How to Choose the Right Dining Table for Your Home?

You've just moved into your new home and are starting to think about how to furnish it. If you’re unsure of where to start, why not start with the dining table? After all, it's where you'll gather with loved ones for meals, holidays and celebrations. Choosing the right one can be tricky; there are so many options! Should you go for a round or rectangular shape? Wood or glass? Built-in extension or fixed size?

Don't worry, we're here to walk you through everything you need to consider when selecting a dining table that perfectly suits your space and lifestyle. From measuring your dining room to deciding on size, shape and material, this guide will help you find your dream table and create a warm, welcoming spot for entertaining. Get ready to turn your dining space into the heart of your home.

Choosing the Right Dining Table Design

Pick a shape that fits your space and needs. Round tables are ideal for small areas, while rectangular tables suit narrow rooms. Oval and square tables work well in open-concept homes. Consider how many people you regularly host to determine the right size.

Opt for a style that matches your decor. Contemporary glass or stone tables pair nicely with modern spaces. Rustic wood tables complement country kitchens. Distressed metal bases work in industrial lofts. If you want versatility, choose a simple solid wood table that fits any style.

Think about functionality. Drop-leaf, extendable or nested tables provide extra space when you need it. Trestle tables open up floor space since the base is narrow. Choose a table with built-in storage like a drawer or shelf to keep necessities within easy reach.

Consider your lifestyle. For low-key casual dining, a kitchen table or breakfast nook set is perfect. If you frequently host dinner parties, select a stylish dining table. For outdoor dining on the patio or in the garden, weather-resistant materials like aluminium, wrought iron or teak are ideal.

With some thought about how you live and entertain, you'll find a dining table that suits you and your home perfectly. Make it the centrepiece of memorable meals for years to come!

Consider Versatile Dining Room Furniture

When choosing a dining table, opt for a versatile piece that fits your lifestyle. A round table is ideal for small spaces and encourages conversation, while an extendable table suits frequent entertaining. For daily family meals, a rectangular table is perfect.

Think about how you'll use the space. If you plan to host game nights or craft afternoons, choose a table with extra surface area. For casual solo dining or laptop work, a bistro table set works well. Consider your decor style too - a rustic wood table complements a country kitchen, while a sleek glass top suits a modern apartment.

Measure your space to find the right size table. Leave enough room for chairs to pull out and people to walk around comfortably. An oversized table will make a room feel cramped, while one too small won’t seat all your guests. Get the balance right for you.

With some thought about how you live and dine, you'll find a table tailored to your needs. Make it the heart of your home by choosing a piece that brings people together. After all, some of life's best moments are shared over a meal.

Consider the Space Available

The size and shape of your dining area will determine what size and shape of table will suit it best. Measure the space carefully, allowing at least 36 inches between the edge of the table and any walls or other furniture for people to move around comfortably.

For a small space, consider a round, square or oval table that can seat four to six people. Round and oval tables don’t have any sharp corners to bump into, and the curved shapes make the space appear more open. Square tables are also space-efficient, with no unused space in the corners.

In an open-concept space or larger dining room, you have more flexibility. A rectangular table is a classic choice and can seat six to eight people with ease. For a big family or if you love to entertain, an extendable table is ideal. It can be made longer or shorter to suit your needs, seating up to 12 when fully extended.

Whatever the shape, choose a table size that allows enough elbow room for diners on all sides. As a rule of thumb, allow at least 24 to 30 inches of width for each place setting. That way, your guests will be comfortable, and you’ll have a table perfect for conversation, connection and enjoying home-cooked meals together.

Consider Your Personal Needs and Preferences

When choosing a dining table, think about how you personally use it. Do you host frequent dinner parties or prefer cosy meals for two? Consider the features that matter most to you.

• Seating capacity. If you entertain often, opt for a larger table that seats 6-8 people comfortably. For everyday use, a table for 4 may suit you best.
• Shape. Round, square or rectangular - select a shape that fits your space and personal style. Round tables are ideal for conversation while rectangular tables work well in narrow rooms.
• Material. Wood, stone or glass - choose a durable yet attractive material that matches your home's decor. Hardwoods like teak or oak are popular, durable options.
• Storage. If space is limited, consider a table with built-in storage for linens, cutlery or even an extendable leaf to seat extra guests when needed.
• Comfort. For long, leisurely meals choose cushioned chairs with lumbar support. Benches or stools offer casual seating for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Think about how you use your dining table and the features important to you. Choose a size, shape and material you'll enjoy for years to come! The right dining table should suit your needs, reflect your style and bring you together with friends and loved ones.

Consider Maintenance

A dining table is a long-term investment, so consider how much maintenance it will require to keep it looking its best. Some materials like wood or metal may need polishing and oiling, while others like glass, marble or lacquer are nearly maintenance-free.

Think about things like:

• How stain or scratch resistant is the material? Wood and lacquer can mark easily compared to stone or glass.
• How easy is it to wipe clean in case of spills? Smooth, non-porous materials are easiest.
• Will the material warp, fade or change colour over time? Some woods darken with age and exposure to light.

Choose a dining table that suits how much time and effort you want to put into maintenance. If you want low-fuss, go for materials like glass, marble or lacquer. For a natural wood table, be prepared to keep it away from natural elements to keep it looking beautiful. The key is picking a material and finish that will stand up well to the level of use in your home.

Loft Home's Shopping Guide

When shopping for a dining table at Loft Home, here are some tips to help you choose the right one for your home:

First, measure your space to determine an appropriate size table. Nothing’s worse than buying a table that’s too big or small for your dining area.

Next, consider the shape. A round table works well in small spaces while rectangular tables suit most rooms. For large spaces, extendable tables allow you to adjust the size.

Then, choose a style you like. Loft Home offers rustic, industrial, mid-century modern and contemporary styles to suit any home decor.

Finally, think about materials. Hardwoods like oak and teak last long but require maintenance. Glass tops are low maintenance but less durable. Metal bases with wood or stone tops offer an industrial-chic look.

With the right size, shape, style and material, you’ll find a dining table perfect for hosting dinner parties and casual meals with friends and family. Our friendly staff can provide recommendations and advice to help you make the best choice for your home.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect dining table for your home is all about knowing your space, your style, and your lifestyle. Take your time, consider all the options, and don't be afraid to think outside the box. The dining table is the heart of the home, so make sure you pick one that reflects who you are. Whether you go for classic and timeless or modern and bold, choose quality over quantity, and get the size right. Most importantly, imagine all the wonderful memories you'll make around that table with family and friends. A dining table has the power to bring people together. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect fit for your home and all the special moments yet to come.