BUYER'S GUIDE TO DINING TABLES
Dining tables are a big investment, so don’t just shop for looks, find out how to shop for quality, too.
WHICH STYLE DINING TABLE TO CHOOSE?
Your dining table shouldn’t just be picked to match the chairs it goes with – it may need to complement your kitchen cabinetry and living room furniture, too. Make the right choice by answering these questions:
​Dining space a bit tight? Light colours and reflective materials will obviously help stretch a space, but shape plays an important part, too. Circular dining tables, such as the Dunham Cross Leg and Baxter Distressed round dining tables, will comfortably seat as many diners as a square or rectangular table with a much larger footprint. Or, if you’re determined to have a rectangular table, why not match it with a bench instead of chairs to save space? Our Brunel Dining Set comes with a choice of bench and/or chairs, for example, while our Cow Chair makes a neat seat in a tight spot.
IS THE DINING TABLE THE RIGHT SIZE FOR YOUR ROOM
The quickest way to find out whether the the table you want will fit your room – or to decide on the ideal table size to begin with - is to lay newspaper on the floor, allowing space between the paper and the walls for the chairs, or any other furniture. Allow at least 60cm between the table and the wall, but ideally more - 90cm is perfect.
Table heights vary so if you're buying dining chairs separately, check measurements carefully to get the correct height.
HOW MANY WILL THE DINING TABLE SIT?
Allow between 55cm and 60cm per place setting; for a circular table, allow around 75cm. If the chairs you are choosing have arms (these are also called carvers), you will need another 10cm per place setting – so reckon on 70cm per seat.
HOW TO CHECK FOR QUALITY
A dining table should sit firmly on its feet, and not rock or wobble if you apply pressure. Dovetailed joints are a traditional method and will make furniture very sturdy; dowelled joints are also used. Cheaper furniture may be screwed together or simply stapled.
Solid wood tables are heavier than those made with wood veneer. Solid wood tends to have blemishes and knots, all of which are part of its appeal. Veneers are usually more consistent in appearance.
WHAT TO ASK WHEN YOU ORDER
Go to our dining table pages to see our full range and see our Pinterest boards for design inspiration.
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