Choosing the right dining table

Dining tables come in many shapes and sizes. The dining table you choose, should match the look of your space, its size and provide sufficient seating. Here are a few areas you should consider before you purchase your dining table.

Measure table-to wall-clearance – You should leave at least 42-48 inches of space from your table to the walls. This way people seated at the table will have ample room to get up and move round the table. If you have furniture in the room, you should leave the same space from the edge of the furniture to your dining table.

The width of your table should be a minimum of 36 inches. This would provide enough space to place dishes and place settings.

Your table should have the right number of seats and not be overcrowded. For the number of seats, measure 2 feet from each chair. To gauge space, you should be able to seat comfortably at the table, without your elbows touching another person. If you still have space after this measurement, you could buy an extra seat(s) for larger gatherings.

For larger spaces you could opt for a rectangular or oval dining table. For smaller spaces choose a round or a square table, to maximize on space.

In terms of design, for larger spaces, bulkier furniture in wood, can really make the dining table a feature of the room. On the other hand, for smaller spaces, a more modern, sleeker table in wood, glass or clear plastic would look good.