How to pick the perfect dining table for your space

One of the most important considerations is how and where will you use your table.

If your table is an extension of your kitchen or family room, chances are you’ll use it more often, such as for food prep, homework or crafts. You’ll want something that’s more casual in style with a durable surface that won’t damage easily. If having a custom table made, inquire about commercial grade finish availability, it will give your table that extra level of durability to stand the test of time.

However, if you’re looking for a table for your formal dining room and you really only use it for special occasions, then you have the freedom to choose a more ornate table with less need for a finish with high use durability.

Do you entertain often or only a couple of times a year? If it’s the latter, consider a table with an extension. You can create a cozy space for your family to enjoy on weeknights that easily expands when company comes.

When deciding on your table dimensions and size, it’s important to measure table-to-wall space. You’ll want to leave enough space for diners to get in and out of their seats easily. The rule of thumb is to leave at least 36 inches between the table and walls. If you have a buffet or hutch in the dining room, the same rule applies but instead of measuring from the wall you’ll want to measure from the front edge of the buffet to the dining room table.

The last thing you want is a table that feels too big for the space so always important to measure, measure, measure!

As a rule of thumb rectanglular tables work well in larger rooms. They are also the most popular choice when it comes to choosing a dining table. Oversizing your table can make an impact and become the focal point of your room. You might also want to consider adding large scale lighting and a rug to create more of a focal area especially if you have a large open plan space.

Square rooms can be difficult to get right when it comes to planning furniture placement. As a rule, square tables are best suited to square rooms. They tend to add a sense of balance in symmetry. Of course, you can have a square table in any shaped room but tend to work better visually in smaller spaces. Not only do circular tables offer you the best solution to tighter spaces within your home but they also add a more intimate sociable affair to your dining experience.

Once we have determined the shape and size of the dining table, the next critical decisions you have to make are style and material selection! Some questions to ask yourself:

• What style of table do I envision for the space? Are you drawn to something sleek and modern, something dramatic and organic or maybe something a little more traditional in shape and stature. Determine your intended style for the space and seek out options that fulfill that vision.

• What is my existing or planned palette for the space and how will the table compliment/correlate to these other colors and/or tones? For example, if you’re playing with a space that incorporates a lot of white, gray and/or other color, a rich, natural wood material may be a nice addition or if you are surrounded by wood tones in the existing cabinetry and trim, consider introducing a medium that offsets those tones like colored acrylic, glass or metal.

If you already have a table selected or purchased, make sure that you are selecting chairs that fit the existing leg space of the table. Measure the spacing between and outside the legs to ensure that you buy chairs that are narrow enough to comfortably tuck between the legs and under the table when they are not being used.

If ordering a custom table, make sure your chair selection is being considered as part of that leg placement and/or style.

If you have a pedestal-style base where it is open all the way around, this rule does not apply.