Wishes and possibilities when choosing the right dining table
The first step in the search for a dining table is to see how much space you have for the dining table. The shape of the dining room is a good and important tool. Do you have a long, narrow dining room? Then an oval dining table is a good option. Do you have a very large dining room? Then you should not opt for a round table, it then falls a bit away in the room. Also consider how many seats you need. Do you live with the two of you? Then a dining table for six people might be a bit big unless you regularly get guests. In short: the ideal dining table depends on the space, your personal preferences and wishes.
Which form fits in your dining room?
Dining tables come in many shapes, sizes and variants. The shape of the table influences the dynamics of the dining room. Round tables promote conversations, while rectangular tables often have a more formal look. A square table can work well in smaller spaces.
Below you can read advantages and disadvantages of the different forms of tables.
Round dining table
The round table is ideal for a small dining area, but also to break the straight lines in a square room. The shape makes the space softer and immediately brings atmosphere. Choose the diameter that matches your dining area. Sit down an extra chair? No problem.
Benefits Round Table
- Compact and therefore ideal for small spaces
- Makes a angular space softer
- Easily shift extra seats
- You have eye contact with all people at the table
Disadvantages Round Table
- Can only be placed in the middle of the room
- Amount of seats depends on the chassis. With four legs it is more difficult to put more people at the table
- Cannot be extended (by sitting down another table)
- Less space on the table
Oval dining table
An oval dining table brings softness into the room, just like a round table. If you have an industrial or modern interior with clean lines, an oval table can provide more balance. Because there are no corners at the table, it is easy to create an extra seat.
Advantages Oval dining table
- More space to sit
- Looks compact (er) because there are no corners
- Makes an angular space softer
- Suitable for a narrow dining area
- Children cannot hurt themselves at the points of the table
Disadvantages oval dining table
- Fewer options
- Cannot be extended (by sitting down another table)
- Can't be hit against a wall
Square dining table
Just like a round table, a square table is also suitable for a small dining area. Because you can easily turn the table against the wall, the dining area remains optically spacious. On the other hand, at a square dining table it is more difficult to slide extra seats.
Advantages Square Dining Table
- Ideal for small (er) spaces because you can put the table against the wall
- Need more seats? Slide a table against it
Disadvantages Square Dining Table
- Seat space is often limited to four seats
- Less suitable for narrow dining areas
Rectangular dining table
Perhaps the most popular and chosen shape when it comes to dining tables, the rectangular copy. Very practical, because you can place this table in the room and the wall. That gives opportunities to vary. In addition, you can create extra seats on the end.
Advantages Rectangular Dining Table
- Popular, so many options
- Fitting in almost any type of dining room: from narrow and elongated to square
- Practically and in different ways to be put down: against the wall or in the room
- Lots of space on the table
Disadvantages Rectangular Dining Table
- Less suitable for small dining areas
- Takes a relatively large amount of space
Materials
When you have discovered which form dining table best suits your interior, you can think about the chassis. Do you prefer steel? Or do you prefer wood? Nowadays there are more and more options to put together your ideal table yourself. This way you can exactly tailor this piece of furniture to your wishes.
Table tops come in different materials, such as wood, glass, metal, marble and plastic. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on aspects such as sustainability, maintenance and aesthetics. For example, wood is warm and versatile, while glass has a modern look but is more sensitive to scratches. A marble table top is more vulnerable than a metal table. And a wood table top requires more maintenance than one of plastic.
Format dining table with number of chairs
How large your dining room table should be depends mainly on your home situation. Do you often eat alone or in pairs? With four or even six? Do you often give dinners for family and friends or is the dining table also your home workplace? The answer to these questions determines how many seats have to be around the table and how large the table should ultimately be.
Below you can see how many seats fit a table based on the length of the table. This takes into account the average width of a chair of 60-70 cm.
Rectangular tables:
- 120 cm: 4 chairs
- 140 cm: 4-6 chairs
- 160 cm: 4-6 chairs
- 180 cm: 4-6 chairs
- 200 cm: 6-8 seats
- 220 cm: 6-8 seats
- 240 cm: 6-8 seats
- 260 cm: 8-10 seats
- 280 cm: 8-10 seats
- 300 cm: 10-12 seats
Round tables:
- 100cm: 2-3 seats
- 120 cm: 4-5 seats
- 140cm: 6 chairs
- 160cm: 8 chairs
- 180 cm: 9 chairs