Dining tables
The table is where the family gathers for breakfast, dinner and when guests come round, and it often doubles as a place to work or play board games. Dining tables vary in shape, size, material and construction, so it is easy to find a model for a small flat, a kitchen dining nook or a spacious dining room. There are fixed and extendable versions in modern, Scandinavian, industrial and classic styles that are easy to match with chairs and the rest of the interior.
Dining tables
The most important factor is table size. Allow about 60 cm of tabletop width per person, or up to 70 cm for extra comfort. A table of around 80 × 120 cm is enough for four people, around 90 × 180 cm for six, and a length of about 220 cm suits eight. The standard table height is 75 cm. Leave at least 80–90 cm of free space around the table so chairs can be pulled out comfortably and people can walk past.
Shape affects both the use of space and the atmosphere at the table. Rectangular tables suit most rooms, sit neatly against a wall and seat the most people. Square tables work well in smaller dining areas for two to four people. Round and oval tables have no corners, make conversation easier and help a room feel more open. A round pedestal table also keeps legroom clear and makes it easy to fit in an extra guest.
The material determines the look, durability and care needed. Solid wood such as oak, beech or pine is sturdy, develops a patina over time, and minor scratches can be sanded out. Melamine and veneer are affordable, stain-resistant and easy to clean. Tempered glass and ceramic make the room feel lighter, and a ceramic top can even take hot dishes. A metal frame gives the table an industrial look and good stability.
Extendable tables suit households that occasionally host more guests. They are enlarged by sliding out the top or adding an extra leaf, which is often stored directly under the tabletop. Day to day the table saves space, and for celebrations it seats two to four more people.
It is worth pairing the table with suitable dining chairs. The seat should be about 30 cm below the tabletop, with at least 20 cm of legroom between the seat and the underside of the top. For tables with an apron or legs at the corners, check how many chairs will actually fit.