How to Choose The Right Dining Table for Your Space
Selecting a dining table for your home can be an enjoyable process. You have the opportunity to find a piece that perfectly complements your space, enhances its style, and provides the functionality you need.
At Acre Made, we appreciate the importance of choosing the right dining table. Whether you have a formal dining room, an eat-in kitchen, or another area for hosting meals, you want to select a piece of furniture that will last for years to come. Not only should the dining table match the look of your space, but it should also be sturdy and built to withstand daily use.
Accommodating Seating
How many people are you seating?
When choosing the right dining table, it's important to consider how many people you'll be seating. We have created a dining table seating capacity guide to help you determine the best size and measurements for your table.
There are also several options for accommodating extra seating when needed, such as banquettes, pedestal tables, and benches. Banquettes are becoming increasingly popular in eat-in kitchens and are a great solution for smaller spaces. Pedestal tables, like our angular pedestal table, offer both stunning design and functional seating for larger gatherings. Benches also provide comfortable seating for a larger group, while also being cost-effective.
When designing custom tables for banquettes, it's important to keep leg positioning and table overhang in mind. This allows for comfortable seating and ample leg room for all. That's why we created the angular pedestal table, a functional and stylish solution to the challenges posed by banquettes. With its compact design, this table allows more people to sit together while making the most of limited leg space. At the same time, its elegant appearance and functional features make it an ideal choice for any home.
Benches have gained popularity recently as they allow for more people to be seated around a smaller table. A bench can provide comfortable seating with sufficient legroom when designed with the proper considerations. Benches also offer a cost-saving advantage by eliminating the need for chairs. At Acre Made, we craft benches that are 6 inches shorter than the table top for a visually balanced and functional height.
How often will you have guests?
When deciding on the size of your dining table, it's also important to consider how often you'll be sitting at full capacity. If it's only a few times a year, a smaller table that fits your space better might be the best choice.
The Best Options by Room Type
For Eat-in Kitchens
It's common to have a limited space for dining in a condo. Often, eat-in kitchens are found in these smaller living spaces, but plenty of homes have them too!
When choosing a table for your eat-in kitchen, it's important to select something that fits the space and doesn't feel overpowering. Bistro tables are a popular choice due to their compact and versatile design. If you're not a fan of the circular bistro table, consider alternative shapes such as ovals, racetracks, or squares. If you have the space, you may also consider a table with a banquette, creating a cozy breakfast nook.
For open concept dining rooms
You'll have the luxury of having more space to work with when it comes to mapping out an open concept dining area. As you plan the layout, make sure to leave enough room around the dining table and aim for a smooth flow between rooms. A general guideline is to have the table about 36 inches away from walls and other furniture, but if the space is limited, a slightly smaller distance may still suffice.
When incorporating an open concept kitchen and dining area, it's crucial to think about how the elements from the surrounding rooms will impact the overall design. Striving for a harmonious balance between the furniture is key, so that they complement each other instead of clashing.
If you want to add a touch of consistency to your space, you can match the dining table to other wooden elements in your kitchen, such as the counters, cabinets, or ceiling beams. On the other hand, you may choose to make a bold statement with high contrast. For example, pairing white kitchen cabinets with a dark-stained wood table in a rich black walnut finish can create a stunning visual effect.
For closed off dining rooms
When designing a typical closed off dining room, the classic rectangular dining table is a natural fit. With limited open space, it's essential to allow for sufficient room around the table for ease of movement. Avoid overcrowding the closed-off dining area, making sure the table doesn't take up too much space.
Dining tables can be quite substantial, so carefully consider the size that best suits your dining area. Similar to an open-concept dining room, keep the table approximately 36 inches from the walls.
While a circular table may not always be the ideal option in a rectangular room, it can create visual balance in a square-shaped dining room. It's important to think about the shape and size of the room, as well as the overall aesthetic, when choosing the right dining table.
Find a Dining Table You Love
With careful consideration, and a little planning, you can choose a dining table that you’ll love for years to come. Contact us to learn more about building a custom dining table specifically for your space. We can work with you to meet your specifications and build your dream dining table.
