Every dining room has a centrepiece that's the main focus of the room and makes the space even better. This can sometimes be wall art, the chandelier or the carpet, but very often it's the dining table. It's where you have your meals and also a gathering spot for your friends and family. Hence, this piece of furniture should complement the room and make conversing with guests easier.
Materials
There are many materials that manufacturers use to create dining tables of all shapes and sizes. They all fit different interior designs and require a specific type of care and maintenance. So, take into consideration your free time and personal preferences.
Wood
Wood is without a doubt the most popular dining room table material and for good reasons. It has a sturdy construction, it’s easy to manipulate and very versatile. Even on its own, it can add a rustic feel and warmth to the space. One elegant and stylish dining room setting can be all you need to have a relaxed meal with your friends and family. Hardwood is the best option because of its looks and durability.
Oak
Oak has a classic look that no other wood can match in appearance. It's also very hardy and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. These trees need more time to grow, so this material can be a bit more expensive than the others.
But this slow-growing process is the thing that makes oak trees dense and thick. That's why your tables and chair will last for decades if you take good care of them. When it comes to colour, you can find it in many bright and dark tones that can match any interior.
Pine
When compared to other woods, pine has softer shades. These colours can be anything between yellow and creamy white. Pine is more affordable than oak while still being resilient and strong.
Because it’s light-coloured, you can easily dye it and change the colour to match the rest of the furniture or décor. And the best part is its weight. It's very lightweight and you can easily move and carry it around the house if needed.
Walnut
Walnut is easily recognisable because of its distinguishable colour. It has a more robust and deep appearance. It's the right choice for you if you’re a fan of chocolate brown hues. If the dining room is spacious and you need a bigger table, a 12-seater made of walnut will fit perfectly. It's one of the most wanted woods on the market even though it’s pricier than its cousins. But if you have the extra dollars, a walnut table is worth the investment.
Teak
Teak is very attractive and has gained popularity in the last several years. It has an eye-catching natural beauty that no one can resist. Besides being great for indoors, teak is also a good choice as outdoor furniture as well. Both homeowners and interior designers love it.
It can take almost 40 years for one tree to be fully grown and cut down. That's why people reuse and re-purpose it from old constructions, houses or docks. It has a low absorption rate due to its richness with natural oils. Your teak table will be the start of the room.
Glass
A glass tabletop will create a sleek, modern and very sophisticated dining room setting. It's also easy to clean and maintain. The supporting frame around it can be wood, metal or graphite. Sometimes even a combination of two. It gives out a refined appearance on its own and a simple decoration such as a vase with flowers can make a big statement.
Professionals can shape and cut it in many different ways so you can fit it into your dining room. But keep in mind that dust and fingerprints will be your worst enemy, you might have to clean them more often than some other materials.
Marble
Nowadays, marble is a favoured material for some high-end dining table designs. It looks very luxurious because of its rich and beautiful tones. Mother Nature used it as a canvas and decorated it with wonderful colours and patterns. Another great thing is the cleaning and maintenance process. You can only wipe it with a damp cloth to make it shine. Plus, it’s hard to get it scratched or damaged. The only disadvantage is its weight. It's very heavy and hard to move from one room to another.
Size
Many homeowners don’t give much thought to this factor when buying a dining table. They mostly look at the design and don’t consider how much space the table will take from the room. One rule you should follow is to leave at least 1m between the table and possible obstacles like walls, side tables or sofas. This way the people will have enough room to get up and sit down comfortably. The easiest way to know the size of the table is to measure the dining room and reduce that measurement by 2m on each side.
Shape & Style
There are several shapes that fit in different-sized dining rooms. Rectangular ones are the most popular and they can act as a good divider of a room. Square ones work perfectly for square rooms and they never go out of style. Round-shaped dining table sets can seat more people and are very comfortable. Oval tables aren’t that common but are very practical and space-saving. But if you have an artsy home, a freeform table will accentuate the interior design.
Style-wise, the market is filled with an abundance of choices that can make a statement. Farmhouse tables have a rustic feel and a thick and sturdy tabletop. Some of them are modernised by adding a metal or glass element. Pedestal tables have a smaller tabletop and a single column to stand on. This usually works in rooms with limited space.
Another sturdy option is trestle tables because they have 2-4 trestle supporters. If you want a bit of elegance, a traditional oval table with detailed legs is the right way to go. They oftentimes include a leaf so you can extend them to seat more people. Industrial-style dining tables are a combination of wooded tabletop and metal legs and are the perfect centrepiece for this type of interior.
