Though generally overlooked and only mildly appreciated for the wonderfully practical and functional marvels they are, dining room tables have always played an important part in our lives. Throughout childhood much of the family bonding is done during the daily rituals of breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas and other celebrations. Studies have indicated – if not proven outright – that families that eat together at the table, as opposed to eating in front of the television, tend to demonstrate closer family ties. This starts to make sense when you consider the mental acuity required to eat dinner, watch a television program and also converse with a family member.
Dining room tables have also played their small part in some truly iconic moments throughout the ages too. From the round dining room tables of King Arthur’s time to the Last Supper, not to mention numerous treaties and declarations, the dining room table has provided a platform for many momentous events to unfold. Given such historical pedigree it follows that we can expect many of our own personal events and dramas – less world shaking perhaps, but no less important – to be staged here too.
Finding the right dining room table and chairs for your home depends largely on personal tastes and circumstances, but there are several key considerations that should be noted regardless of your situation. Certainly given the incredible amount of choices now available to the consumer – courtesy of the internet and home furniture stores – it really helps to be able to narrow the field a little.
1. Budget
Although this shouldn’t form the basis of your decision, given the value the right purchase will return over time, it does help to have a clear limit in mind, and even to actually write this down. Most people will have an absolute upper limit of reasonable affordability but many will also be tempted beyond this, probably adding the extra cost to their credit cards. Much better to decide on your limit before you look and save any unnecessary financial burden later on. After all, you do not want to be checking out second mortgage rates just to afford something to eat on.
2. Size
Of utmost importance is to accurately measure the space you have available for a table and chairs in your dining room. You should definitely write these measurements down for reference and remember to allow enough room for people to sit down and get up again comfortably. Having a idea of the number of places you might need is also very helpful, as you want to allow people sat side by side enough room to eat comfortably too.
3. Shape
Traditional dining room tables are generally rectangular, but the round dining room table design preferred by the Knights of Camelot can still work equally well today. It can feel more intimate to sit a group of diners at a round table, especially for a buffet type meal. They can also include oriental influence in the form of a Lazy Susan, which adds to the communal nature of a dinner by allowing the different dishes to be passed around the table easily. Oval shaped tables can be a good compromise, and can add a very modern look to a home.
4. Materials
Wood is by far the most popular material used for dining room tables and each type – be it oak, pine, rosewood or teak – has its own unique qualities and grain. Materials like teak for example, although often more expensive, have a particularly classy look which if anything improves with age. Aside from wood there are many glass dining room tables to choose from which have an elegant, modern look and can help make a smaller dining room feel larger. Whatever material you choose it is important to consider the effects daily use may have on it. Those with small children for example will possibly be better suited to a wooden, rather than glass dining room table, as they are less likely to show all the inevitable smudges of tiny hand prints.
5. Dining Room Decor
What a shame to find the perfect dining room table and chairs, only to get them home and realize they were perfect for a completely different house! It is always advisable to consider the existing dining room decor and keep this in mind when shopping for dining room table sets. It is well worth taking a picture of the area intended for the table as a reminder as this will help judge whether a particular style of table is likely to work. Though contrasting styles of wood for example can work together well at times, it is often the case that matching styles work better and provide continuity to the room.
6. Accessories
Once you have found the perfect table and chairs you can consider what additional purchases might compliment them best. Place mats and coasters that clearly fit in with the interior design of a dining room can have a surprisingly significant impact on the eye. For a slightly grander or more romantic occasion, ornate candlestick and napkin holders that complement the surrounding decor can add something a little special. Table cloths too can have a dramatic effect and designs for these are only limited by our imagination.
Some time considering these specifics will always be time well spent, and can dramatically reduce the number of suitable choices available to you, while at the same time reducing the probability of making an unsuitable purchase. In terms of cost, although it is indeed wise to set a limit at the outset, it is also important to remember that dining room tables are really an investment. In all probability a good table will withstand a lifetime of daily use. Some tables have been in a family for generations and are the focal point for years of happy memories. Keep this in mind when weighing up the cost of your table, as it will be much better to spend a little extra to get the right table, than save a little getting one that just about does the job.
