to pat yourself on the back for making a good decision.
-Jamie, Lansing Furniture
