Dining Room Table Buying Guide

Dining tables are the center of every dining room.  They’re where families come together to reconnect and share the stories from their daily lives, they’re where major decisions are made and often, the dining table is the heart of a home.  If you’re looking to purchase a new dining table, we have a few suggestions that can help in your decision.

 Of course, there is a wide selection of styles to select from, including glass dining tables or complete selections of dining room tables and chairs.  Your first choice is to decide if you’re more drawn to a round, rectangular or square table.  Do you prefer a pedestal dining table or one with four legs or perhaps another table base?  Do you wish to seat eight or more guests or do you rarely entertain or have a small family?  Do you like the historical look offered by an antique dining table or the sleek contemporary look a black dining table presents in your dining room? 

Once you have an idea of what the finished room should say to your guests, you’re on your way to eliminating those you’re not interested in and are left with a few choices to choose from. 

Square or rectangular tables work best when you have a longer room.  The one thing you don’t want to do is put an oversized table in a room that simply can’t house it.  Ensure your guests have ample room to easily move around in.  It’s all about comfort, after all.    If your room is more balanced in wall size (think a square room), you’re most likely going to find a round or square table a better fit.  Another size consideration is that of your dining room chairs.  If you’re not purchasing your dining room furniture as a set, you’ll want to keep the height of your dining chairs in mind.  They shouldn’t overpower the table but should complement it.

 Even if you’re anticipating a move and are sure a new dining room will provide more space, but wish to purchase new dining room furniture now, you might consider those tables that have leaves or extensions.  An extending dining table will allow you to add the additional table space only when it’s needed and will either recess into the table or can be removed for storage.