TIPS FOR BUYING THE PERFECT DINING TABLE

Choosing a Dining Table that is Perfect All round

Buying a dining table is not a whim – and if you are buying a new dining table you will want to get it right. After all, if you are like most of us you only buy a new dining table every 7 – 10 years. It is the time frame where style changes so much, that you are either at a point of refurbishing your home or else moving to a new house.

Therefore, choosing your new dining table is a very important decision and you don’t want to be making any mistakes.

In order to help you make the best decision, we have compiled 7 easy to follow tips that will guide you to make the perfect choice depending you’re your tastes and your lifestyle. By the time you follow these tips you will have made the perfect choice.

Tip #1 : What is the Space Available?

You will need to measure your space carefully. There is no such thing as seeing the perfect table of your dreams and then trying to “fit it in” your space. You will need to establish your table space first, and then start hunting for the dream table. So measure out the width and the length.

Once you have established the space, you must allow around one meter flow around the table. Bear in mind that when you place your chairs around the table, you must allow for easy movement around the table. People pull out the chairs from the table to sit.

So, wherever your table will stand you should always try to allow at least 90 cm free space around the actual table. If the area is very small then you should be looking at extendible tables, which allow for space on a day-to-day basis – but will double up as a fully functional table when the need arises.

Saving space when out of action is a good choice in tighter spaces.

Tip #2: Round – Oval -Square – Rectangular – What Table Shape to go for?

Although there is no hard and fast rule, the shape you choose is partly personal but also demanded by the shape and size of the room.

Here are some ideas to play around with:

Spaces which are of equal volume, ie., as wide as they are long – merit square or round tables

Rectangular and oval tables look a lot better in rectangular rooms.

Tip #3: Mark up the Space with Tape

If you set your heart on a particular table but you are not sure whether it fits your space well, we recommend that you use some coloured tape to mark the floor where the table is intended to go.

Going through placing a mock–up table will help you visualize the space. If you are looking at round or oval shapes, you may even want to place kite paper on the floor in exactly the same size of the table that you are visualizing.

This will give you a very real and practical perspective of what the table will look like in place – always taking into consideration the chairs you will need to go around it – and again refer to tip no: 1 – you will need to pull out the chairs – so allow for the extra space.

Tip #4: Is This Table for Primary Use or Secondary Use?

The function of the table is very important. If this is going to be the main table for day-to-day use, you will need to look at heat and scratch proof materials for the top. Ceramic solid wood or tempered glass are good choices. Wood scratches, but when it is solid it can be easily sanded down to restore it to its original glory. Granted it is a hassle – but it is doable.

Veneer is beautiful to look at but if you are planning to sand it down, you may well end up fiber composite area and it will be ruined forever.

Paper foil is the last choice unless the molding around it is heat induced and therefore gels with the fiber composite base. Paper foil lifts especially in humid countries such as Malta.

Tip #5: What Colour Scheme & Material Types to go for?

The entire flow of your home should work in harmony. Therefore, the styling of your dining table, chairs and indeed dining area should complement the rest of the mood that vibrates around the whole living space.

If your style is classic – then you may want to look for a wooden table in rich cherry or mahogany tones.

On the other hand, if you have a modern cool setting, you will want to focus on stainless steel and glass – or even a coloured table.

Colour is a very important element in the total orchestration of a home that exudes the “wow” factor.

If you are going for colour think in terms of how long that colour will last. Fast, racy, hard and bright colours usually have a short life span. You easily get tired of them. Whereas tones like greys, browns, shades of whites and black will always stay on-trend.

Tip #6: What Stage of Life are you in?

This may sound like a very personal and silly question but is in fact very valid. If you have a young family with toddlers chasing each other around your dining table, you may want to avoid very sharp edges.

If they are at the doodle and crayon stage, you may want to rethink white matt surfaces as young art may be indelible.

If you have long haired pets, very dark or very light colours may show off loose furs all around as well and whilst it is ok to dust before guests come, if you want a space that always looks ready for guest, you want kinder and more pet friendly materials.

Tip #7: Choose The Base Wisely

Have you ever been to a restaurant that puts tables together and you end up with a pair of legs stuck between yours? That is exactly the situation you want to avoid at home. So do not overlook the base and be mindful where your legs end up if you are adding a chair or two when all the family is congregated. The last thing you want is your knees knocking on table legs.

Pedestal tables are great to free up space – if the style meets your requirements.

Frames that supported with legs at the edges really map out the space of the table exactly but confine the possibility of adding a chair comfortably.

Retracted table bases are ideal to give you freedom of movement and are versatile if you need to add space.

Let us Design Your Dining Space

At Orienta Home Malta – we are probably the largest “from stock” depo on the Island. Our interior decorators will love to give you free advice on how to design your dining area and also customize design to your space. Come over for a free and no obligation consultation and check out the vast range of dining tables and chairs ready to deliver from stock.