When searching for a modern dining table that fits your lifestyle, it’s crucial to consider its shape, material, and size. This piece of furniture holds great significance whether you’re having a routine weeknight family meal or grand feasting for the holidays, as it provides a space for meals and conversations. Thus, finding the perfect one for your kitchen or dining room is essential.
- Round Dining Tables: A popular choice for modern dining rooms, round dining tables offer a variety of benefits. They are great for saving space thanks to their smaller footprint when compared to square and rectangular options. Plus, their rounded edges bring softness to the room and offer more safety for children than the sharp edges of angular tables. Another benefit of round tables is that their circular shape creates a more intimate atmosphere for conversations making them an excellent choice for families and the frequent host.
- Square Dining Tables: Square dining tables have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their sleek, modern look. The symmetry of square dining tables creates a sense of balance making the dining room feel more organized and put together. Like round dining tables, square tables also offer more intimacy for conversation.
- Rectangular Dining Tables: Rectangular dining tables are the most classic dining table shape. One of the main advantages of rectangular dining tables is their ability to accommodate large groups of people, including groups of eight or ten .
- Oval Dining Tables: Oval dining tables bring you the best of both worlds from rectangular and round shapes. They can accommodate multiple guests while also keeping the space intimate for conversation thanks to their rounded nature.
Once you have evaluated the shape of your dining room table, the following step is to ponder the materials. A diverse range of materials, such as wood, metal, and glass are available for modern dining tables, each having its own distinct benefits.
- Wood Dining Tables: Wood has a natural warmth and character that cannot be replicated by other materials thanks to unique grain patterns and color variations. Wooden dining tables are also some of the most durable, easily withstanding the wear and tear of daily use. It is less likely to scratch or dent than other materials, making it an excellent choice for families with young children or pets.
- Glass Dining Tables: Glass dining tables are an elegant option for formal dining rooms. One of the main advantages of glass dining tables is their transparency, which creates an illusion of space and makes smaller rooms appear larger. Some common watch-outs for glass tables include their fragility, cost and how often they need to be cleaned.
- Marble Dining Tables: The natural beauty of marble is unmatched by any other material, with its unique patterns, colors and veining that make each dining table one-of-a-kind. However, marble dining tables require much care and attention. Due to the porous nature of marble, it can easily stain. Plus, marble is a soft stone that can easily scratch or chip. Also, beware of heat damage from hot pots and dishes.
- Metal Dining Tables: Metal dining tables , like wooden dining tables, can withstand heavy use, making them ideal for busy households, commercial settings or outdoor spaces. They are easy to clean and don’t scratch easily. Available in various finishes such as brushed steel, polished chrome, blackened iron, or brass, metal dining tables are a unique choice that adds visual interest to any space.
While material and frame are significant in determining the overall appearance of your dining room, it is essential to give ample consideration to color. CB2 boasts an extensive range of contemporary dining and kitchen table colors, ranging from black, white, gold to chrome, to cater to your preferences.
The size of your dining table is dictated by the dimensions of your room and the quantity of individuals you wish to accommodate. A common guideline is to allow a minimum of 36 inches of space between the table’s border and the wall or other furniture to ensure easy mobility.
The amount of seating that a dining table can accommodate is contingent on its size, shape, and the dimensions of each chair. A rule of thumb is to ensure that there is a minimum of 24 inches of space allocated for each individual.
How you clean and maintain your dining table will vary depending on the material it’s made from. A majority of tables can be wiped down with a damp cloth and a gentle soap solution. It’s best to steer clear of abrasive cleansers or harsh chemicals that could potentially harm the table’s surface.
If space is limited and you are frequently entertaining a large number of guests, you may want to contemplate an expandable or extendable option as it allows for more versatile seating arrangements without occupying too much space when not in use.
BONUS: Best Wood for Dining Tables
If you opt for a solid wood table, there are numerous types available to choose from depending on the desired aesthetic.
Oak Tables
Oak is a durable wood that can endure frequent use, while also possessing an everlasting natural beauty that is difficult to imitate. Due to its longer growth period, Oak wood is often priced higher and may be considered a pricier option that requires an investment. Nonetheless, the gradual growth results in a compacted wood that can withstand time with proper upkeep. The range of Oak colors varies from light to dark, providing ample options when selecting a table that complements your interior design.
Walnut Tables
The striking appearance of Walnut wood owes to its rich and bold hues, ranging from pale brown to deep chocolate brown. Walnut’s reputation for toughness and density renders it an ideal material for dining tables. Despite being pricier than other solid woods, Walnut is highly coveted. It will unquestionably elevate your dining table into a standout piece in your home.
Pine Tables
Pine is a type of wood known for its light color that ranges from creamy white to yellow. It is a relatively softer wood and is generally more affordable than others in the market. Despite its softness, Pine is still durable and can withstand heavy use. Therefore, it is a good option for a dining table. Its light color also makes it a great material to be stained. You can easily match it to your interiors. In addition, its lightweight feature allows for easy furniture movement within the house.
It is crucial to acknowledge that all wooden tables necessitate upkeep for optimal upkeep. Additionally, as with any table composed of solid wood, moisture can cause significant damage; thus, it is imperative to clean up any spills immediately and utilize coasters and placemats whenever feasible.
Best Finish for Dining Tables
After building your dining table, the final and possibly most crucial step in the process is the application of a finish. Applying a specialized liquid to the wood’s surface creates a safeguarding layer when it dries. The finish you choose can enhance or even alter the wood’s color, depending on your preferences. Finishing options include wax, oil, or varnish, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Varnish is a viscous liquid that hardens upon drying and results in a clear and glossy finish on wooden surfaces. Its impeccable hardening property makes it an ideal sealant that offers protection against scratches, blemishes, grime, and spillage. Yet, owing to its durable attributes, the varnish forms a coating that conceals the true texture and pattern of the wood, which may not suit everyone’s preference.
When choosing a finish for your table, wood oils are a viable alternative to consider. They not only safeguard your table, but also preserve its authentic look and texture. Additionally, wood oils are effective at amplifying the wood’s natural colors, while providing protection against stains and everyday wear and tear.
For centuries, wax finishes have been a popular choice for tables. It was considered the best option for enhancing the wood’s grain and perfect for filling in voids in reclaimed wood.
Hard wax oil is a sturdy substitute for both wax and oil. It is a combination of solid waxes and oil, making it highly resilient and providing a longer lasting finish compared to wax or oil used on their own. The application and maintenance of this finish is effortless, and in case of any areas on the table becoming worn out over time, repairing it is equally effortless.
When choosing a finish for your table, wood oils should be taken into consideration. They effectively safeguard the table while preserving the wood’s natural texture and appearance. Wood oils are also effective in highlighting the natural wood color and protecting it from stains and wear and tear.
For centuries, wax finishes have been a popular choice for table finishes. They were commonly used because they can enhance the wood’s grain, especially when filling in any gaps in reclaimed wood.
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