Choosing a Fine Dining Table

Dining tables, we take them for granted but did you know we have used them since at least the 7th century BC? Back then, they were more likely to be made from a flat slab of stone, or wood supported by trestles. Today they come in all shapes, heights and materials, more choice than was ever imagined. Oh how far we have come!

Certainly, the table is the most important piece of furniture in the dining room area. It is where we gather for family meals and group meetings, entertaining guests, doing homework, spreading out your crafts or where we decorate with a stunning centerpiece to catch our eye.

The ideal table enhances décor and creates a focal point while providing enough space for us to sit in comfort and easily move around the room. When we’re ready to look for a new one, there is the shape, size, material and even how many legs it will have. Feel like it is a lot to consider? It’s not really. We have some key points to help:

Height is generally a given because most dining tables are 700mm high. In addition, the minimum space between the table and a wall is recommended to be between 90-100cm, this is only a guideline as your room is unique to your home and the shape has a big influence.

A rectangular table works well in both larger and long, narrow rooms. It allows people, often the hosts when entertaining, to sit at the end (the head). Occasionally the end chairs are slightly larger or have sides for added comfort. In smaller rooms the rectangle table can be placed against the wall and still seat a good number of people.

A square table brings people closer together and is ideal for square rooms. Not only does it create symmetry, but for a 4-place setting a square table also allows everyone to have their own space. For those special occasions when you need to seat more people, many tables, including the square dining table have a drop leaf or removeable extension. An often-missed design feature to look for is the edge of the table, be it beveled edges, curved or square, it adds another element to the overall aesthetic.

A round table generally takes up less room and is more intimate, bringing people closer together while still allowing for elbow room. A centralized column allows you to seat more people around the table or you can choose one that has an extension option for extra guests.

Once you see the many sizes and shapes, you will also see that dining tables are manufactured in too many materials to count. The most popular choice is wood because of its durability, forgiving nature and comes in various shades and textures. From the rough wood finish of farmhouse décor to the traditional glossy sheen of solid rimu, dark walnut and light oak, you will find this material is very versatile.

When you’ve got your dining table sorted, it’s time to think about chairs. Colour and material are some of the elements of great chair choices. Plus they should be a comfortable height for people sitting at the table, not too high so that there is cramped leg space and not too low so you need to sit on a cushion. It’s important to check how wide they are. Generally, there should be about 20cm between chairs, depending on their design.

For a seamless pairing, chairs can match the same style and material of your table; or if you want them to stand out, you can mix it up for contrast and accents. Consider a single colour with various textures and materials, or complementary colours of the same material, or contrasting colours and materials for an eclectic feature. Mix bench seats and chairs. In the end, the only answer is the one you like the most.

Let’s look at some examples of gorgeous tables.

Renowned for its white and blue grey appearance, the look of polished Italian Carrara marble contrasting with rich walnut legs is the Radius dining table. Every piece has veins of mineral patterns which make up its unique appearance. Easy to polish and excellent heat resistance, marble is a durable surface.

Natural acacia wood contrasts effortlessly with white to create the coastal inspired Fantail dining table. It’s as eye catching as it is functional, plus it pairs perfectly with the Fantail dining chairs and bench seat.

The compact Nordik extension table is designed perfectly for small spaces. A classically Scandinavian style, it is crafted from solid white American Oak and seats 2-4. Cleverly designed, it folds up against the wall to save space when not needed. Seen here paired with the stylish Wishbone chairs.

Van Dyks, turning houses into homes.