Where to place a dining table?

Place a dining table where it suits your home's layout and leaves enough room around it for sitting down and moving past. In smaller homes, a dining table often goes into the kitchen or against a wall, which puts the floor space to better use. In an open-plan layout, the dining table can act as a natural divider between the kitchen and the living area, and a correctly sized [rug] helps to define the dining area even more clearly. A separate dining area or dining room is the obvious home for a dining table, since the space is designed for eating and spending time together.

How much space should be left around a dining table?

Leave at least 80 cm of space around a dining table, so you can pull the [dining chairs] or [benches] out and get up without effort. If you also need to walk past the table while people are seated, around 100 cm works better. That keeps the dining area practical and stops the walkway from feeling too tight.

What types of dining tables are available?

Dining tables come in different shapes, materials, and sizes, so the right model depends on both your space and how many seats you need. Common dining table shapes include rectangular, round, square, and oval dining tables. More organic shapes have also become popular lately, since they give a dining area a softer look. The materials you'll see most used for dining tables are wood, glass, stone, and ceramic, along with wood-based options such as MDF and plywood.

When is a round dining table a good choice?

A round dining table is a good choice for a small or square space where you need to move around it easily. The lack of corners makes it easy to sit down from different directions, and the table softens the look of the room at the same time. A large round dining table works as a striking centerpiece, but in a very big size it can take up a lot of floor space and increase the distance to whoever sits opposite.

When is a rectangular dining table a good choice?

A rectangular dining table is a good choice for a long room, a dining room, or a space that needs plenty of seats. The long sides fit more chairs around the table, and the shape sits naturally along a wall, a window or a long rug. In a very long table, though, people at opposite ends can end up far apart, so it's worth matching the size to both the room and how you use it.

When is an oval dining table a good choice?

An oval dining table is a good choice when you want the seating of a long table but a slightly softer look. The rounded ends make it easier to move around the table and can help squeeze in an extra chair when needed. An oval shape often feels a little more relaxed than a rectangular table, yet it still works well in a larger dining area.

When is an extendable dining table a good choice?

Choose an extendable dining table when your everyday seating needs vary, or you sometimes want to fit more guests around the table. You can increase the size of an extendable table with leaves, which may be separate, hidden inside the table, or attached at the end. That keeps the dining area lighter day to day, while the table stretches to suit parties and larger gatherings when needed.

How to choose a dining table?

Choose a dining table based on the size of your space, how you'll use it day to day and the number of seats you need. A round or square table often suits a small space, while a rectangular or oval dining table works well in a more open room. It's also worth considering whether the table will be used for daily meals, for working, for children's crafts, or for hosting larger groups. Settle the questions of material and upkeep based on how hard the table needs to wear.

What size dining table should I choose?

Choose the size of a dining table according to the dimensions of the room and the number of seats you need. Measure the area where the table will go first, then think about how many people sit there day to day. If the table is often used for parties or evenings with friends as well, a slightly larger or extendable model can be the more practical choice.

How many people can a dining table seat?

The number of people a dining table seats depends on its size and shape. A round table of about 90–110 cm usually suits 2–4 people, while a round table of 120–150 cm often seats 4–6. In a rectangular dining table, a length of 150–180 cm generally suits 4–6 people and 220–260 cm around 6–8. The final number of seats also depends on the width of the dining chairs and where the table legs sit.

What dining table shape is best for a small room?

A dining table that suits a small room is one that doesn't block the walkways or take up too much of the room's floor. A round table often works well, because it's easy to move around, but a square dining table can be a good choice too, especially in a square room. If the table is only used from one or two sides, you can place it against a wall when needed. An extendable model adds flexibility for the times you only occasionally need extra seats.

How tall should a dining table be?

A dining table should usually be about 70–75 cm tall, so that the dining position feels natural with ordinary dining chairs. This height suits most homes and works well both for everyday meals and for longer evenings at the table. Taller tables, such as [bar tables], are often around 105–110 cm high and need [bar stools] that sit higher than ordinary dining chairs.

Which dining table material should I choose?

Choose the material of a dining table based on everyday use, upkeep, and the needs of your home. Solid wood dining tables stands up well to use, and you can often sand small marks or scratches out of its surface. Plywood and MDF dining tables are lighter options, but they don't usually take sanding the way solid wood does. A glass dining table is easy to wipe clean, although fingerprints and small scratches show up easily on it. Natural stone such as marble dining tables give a room a high-end look, but as a porous material it calls for more careful use and quick wiping of spills.

Is a wooden dining table a good choice?

Yes, a wooden dining table is a good choice if you want a durable table that ages beautifully with use. Wood brings warmth to a dining area and suits many interior styles. If a solid wood table picks up small scratches or signs of use, the surface can often be sanded and treated again. A wooden dining table is usually more valuable than one made from veneer or wood-fibre materials, but it holds up well to everyday use.

Which dining table material is easiest to maintain?

The easiest dining table material to maintain is often a dense, non-porous surface such as sintered stone. A material like this doesn't soak moisture or stains as readily as more porous surfaces, and it copes well with the temperature changes of everyday life. For daily cleaning, a wipe with a damp cloth is often enough.

Which dining table colour should I choose?

Choose the colour of a dining table according to the size of the space, how light it is and the rest of your interior. A pale dining table can make a small or dim dining area feel more open, while a dark shade brings structure and contrast to a room. The dining table generally shouldn't be exactly the same colour as the floor, since a slight difference in tone helps the piece stand out. Light wood tones often create a fresh, Nordic look, brown brings warmth, and a very dark dining table makes a space more striking.

Should a dining table match dining chairs?

No, a dining table and chairs don't have to match. A little contrast between the table and chairs can make the whole arrangement look more considered and personal. A wooden dining table, for example, often looks good with upholstered dining chairs, because the difference in materials brings softness to a dining area. A matching table and chairs are still a good choice if you want an easily coordinated look.

How much does a dining table cost?

The price of a dining table varies a lot depending on the material, size, brand, way it's made and condition. The most affordable dining tables can cost a few tens of euros, while dining tables from well-known design makers or rarer materials can be considerably more valuable. With second hand and overstock dining tables, the price is also shaped by the table's original recommended retail price, signs of use and how sought-after the model is.

How to clean a dining table?

Clean a dining table according to its material, though the same basic rules apply to most surfaces. Wipe away spills and dirt as soon as you can, so they don't have time to soak into the surface. For daily cleaning, damp cloth or microfiber cloth is often enough. Avoid abrasive tools and harsh chemicals and dry the surface afterwards so no moisture is left behind.

How do you clean a wooden dining table?

Clean a wooden dining table gently with a damp cloth and dry it straight after wiping. Wood doesn't like standing moisture, so it's best not to leave the surface wet. Strong chemicals and abrasive cleaners are worth avoiding. An oiled or waxed surface repels dirt and moisture better, and regular treatment helps prevent the wood from drying out and cracking.