Dining Room Table

Looking for just the right dining room table to fit your space can be a tough decision. With so many styles, shapes and sizes available the selection can be overwhelming. Dining room tables can be quite costly as well, so purchasing a dining room table is an investment piece. Not something to purchase on a whim. You will want to take your time and find just the right one for your needs. In this post, I hope to break down some of the basics for you.

Materials

Dining room tables come in all sorts of different materials. Wooden, wrought iron, etc. with the former probably being the most popular. When selecting a wooden dining room table, you will notice that there are many beautiful hardwoods available. Oak, mahogany, pine, etc. Most people have a personal preference right off the top as to which wood they prefer. But, take a look around your dining room and other decor and select what would go best before limiting yourself to something that may not go. In other words, consider the wooden floors in your house. Are they a natural pine? Maybe a pine dining room table would go best in that space. Also, consider the wooden trim in your house if it's not painted. Take a look at the other pieces of furniture in the room. Try to be aware of these so that all of your furniture flows together nicely.

Style

Speaking of flowing together nicely, it is a good idea to consider the style you are trying to create in your dining room. For instance, a pine table would go nice in a country themed dining room, but not so nicely in a formal and traditional space. In the latter space a mahogany or oak table may be a better choice. When discussing style, it is also necessary to mention the design of the piece as well. Shopping for a dining room table will open your eyes to many possibilities in design. The table legs can be straight and plain, or they can be elegantly arched with carved scrolls at the tops and feet. When looking at the available options, keep in mind your surrounding decor as well as your own personal tastes.

Size

How many people are you going to require to sit at your dining room table? How many place settings of dinner plates do you own? What is the allowable space in the room that you are purchasing your table for? Be sure and leave room for chairs to surround your table, be pushed in and pulled out comfortably, room for people to walk around the table, etc. Many dining room tables come with an optional leaf to expand the table to a larger size. This is a wonderful feature to have in your table. If you are looking for only a small table due to space limitations, one day you may move and then the table can be expanded to fit a newer larger space.

Accessories

When looking at dining room tables, think about what type, style and colours of accessories you own in your dining room. Do you want your dining room hutch and chairs to match the table? Do you have a favourite set of cloth napkins/serviettes that you use in your table settings? A centrepiece that you would really love to use at dinner parties? What about your dinner plates? It may be a good idea to take one of your formal dinner plates with you on your search for a dining room table. Actually set it up as a place setting on the tables on display in the store! You will get a much better idea of whether you like the table or not.

Sources

Searching for a dining room table can begin online. This will give you an idea of the types, styles and prices of tables that are currently available. It will help you to determine your likes and dislikes. I would recommend seeing the actual pieces in person before purchasing, however. When spending the kind of money that dining room tables go for, you want to be sure you are really going to like the table. Check locally for dining room tables in department stores, furniture stores and even specialty home decor shops. You may even find out about a warehouse sale or outlet that is nearby and worth checking out.

Thinking ahead in your selection of a dining room table can help make your purchase a once in a lifetime investment! Doing your homework and finding the best piece for your setting is key.