It's always exciting to choose a new piece of furniture for your home. A good dining room table not only enhances the look of your dining area, but is an investment that will be the heart of your home for years to come. If you are about to choose a new dining table, here's a guide to making sure it is the right size for your needs.
Consider How Many People Need to be Seated
Your dining table should be large enough to seat the people in your household. Whether you choose a rectangular, square or circular table, make sure that you can get the right amount of chairs around it so that your diners will have enough space between one another to sit comfortably. As a general rule, it is best to allow 70cm per diner, however you may be able to have slightly less space if it is essential.
Get Measuring
There is no point in having a large table if your dining area isn't big enough to accommodate it. The first step is to measure the room and the table that you are considering. You should allow enough space around the edges of the table to ensure that people can easily walk around it, as well as allowing them room to push chairs in and out.
Consider Existing Furniture
Does your dining space contain other types of furniture, such as cupboards, shelving or sideboards? If so, you will need to take that into account when making sure diners have enough space around the table.
Room Shape
The shape of a dining room is another consideration when choosing a dining table size. In a square room, you may be able to create more space by having a circular table rather than a square or rectangular one. In larger rooms, you may want to invest in a table that can be extended to a larger size when needed, such as when you plan to have guests over for dinner.
Table Decoration
If you enjoy decorating your dining table with centrepieces, flowers, or runner displays, then you should choose a table that is large enough to accommodate that as well as leaving enough room for dining.
Leg Position
When choosing a dining table, the position of the legs is an important factor. Most sizes of dining tables have a variety of leg positions, such as in the corners, offset, or in the middle as a pedestal. If they are in an awkward spot, it may make it uncomfortable to sit around the table.
Choosing a dining table that works well in your space takes a little measuring and research, but get it right, and your dining area will become a space to enjoy meals with your family and spend time with guests.