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CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE DINING TABLE FOR YOUR SPACE.
The dining table is the centrepiece of a dining room, where friends and family gather to share meals and create lasting memories. It’s an integral part of your space, so when selecting a dining table, it's essential to consider the size of the dining table to ensure it fits well within your space and accommodates your needs. Sure, you can squeeze an extra person or two around the table occasionally, but comfort should be a priority when deciding on your brand-new dining table.
Here are some top tips to keep in mind to help you choose a dining room table that perfectly fits your space, daily meals and your entertaining needs.
MEASURE YOUR DINING SPACE.
If you’ve been wondering how to choose a dining table, there are a few steps you should consider undertaking before you even begin shopping. Before you even start your search for the perfect dining table, your first step should be to measure the dimensions of your dining area. Consider the length, width, and height of the available space. These measurements will serve as a guideline for selecting a dining table that fits comfortably within the room.
ALLOW EXTRA SPACE FOR CLEARANCE.
Leave ample clearance around the dining table to ensure ease of movement and comfortable seating for guests. A general rule of thumb is to provide 100-120cm of clearance between the edge of the table and walls or existing furniture. This clearance allows movement around the table when guests are seated and lets people move their chairs back adequately to leave the table easily. Therefore, the space needed for a 90cm wide table - the total space needed for the table, chairs and clearance space would be 90 cm + 200cm (both sides of the table) totalling 290cm.
HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU WISH TO SEAT?
How many people do you want to seat regularly at your dining table? You don’t want guests elbowing one another as they’re cutting their food, so allow 60cm width for each person, so everyone will be comfortable. So, for example, a dining table that is 180cm long can typically seat six people comfortably. If you are a regular entertainer, consider if you want to have additional space for guests for larger gatherings.
WHAT DINING TABLE SHAPE IS BEST?
The shape of the dining table can impact how many people it can accommodate and how it fits within the room. If you have a long narrow room a rectangular dining table, such as our Refectory Table, will fit best and generally provide the most seating capacity, while round dining tables, like our Connor Table or our Helsinki Table, are more conducive to squarer rooms and more intimate conversations. Select the dining table shape that best suits your needs and complements your room's aesthetics.
IS AN EXTENSION DINING TABLE THE BEST OPTION?
If you frequently host large gatherings, such as the family Christmas dinner or need flexibility in seating capacity, consider our Jackson Extension Dining Table.
An extension dining table can be a practical solution for a smaller dining area, providing the flexibility to expand the table when needed, accommodating more guests, but can be scaled back to its regular size for everyday use. This allows you to optimise space in compact dining areas.
TEST FOR COMFORT.
When possible, visit a store to test the dining table in person. Sit at the table to assess its height and ensure that your legs have ample room underneath. Consider the comfort of the chairs or benches that will accompany the table, as they should complement the table's size and provide comfortable seating. If you are intending to use your existing seating, measure the seat and back heights to see how it will look and feel with the dining table.
VISUAL HARMONY.
Apart from functionality, consider the visual harmony of the dining table within your dining space. The table's size should be proportionate to the room and other furniture pieces. If your dining area is small, opt for a small dining table to maintain a sense of balance. Similarly, a larger table can anchor the room in larger spaces and create a focal point.
PERSONAL STYLE AND DESIGN.
Lastly, select a dining table that matches your style and complements the overall design of your dining area, so, consider the materials, finishes, and designs that resonate with your taste and blend well with the existing decor. If you have more neutral furniture in your home, consider a wooden dining table or an oak dining table. Alternatively, if you’re wanting to add brightness to your space consider choosing a white dining table instead!
After considering these helpful tips, you'll be able to select a dining table that is a perfect fit for your space, comfortably seats guests, and enhances the overall look of your dining area.
Take your time, measure accurately, and explore various options to find the ideal dining table for your room, needs and style. Once you find the perfect dining table, gather your favourite people around it and start enjoying the dining table of your dreams!
Discover Your Perfect Dining Table
