The guide to picking out the right dining table
In most homes, dining tables serve beyond hosting the regular family meals and occasional dinner parties. With the ongoing pandemic, work-from-home has become more mainstream. Many who do not have the luxury of having a separate room for home office have started embracing dining tables as home workstations.
The right dining table can transform the look, feel and character of your dining space. Here are our top tips on how to pick the ideal dining table. To choose the right dining table, you need to consider the role that your dining table plays. Is it a focal point where your family gathers to spend time? Or is it only wiped down for the annual Christmas parties and the occasional board games? How many people usually eat together and how often do you entertain guests? Does the table also need to function as a place where you and your family can sit and work? How much space do you have for a table?
SIZE IT UP
Whatever the purpose of your dining table, choosing the right size dining table and calculating how much space you need for each person is very important. Remember to also factor in allowances for walkway and elbow room between diners. As a general guide, the standard dimensions are as follows:
Rectangular Dining Table:
4 pax : 120 cm (Width) by 90 cm (Depth)
4 to 6 pax : 160 cm (Width) by 90 cm (Depth)
6 to 8 pax : 200 cm (Width) by 90 cm (Depth)
SHAPE MATTERS
To decide on the shape of your dining table, first consider the shape and size of your dining space. Square and round dining tables look best in smaller spaces while oval and rectangular dining tables work well in elongated spaces. Have toddlers at home and are concerned with sharp table corners? You may want to invest in a table with a rounded profile.
Round:
Round dining tables have always been favoured by many as they allow for more intimate dining experience and encourage easy flow of conversation. Furthermore, round dining tables are easier to navigate around and are well-suited for smaller homes in Singapore. Check out our CONIFER Round Dining Table below.
Oval:
If you like curves but have a larger dining space, opt for a racetrack oval shape like our LATROBE Oval Dining Table. An oval dining table is very similar to a rectangular one in almost all its attributes. Visually, it seems to occupy less space too because of the rounded corners.
Rectangular:
Rectangular dining table is a safe choice for most homeowners in Singapore since they can be easily integrated into any floor plan. They are the most common table shape around and this shape comes in more styles, sizes and extendable options too. While a rectangular dining table suits most spaces, it works particularly well in long or narrow rooms. Check out our GRAMERCY Rectangular Dining table with an under-bevel table edge profile.
Square:
Square-shaped dining tables best fit square spaces. Just like a round dining table, the square counterpart brings people closer together and creates intimacy, especially for a group of four. It can be off-putting to have a large rectangular table if there are only two or three people present for most of your meals—a larger table can make the space seem cold.
MATERIALISM
Choosing the right material for your dining table is no easy task especially when each material has a distinct aesthetic appeal and practical considerations that you should be aware of. For instance, whilst polished glass creates a sleek and modern vibe, it may not be the best choice for a home with active children. Here are some common materials to consider for your dining table:
Wood - One of the more popular materials of choice for dining table tops, there’s no denying the versatility of wood and its natural beauty. Wood makes sturdy construction and creates a rustic and timeless feel in the dining room. Hardwood options include mahogany, maple, walnut, and ash wood. Quality hardwood tables with proper finishings are durable and easy to maintain, and thus can withstand the test of time.
Marble - Marble is a go-to material for many Singaporean homeowners who like modern luxe interiors. Natural marble tables just like our CHANCERY Marble Dining Table exudes timeless elegance that’s second to none. A marble dining tabletop is also an ideal choice if you are looking for contemporary and stylish aesthetics.
Despite their appearance, marble dining tables do require a bit of upkeep and regular maintenance. Marble is a porous material and tends to absorb liquid easily. As such, it’s prone to tell-tale watermark rings left by sweating beverages. Besides using coasters for your drinks, regular polishing and buffing will help to maintain the shine of your marble dining table.
Glass - Glass table tops are known for their elegance, and open, airy feel. These table tops are generally easier to maintain and require less upkeep than marble ones. Glass dining tables also come in various frame options such as metal and wood, and one example would be our elaborately designed Dorchester Glass Top Dining Table. The Dorchester has a stainless steel base and intricate fan twist details for its legs, whereas the glass top is made of high-grade tempered glass in a gorgeous tea shade and provides an overall airy feel to your dining room aesthetics. However, the main drawback of glass dining tables is that fingertips stains and dust tend to be more pronounced.
Quartz - Even though quartz is a more affordable alternative to marble dining table tops, it still offers the natural stone look that certain homeowners may want. Quartz is crushed and mixed with resin to form slabs of varying patterns and colours, hence it gives a variety of designs. Quartz is also easy to maintain and less porous. However, they are prone to chipping or discolouration. Hence, it’s best to keep your quartz dining table away from direct sunlight.
When it comes to dining table options in Singapore, we are often spoilt for choice because of the variety of designs and materials available. You should always consider the size, interior design, and lifestyle needs before deciding on the ideal dining table. Both rectangular and round dining tables have their unique space-saving advantages, and the materials that you choose for your dining table can influence the ambience of your dining space.
Shop our range of timelessly beautiful dining tables, designed with functionality and aesthetic appeal in mind. Visit our online store today for more.