Selecting a dining room table involves a number of factors.
The dining table can be the pivotal point in a formal dining experience or the main focal point in daily life. Selecting a dining room table involves a number of factors, including the number of people expected to be seated at the table, the space available and cost.
Shape and Style
The size and shape of the table largely depends on where the table will be placed in the home.
The size and shape of the table largely depends on where the table will be placed in the home. If the space is an eat-in kitchen or a small nook, a square or round table will make the most of the space. If the home has a large open space or a dining room, oval and rectangular tables work best. Expandable dining tables allow for flexibility and added space for larger groups.
Dining tables come in different styles, including traditional, modern, country and formal. Traditional dining sets are crafted with a more uniform style with straight lines and more balanced designs. Modern dining sets give the room a minimalist feel with bold colors and clean lines. Modern tables are crafted in such materials as glass, stone and even metal. Country sets are often found in softer woods, such as cypress and pine, allowing for a more natural look and feel. And formal dining sets feature elaborate details that extend from the table to the chairs. Formal sets typically are crafted out of hard wood, such as maple, walnut, cherry, oak and teak.
Chairs
Judge the chair for quality before making a purchase.
Many people purchase the chairs as a set with the table, while some choose to purchase them separately. Consider chair style before making a purchase. Chair styles include open- and closed-back chairs, upholstered chairs, wood and even metal chairs. The style of chair depends on the decor and size of the room and how the chairs look placed around the table. Open-style chairs may look best in a smaller room, while closed-back chairs may look better in a larger room.
Judge the chair for quality before making a purchase. Run a hand across the surface of wood chairs to check for splinters. Chairs made of wood should be one solid piece, not individual sections glued together. Sit in the chair and see if it can be tilted back or sit and move around in the chair to make sure the legs, arms or back do not move.
Measurements
Measuring the area where the table will be placed is key, and the chairs and place settings also should be taken into consideration. A square or rectangular table typically measures 40 inches wide, and an average round table measures 42 inches in diameter. Each guest seated at a square or rectangular table should be allowed at least 24 inches of table space; a round table should allow at least 30 inches in table space for each person.
Dining room tables typically measure around 30 inches in height, and chairs, from seat to floor, measure 18 inches. Allow at least 12 inches from the surface of the table to the seat of the chair to provide those seated adequate leg room.
Additional Tips
To test the sturdiness of the table, lean on it and try to rock it; it should feel heavy and well-balanced.
While a wax finish gives a table a rich and natural look, it is not a preferred choice for a home with small children, because it does not offer any kind of protection from accidents such a spills.
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