Few things bring people together quite like the sharing of a meal. Whether the meal is as simple as bowls of hearty stew on a cold day or as complicated as an elaborate multi-course dinner party for a special occasion, sharing food enhances a sense of community and affection. In addition to the food itself, one of the most important parts of any meal is the dining table that you eat on. From a small table for two, to a large table that can be expanded at will, having the right table for the job can take your meals to the next level. Which table is right for you? Let’s take a closer look.
How Many People Are You Hosting? Size Really Does Matter
One of the first things to consider when choosing a new dining table is the size. Though you may dream of hosting a grand dinner party with dozens of guests, your dining table size is unfortunately limited to the size of your dining room. (Or dine-in kitchen, or ballroom for that matter.) It is also important to keep in mind that once you have chosen some wood dining chairs or fabric dining chairs to go with your wood dining table, you will still need adequate room to walk around the table—especially when there are people sitting in the chairs. Nothing breaks up a dinner party faster than forcing half of the table to move when Aunt Brenda needs the restroom.
Another main consideration in the dining table question is to decide how many people you want your dining table to seat comfortably. If you need something simple for a breakfast nook, a sleek metal and wood dining table that comfortably seats 2-4 could be the answer. However, if you have half a dozen people living under one roof, you will want something larger, like a generous 75” oak veneer dining table that is designed to seat 6-8 folks. If you normally don’t eat with a crowd but like hosting, a wood dining table that easily expands from 71” to 94.5” will help you welcome guests, but not constantly take over your whole dining room.
What is the Perfect Shape? Round, Oval, or Rectangular
Though there are clear aesthetic differences between dining tables with differently shaped eating surfaces, there are also clear benefits. A rectangular wood dining table is a classic look, but it isn’t always the most convenient shape when space is at a premium. Removing the corners and choosing a round glass dining table or even a much larger oval wood dining table allows for additional space to maneuver around the table, no matter how full the dining room is.
What’s on Top? The Importance of Your Table Top Material
Though you may be enthralled with the beauty of natural wood—and who isn’t—it may not be the ideal table top material in your circumstances. Though wood is beautiful and durable, if you aren’t careful with hot pots and pans, the tabletop of a mid-century modern-inspired wood dining table can become damaged over the years. Any damage can easily be prevented by the use of hot pads and trivets, but it is good to be aware of this limitation.
If you know that you or your family are harder on your tabletops, you might consider getting a table with a quartz top. Though you still will want to protect a quartz tabletop from extreme heat, they tend to be more durable over the long run to general wear and tear. For example, if you still crave that mid-century modern style, you can get a mid-century modern dining table with a sumptuous and durable quartz tabletop.
Whether you choose a small dining table or a large one, a wood dining table or a glass-topped table, or a rectangular table or an oval one, make sure that your dining table suits your needs best.