How to choose a dining table: A Buying Guide

Raft’s guide to how to choose a dining table takes into account both  form and function. Considering where it will be, how often it'll be used and whether it's a formal or informal hosting space is important. So, we have divided this blog into four sections to help you make your decision. Your dining table has to be right for you, your family, your lifestyle, and your home.

How to choose a dining table – The 4 Essentials

Low budget, flat pack furniture is a thing of the past and luckily we were ahead of the curve. Sustainability has been our priority since the beginning and we believe that a dining table is an investment that should offer a lifetime of loyal service. These are the essential points you need to consider before deciding what to buy:

1. Where will the dining table be located?
2. How will you use the dining table?
3. What’s the best size and shape for a dining table?
4. What’s the best material for a dining table?

Where will your dining table be located?

Will your dining table be in a dedicated dining room, used exclusively for eating? Or, will it be taking centre stage in a kitchen diner or open plan space? Taking this into consideration allows you to choose your perfect model, from the ideal size and shape to the placement of the legs. If you visit a Raft showroom, our team of experts will discuss your requirements with you to make sure you're choosing the perfect dining table.

How will you use your dining table?

How to choose a dining table depends largely on how you'll be using it. Your dining table may be the hub of the home, a place for the family to huddle around for gatherings and meals. Or, perhaps it's only used for special occasions when hosting guests. Alternatively, it may act as a mid-week home office and home schooling station. Since the beginning of Covid, this is the main way we've seen dining table usage transform.

However, we have seen a shift away from open plan and a return to broken plan interiors in the past few months. Reclaiming different spaces for different purposes is part of the wellness movement of 2022. This means that if you're considering buying Home Office specific furniture, it'll be a worthwhile investment.

Depending on how formally and frequently you use your dining table will impact on the model that would be best for your home. So, make sure you take these things into account when choosing your table.

How to choose a dining table: size and shape

The size and shape of your dining table depends on where it's going and how you plan to use it. Make sure that there is enough circulation space to move around the table and rearrange dining chairs when needed. These are the most popular styles:

1. Circular tables - These work well if space is at a premium. They also complement square rooms or as part of combined sitting room / dining rooms, where they can soften the linear emphasis of other furniture.
2. Square tables - These are suited to smaller spaces, perfect for couples' homes. Or, make a statement with a large square table, perfect for homes where large sharing spreads in the centre of the table are commonplace.
3. Rectangular tables - Perfect for larger rooms and big families or households. Rectangular tables offer space and options.

Don't overlook your table legs

Often overlooked, the shape and placement of your table's legs are incredibly important. If you need to take advantage of your dining table's maximum seating capacity due to having a large household, frequent dinner parties or children’s parties, for example, choose corner set legs. Corner set legs rather than inset, for maximum flexibility and comfort. Otherwise, to make a stylish statement and for smaller households, we love the bold, inset legs of the Tamara Dining Table and the beauty of the Teak Root Glass Dining Table cannot be overstated.

Read: A Spotlight on the Teak Root Glass Table

What’s the best material for your table?

The best material for your dining table depends on all of the factors above, as well as the overall style and design of your interiors. The best thing about the natural materials we use at Raft is that they adapt to the interiors around them, allowing for a room to transform and evolve over time without losing their charm. Timelessness of style and durability are essential when choosing the perfect dining table so materials such as plywood or MDF are a firm no. Yes, they may be cheaper but they are a short term saving as they will soon need to be replaced as opposed to teak models that last a lifetime.

1. Teak tables - A robust table made from teak will last for a lifetime. It wears its history with pride but the marks have mellowed and it’s not the end of the world if you, your family, or guests inadvertently add more marks. If you want eco-friendly, sustainable furniture, this is a great choice. Furniture with a story.
2. Glass-top tables – Glass tables are a beautiful décor choice, brightening darker areas and offering a stylish edge to your space. They’re easy to clean and give a contemporary touch to any style of interiors. Our Teak Root Glass Dining Table is made from extra toughened glass, making it a durable, practical and stylish choice.

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