Choosing a dining table: types, features, photos

Dining table size

This is the most important parameter of the table. For everyone sitting at the table, you need 60 cm of the length of the table top. In this case, the chairs in the required number should be placed freely, without touching, so that they can be easily pushed and moved away from the table.

When choosing a dining table, you can focus on the following numbers: the distance from it to the wall should be at least 70 cm, if no passage is planned there. The width of the table, as a rule, should be between 85 and 105 cm.

If the kitchen or dining area is of modest size, and occasionally it becomes necessary to gather a large number of people at the table. In this case, you should pay attention to transforming furniture. A folded table will not take up much space, and it can be expanded by the arrival of guests, thereby increasing the capacity by several places, usually from two to six.

Dining table shape

Dining table types vary in shape. In many ways, it will be she who will determine the dimensions, because these parameters depend on each other.

• Rectangle. This is the most common dining table shape. As a rule, it is suitable for almost any room. In small dining areas or kitchens, such a table is placed near a wall or in a corner, thus saving free space. In large dining rooms, a rectangular table can stand in the center, or one meter away from the wall.
• Square. A square-shaped table cannot be large - in this case, the dishes that are in the center will be inconvenient to take. This form is convenient if four people plan to sit behind it.
• Circle or oval. Round and oval tables are suitable for large rooms. At the same time, the dining table in the interior of the kitchen becomes the center of the composition, its main semantic and often decorative accent.

Advice: If the dining room has a square shape, it is better to purchase a table with a round table top and place it in the center. With an elongated shape of the room, rectangular or oval tables are more suitable.

Design features of the dining table

Depending on the design of the tables, they can be divided into two main types:

• stationary,
• folding (transforming table).

Folding tables differ in the folding mechanism, and can either unfold or move apart, and have reclining parts. The sliding transformation mechanism involves the use of an additional plate, which, when folded, “hides” under the main tabletop, and can either be removed from there, or taken out using additional devices.

Folding tables can change not only the size of the tabletop, but also its height above the floor. Such designs are more often used folded as coffee tables, and when unfolded as dining tables.

If there is very little space, the choice of a dining table can be stopped at a book table.When folded, the width of such a table does not exceed the width of the bedside table, it takes up a small area and can be used as a lamp stand or a bookshelf. To bring it into working condition, it is necessary to lift on both sides of the table top, and extend the folded “legs” to provide support.

The choice of material for the dining table

Dining tables are made from a wide variety of materials, the choice is determined by personal preference and operating conditions. So, if the dining area is located in the kitchen, and you plan to use the table not only for eating, but also for cooking, the table top should be just in care, resistant to dirt and moisture.

Each of the materials used in the manufacture of various types of dining tables has its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Chipboard. This is the most budget-friendly option. The main advantage is the low price. The main disadvantage is the short service life.
• MDF. A table made of this material is more expensive, but more durable than a chipboard table. It is more resistant to moisture and temperature extremes.
• Solid wood. Tables made of natural solid wood are a classic option. Reliability, durability, attractive appearance, the ability to fit into almost any interior style - these are the advantages of this material. The downside is the high price.
• Glass. A glass dining table in the interior of the kitchen allows you to solve several problems at once. Firstly, it meets all the requirements for such premises, it is easy to clean, and has high moisture resistance. Secondly, due to transparency, the glass tabletop seems to dissolve in the air, and thus does not clutter up the interior, which is especially important for small rooms.
• A rock. Stone countertops are made from both natural and artificial stone. Usually tables with stone countertops are made to order according to design sketches. Moreover, artificial stone for tables, especially large ones, is preferable to natural stone, since it is less fragile and is able to withstand heavy loads. It should be borne in mind that stone is a very dense material, and the countertops made of it are very heavy, so you need to calculate whether your flooring will support the weight of the table.

Dining table legs

Before choosing a dining table, decide how many legs it should have. This is a very important point that affects not only the appearance, but also the usability. There are only four options, except for the fact that if the dining table is too long, it may require additional supports.

• One. Tables with one support in the center are much more convenient if the table has a round shape - you can sit anywhere, there will be no interference. However, there are no large round tables on one leg, as a rule, no more than four people can sit at them at a time, in extreme cases - six.
• Two. The two legs of dining tables are usually small in width. This is not a very convenient option, you can sit on such a table only from two sides.
• Three. When choosing a dining table with a round shape and a large size, you can opt for the option of three supports - this is convenient for seated people and looks quite aesthetically pleasing.
• Four. The tabletop on four legs-supports is the traditional, and the most common option. They can be made of any material and are stable, durable and comfortable.

Style

Different types of dining tables are designed for different interiors. It is necessary that the table fits into a certain style, emphasizes its features, harmonizes with the surrounding objects and the decoration of the room.

• Minimalism. In rooms of this style, tables with glass tops, on dark wood or chromed metal legs look good. They can have a tabletop of any shape.

• Classic. Rectangular tables on four stable, massive legs, made of wood and decorated with carvings, ideal for classic interiors. It is especially good if the table is made of oak or other precious woods.

• Provence. Rough natural wood furniture is a visiting card of the style. It can have a natural color, or it can be dyed and aged. A white wooden dining table, without decorations and small details, will perfectly match the atmosphere of rustic simplicity.

• Loft. The main materials used in this style for the dining table are raw wood and metal. Metal legs and a wooden table top are ideal.

The dining table in the interior of the kitchen is the main design element, so try to make its style correspond to the chosen interior direction, but do not forget that the color of the furniture affects the perception of the room.

The white color of the table is a solution that will help to lighten the space of the kitchen, prevent the feeling of being “crammed” with furniture, add freshness and cleanliness. However, when choosing a table, first of all, pay attention to the convenience of its use, since you will use it for its intended purpose for many years.