Dining Table Buying Guide
What to look for when you are buying a dining table
It is where you host important get-togethers, enjoy everyday dining and share meals with loved ones; we understand the importance of choosing your dining table.
We asked the experts what you should consider when looking to buy a dining table:
1. Use
Form follows function so firstly, ask yourself what you will be using your dining table for. Is it for formal dinner parties, family meals or a space for daily use from homework to arts and crafts? Or is it a multi-use space for everything and everyone?
If it is an item of constant use, this may impact the type of material or if it needs to seat larger numbers on an intermittent basis, consider an extendable or leaf-insert table design.
2. Size
Finding the perfect dining table can depend on your dining space; be it a dedicated room or part of your open plan space.
Our experts suggest measuring once and then measuring again; and not just the length and width, consider other furniture and room features such as doors. If you already have dining chairs, make sure you have all the dimensions to hand.
You may have your heart set on a particular design but be realistic with your measurements to ensure a functional and comfortable space.
3. Shape
Tables are traditionally round or oval, square or rectangular. A rule of thumb being that squarer rooms suit round or square designs; while ovals and rectangular go well in more rectangular spaces.
Also consider the flow of moving around a room with each of these designs for example, a circle table looks great in a kitchen living open plan space while a long rectangle can suit a more formal dining room.
4. Material and colour
Ask yourself when looking at the variety of tables on offer - is it practical for how we live day-to-day? Material and colour can be greatly influenced by the intended function. If it’s a multi-functional table, opt for something which is easy to clean such as wood or ceramic which has been tempered. Avoid lighter woods or matt white if it could get easily marked.
To ensure the longevity of your table, opt for a colour which would suit a variety of schemes and themes. Stay true to natural materials or select a shade of grey, brown or white to ensure your furniture will last for years to come.
5. Chairs
Whether you already have your chairs or are looking to purchase them alongside your table, choosing dining furniture with a common element ensures that they'll look good together. Style, colour or level of formality can tie your dining room design together.
Bespoke options
With all these decisions to consider, the joy of buying your dining table from The Granary is the ability to tailor your choices to suit your lifestyle, space and taste. Choose from a range of materials, colours and finishes for the base and top to find the perfect combination for your dining space. Discover functional and inviting designs in sizes and shapes to suit you in our collection of dining tables.