As we dive into fall, our minds shift to upcoming holidays and gatherings with friends and family, sharing yummy food and creating memories.
This is a great time to take a look at your dining room and entertaining space. Maybe you just moved and need a new table and chairs, or it’s time to update your old table with something new.
We will break down what to consider as you make that dining room purchase! We are here to help!
What size fits in my space?
Let’s start here. Interior designers suggest having at least 36” of clearance around the table. We suggest measuring out what table will fit… use blue painters tape to mark the table size and see how it looks.
How High?
Standard table height is about 30”. Counter height tables at 36” have gained popularity, providing a modern feel and are great for entertaining. This size works really well for a kitchen and dining room combination. Bar and Pub height is also an option at 42”, offering a more casual look. Bar height tables can be a little more difficult to manage with small children, so keep that in mind.
What Shape and Size?
Rectangle
The rectangle is the most popular shape and typically the table is 36-40 inches wide. To seat 4 people, your table should be 48” long. For six people, we suggest a 60” long table. For eight guests, start with a 78” table. The rule of thumb is each dining space should be 24” wide.
Round or Oval
Round or Oval tables work really well in smaller dining rooms. They also make it easy to converse with others. For four people, look for a 36-44 inch diameter table. If you hope to seat six guests, you will need 44-54 inches. A 60-inch table will fit eight or more comfortably.
Square
Square tables are great for small spaces and tend to seat 4 people.
Let’s Talk Style
Consider the leg of the table. Traditional 4 legs are pretty standard. However, a pedestal or a trestle table can give more flexibility in adding chairs around the table with no legs to get in the way. Additionally, many material options are available, from wood and wood veneer to glass, marble, and stone. Glass is a great option for a dark or small space… it will lighten the room. Solid wood is beautiful, but a wood veneer table can give you that look without the solid wood price tag.
And Finally…Chairs
You don’t need to purchase a complete dining set with chairs anymore. While that is always an option, many designers like to mix chairs and tables. Choose the table you love, and we will help you find the chairs that will work for you.
We also have many clients who purchase new chairs to provide an instant update to their current table. Bring in a photo of your existing table and we will help find the right chairs for you.
Insider Tip!
Buy one or two extra chairs and put them in a bedroom or office. You can pull these up to the table when you need more seating!
Come see Liz, Ivan, and the team, and let us help you pick out your new dining table and chairs for the holidays.
See you at FH Home!
DID YOU KNOW?
During the Victorian era, dining rooms became extremely extravagant, with consumers spending a lot on ornate dining tables, upholstered chairs, mahogany buffets, china, and linen. Mealtime became an event, and tables were built extra large and strong to display lavish and over-the-top displays of food and drink.
