Shopping for a dining table can be an exhilarating experience for any homeowner. It’s an opportunity to fill out a space, as well as completely change the look of your home. Without doubt, your next dining table or set should be special. It is, after all, at the centre of so many vital activities at home: eating, socialising, and, sometimes, even working. Picking a table that’s exactly what your home and lifestyle need will make a subtle yet significant difference as to how you conduct these activities.
More often than not, you don’t just end up with a dining table that’s perfect for your home. It takes hours of searching (both online and on foot) to find a selection of tables that might just include the one you want. Making the choice can be easier if you can come up with a list of non-negotiable qualities that your next dining table should have, as well as a list of qualities that are just nice to have. To guide you, here are 3 questions everyone on a lookout for a dining table should ask:
Does it fit?
The room’s size is a primary consideration when deciding on the ideal table’s size and shape. Without question, your dining table should fit in the room it will be placed in. What’s considered a good fit for a room? Well, there should be a gap of more than 1 metre between the walls of the room and the edge of the table. This is enough space for foot traffic and for the people to move in and out of their chairs. Also, make sure that the table has enough leg room and space to accommodate everyone who will use it regularly.
Consider the shape of the room, too, before choosing the shape of the table. If the room is long and narrow, you can maximise space by choosing a rectangular or oval shaped table. If the room is short and square, then a circular or square table might fit well. To shorten your search, choose an online or brick-and-mortar furniture shop that offers tables in different shapes, such as Jarrimber’s Marri dining tables.
How does it look?
The way a table looks is primarily decided by the style and the materials used for its construction. You can choose from farmhouse tables, trestle tables, and pedestal tables, to name a few. You also need to decide beforehand what you want the table to be made of. Tables made of wood are classic and durable, but they can be on the pricier side. Glass tables are relatively affordable and can make a room look more spacious and modern, but they can also chip or break. Metal is definitely durable, but a table made of it can be hard to clean. Stone tables, on the other hand, can make a room feel more luxurious, but they can also be expensive, heavy, and impossible to repair.
Will it stand the test of time?
Last but not least, your dining table should be durable. Take note that expensive does not mean long lasting, so don’t buy an expensive table without inspecting it first. Check the quality of the materials used and look out for dents and cracks. Check the joinery, and try to avoid tables held together by too many implements. Lastly, check for gaps and wobbles, which can only worsen over time.
Your dining table is an investment piece that you and your family will use daily. Before buying one, make sure that your chosen furniture will enhance not only the look but the feel and functionality of your home.
