Thanksgiving feels like a long way away, but the truth is, we only have three months until the kick off to the holiday season.
It feels like this is going to be a big, celebratory year with lots of family gathered around the table.
Is your dining room ready? If not, let’s talk about how to choose your perfect table. There are 4 main considerations:
1. Size:
You need 24” – 30” between each chair. Dining chairs are usually a minimum of 18” but can be as wide as 30” with arms. If you want to seat 10 people, that means your table needs to be at least 96” long, IF you don’t have any legs in the way. My oval is 112” and seats 10 comfortably.
I’ve squeezed in 12 before, but if you are going to attempt that, your guests better be very good friends. If you find a table you like that is expandable–hurray! It is so nice to keep your options open. As to width – 40” for small spaces, and 48” or larger if you have the room.
2. The Base
A pedestal base allows for the most flexibility because it is completely out of the way of your guest’s legs. You want to look for at least 12” to 16” of clearance from the edge of the table to the face of the base for the most comfort.
A trestle base (with legs set in from the ends of the table and a cross piece joining them) also works well. Legs can be more problematic and you want to really think through their placement and how you serve meals. They are great for a breakfast table where you serve the same number of people every day, but don’t allow as many options for larger groups.
3. Shape
I firmly believe in the oval. You can make use of every inch of seating all the way around the table. If you have a square dining room, however, a round has much more gracious proportions for your space. And there is no better shape for a spectacular centerpiece.
4. Materials
The options are endless, and each one has its benefits and drawbacks.
Wood looks rich and feels timeless, and there is a wood top for every style from casual to candelabra. Many wood tops expand, providing extra flexibility. Depending on the finish, some wood can be prone to watermarks and scratches. Protect with trivets and coasters and don’t let liquids sit on the surface.
Stone is statement making and can add a dramatic element to your room. Granites and quartzites can be very durable, but be careful of marble which can be susceptible to marks and staining. The biggest drawback with stone is the weight. Once that table is in place, you won’t be moving it easily.
Faux stone and ceramic surfaces are excellent for durability and stain resistance. There are some really amazing contemporary designs with cool expandable features, and generally they don’t have as much weight as natural stone.
Glass is very affordable and will not stain. While it will scratch over time, it is easy to replace. It is very cleanable, but it also shows everything, so keep the spray bottle handy! Personally I find glass to be loud and cold, and I am not a fan.
Zinc and other metals look great in more casual environments. While they scratch and stain, that can be a part of the beauty of these tops. The wear and aging add to the overall patina, just like a well worn leather saddle.
Here are my five recommendations for your new dining table. I love them all!
1.
The table that makes me quiver…yes, I said it, quiver…is the Pli Table designed by Victoria Wilmotte for Classicon through Shop Called Shop. With an origami-like stainless steel base that reflects shards of light and a choice of glass or stone top, I want this one for my own dining room. The black is super sophisticated, but it is equally luscious in the bronze, sapphire, or green colors.
2.
We are about to install this beauty in a client’s home, and I can’t wait to see it all come together. The Nola by Hellman Chang is elegant yet contemporary, classic but dramatic. The gold on the interior of the base makes it glow. This is the ultimate statement making dining table. You almost hate to put chairs around it!
3.
The McGuire Taru Dining Table is the equivalent of a super sexy pair of fringed leather chaps. With its mix of rattan and rawhide wrapped legs, it has great texture. It is only 50” in diameter, so it would be perfect in smaller dining spaces for 4 or 5 people. It makes me want to put on cowboy boots and binge watch Yellowstone.
4.
The Panama Table by Robert James Collection has a “strong, silent type” built into its DNA. With its clean, architectural lines and warm materials, this table doesn’t shout. Instead, it quietly gives structure to the rest of the room around it. We installed a white oak and iron version in a Colorado home, but this table would work equally well in Santa Barbara or Nantucket.
5.
Sometimes the only way to go for a dining room is just straight up pretty. We created this space for a client who wanted a fresh, bright place for her family to gather. Her square room called for a round table, so we went with a custom, hand painted 72” table that seats eight. But this configuration works so well for other types of entertaining, too. It would be spectacular set for a buffet or cocktail event. The graceful, durable faux marble is a timeless classic.
