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So the time has come to upgrade your dining table. Whether its because the old one is beyond repair, you’ve welcomed a new member to the family or the dreaded rellies are coming for Christmas dinner this year. It is definitely worth taking a bit of time over this key purchase.
There are many different types of table out there for every space, style and budget and these three factors along with quality should be the backbone of your search.
Firstly you need to consider your budget as this will have a bearing on another factor the quality of your table. A table should last from five to ten years so you really don’t want to go too cheap and risk it collapsing before its 5th birthday. Your budget will also determine the material your table is built from. If you want a solid wood table you will always need to pay a little more. Good quality veneer is just a stylish though, so don’t rule it out. Our Holmes Dining Table (left) is oak veneer and fabulous quality. A great alternative to solid wood.
One thing worth looking for with veneer is the underside of the table. If it is chipboard or another material then it is most likely that the manufacturer is cutting costs and its not going to be great quality. Whilst you’re under the table also check out the joinery. A good table will have very little in the way of metal attachments. The sturdiest way to construct a table is wood on wood. All these extra bits make the table less durable and likely to weaken after time.
When it comes to shape assess the shape of the area it is going to fit into. If its small and square you are not going to want a rectangle table. Your best choice like the room is square. A general rule of thumb is to measure your room and take six feet off those two measurements and that apparently is your perfect table size. Use this as a rough guide as we can’t all afford to have a table made to measure but it is definitely worth bearing in mind.
So knowing more or less the dimensions you can begin your search. Style is important, but be aware of falling into the trend trap. Buying a table that is hugely fashionable could mean you waking up a year down the line wondering what on earth you were you thinking of! You are better off going for clean and neutral styles that stand the test of time. Industrial is currently everywhere its simple stripped back style looks great in both dining rooms and kitchens alike. Our Industrial Vintage Hairpin Rectangular Dining Table (right) is a great example of this and perfect for smaller dining areas. It is brimming with fabulous features like a stunning inlaid parquet top and stylish steel hairpin legs but still manages to maintain a neutral quality befitting that of most interior design styles.
It is important with a smaller dining area that you don’t over power the space with your table. Even if a table is the right dimensions, its visual weight can really influence how big it makes your room feel. A great solution in limited space is a drop-leaf table.
Our scandi style Agnes Drop-Leaf Table (left) is a great table. It’s uber versatile drop-leaf gives you back valuable your space when you’re not using it. Beautiful crafted from fabulous light European oak it comfortably seats four when fully extended so a good table for couples who entertain.
If space isn’t an issue then you can be more adventurous. Our Pendlebury Extendable Dining Table Standard (below) with its thick black powered steel legs and chunky pine surface makes a great hardwearing family table. Or our traditionally styled Ashwell Reclaimed Pine Refectory Dining Table with its beautiful rustic carved base makes a stunning centrepiece to your room.
Round and oval tables are also worth considering as they give you get extra space to move around. A fabulous choice for those who like to host dinner parties and great for playing after dinner board games. They also take away the formality of ‘who is head of the table’. Our Agnes Oval Dining Table can seat six just proving that those lopped off corners really do make a difference.
Whatever you choose we hope your dining table becomes a place where you can comfortably sit, eat and enjoy time together.
