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When you consider buying a dining table, there are several factors that you should take into account. First comes the size of your dining furniture which will have a huge impact on the visual balance of the space where you accommodate the dining table. Apart from visual balance, the size determined should also allow the free flow of traffic around your table so that the dining experience is comfortable and cosy. Therefore, your first thoughts should gravitate towards coming to grips with all the basics of the dining table size notwithstanding your preference for recycled timber, wood or other materials that are offered by different vendors.
Recycled timber or fresh timber
You have possibly noticed the growing popularity of recycled timber these days and that makes it essential to distinguish between a dining table made of fresh timber and recycled timber. When you choose a dining table made from recycled timber, you are bringing home some character also along with it. Your dinner gatherings with family and your friends over the meal becomes a more beautiful and meaningful experience. Further, you are also making a great contribution to the environment by choosing recycled timber. Recycled timber dining tables are designed to last several years and potentially, even your children can pass it on to the next generation. Affordable pricing and master craftsmanship are among the other attributes of the recycled timber dining table that you will enjoy for several years.
What should be the size of your dining table?
You can choose between fresh timber and recycled timber when you determine the size of the dining table, you should factor in 600 mm for every person. Similarly, about 800 mm should be added to the length so that there is adequate legroom for those who occupy the end seats. Now you should add the width and length of the legs of the table to the width and length of your dining table. Ensure that you have a minimum of 800 mm between any obstructions such as walls or other furniture and the table. Similarly, the minimum width between the nearest furniture/wall and your dining table should be 1800mm. Put all these measurements on a piece of paper so that it gets a lot easier to confirm the measurements when you go shopping.
Choosing the chairs
The chairs you choose for the dining table should be harmonious with the table and aligned well, as far as the armrests, size, extra long seats and wide back, etc, are concerned. When you complete the exercise, you could potentially find that you need to be generous with the table size. But, at the same time, your table should also fit into the space delineated for the dining table. If traffic cannot flow with ease around the table, even the best choice can present many problems.
Leg design
The location and size of the dining chair is another important consideration while choosing your dining table. First, you should determine the number of people sitting around the table taking into account the legs of the table. When the legs are in the corner of the table, they tend to have less impact on the size itself except if the legs are pretty chunky. But, if the legs are box type, then the legs should be away from the edge of the table and the length of the table should be marginally higher so that you can accommodate the seats comfortably. These are broad guidelines and your focus should be on ensuring that the dining table is comfortable for everyone when all seats are occupied.
Accessibility
Your table should be easily accessible to the dining room and generally, rectangular dining tables can move across door frames with greater comfort. Some dining tables come with removable tops or in completely knocked down condition. When these features are available mobility around the house may not pose a problem since you can easily assemble the table in any space that you desire without any hassle.
Table width
Ideally, the space needed for keeping condiments, serving dishes, flowers, candles etc will dictate the width of your dining table. The minimum depth is about 450mm for you to accommodate plates, cutlery, water, wine glasses, etc. Another about 300mm will be needed for platters, bows, etc, and you could need about 150 mm to squeeze certain things between glasses. When all these are added up, we come to an ideal width of about 1200mm. You may also want to synchronize the size of your dining room with the size of the table so that the fit is harmonious.
Did you also notice that you will need a measuring tape to complete this exercise?
These parameters can also be useful if your thoughts hover around a designer dining table.
Final thoughts
For most homeowners, a dining table is a long term investment potentially lasting more than a generation with health maintenance. Therefore, it pays to invest in quality time and taking into account all the minute details before swiping your card.
