Happy October!
Most people think of this time of the year as Halloween time. In the furniture industry, this is called Dining Season. What does that mean to you? Well if it is your turn to host holiday dinner this year, then it means now is the time to start thinking about updating your dining area.
But not sure where to start? Before you get too overwhelmed, I have broken down a list of 5 steps on finding your perfect dining table just in time for that roasted turkey.
1. Figure out your needs first
Before you can start looking at dining tables, you need to know about your daily habits, routines you use, or what you may utilize to host a party. Do you entertain a lot or have a big family? Do you need ADA accessibility or are there special needs to consider? Understanding your needs will help set up the area to flow best in your home.
For Example:
ADA Accessible - For someone who has a wheelchair, you may want to focus on regular height tables with easy access for the chair to fit in, think about the walkways and making sure there is enough space to move around, and look for easy accessible storage options.
Entertainer - For the entertainer, socializing is part of the package. Think about using small groups of chairs or pub height tables. Having a more casual feel makes everyone at the party feel welcome and involved.
Big Family - Is your house the go-to holiday dinner spot? Do you have anywhere from 8+ guests over at your house at any given day? Storage and long tables are what you want to look for. Flexibility is good as well so that you can have the table small during the regular year, but large for when you need it most.
Homebody - The homebody is the one that stays home on their off time, doesn't entertain much, and just needs a place to eat, read, and enjoy a cup of coffee. They don't need a large table. Depending on the size of the space, can go either regular height or counter height for a more casual feel.
2. Next, Pick the Shape
Next, look at your space. Is it large? Small? Round? Long? The shape of the room helps determine what shape of table that would go best. If a room is long and rectangle, a small round table wouldn't feel balanced. But if a room is even like a square or has a bay window, then those would fit the round table the best.
Other Examples:
Round - Round tables are typically used in smaller areas or in a symmetrical room. They best seat 4-6 people and allow a more causal, conversational feel.
Rectangle - Rectangle tables are the most common type of dining table. They allow anywhere from 4 - 12+ people to sit at and they can come in a variety of sizes and heights. They can also be in a formal setting or an informal one based on the style.
Oval - Oval tables are a mix between round and rectangle. This allows for the elongated shape, but with softer corners to help save space and hip bones (it is a pain running into the side). Typically you can seat 4-8 people comfortably on an oval table.
Square - Square tables work best, yep you guessed it, in square rooms. Honestly, square tables are similar to round ones but with a more rigged shape. The square table can seat 4-8 people and can sometimes hold a leaf to adjust from rectangle to square. The square table does give off a more casual feel.
3. What height are you interested in?
Next, we figure out what height you want your table to be. There are 3 standard heights to dining tables; regular dining height (30" H), counter height (36" H), and bar height (42"). While you can get some taller or custom made to a specific height, these are the 3 heights you will find when shopping around.
Regular Dining Height (30") - The most common height in the dining room is the standard/regular height at 30". This is so when sitting comfortably at 18" off the floor, your knees and legs have room to move underneath the table. This height works great for formal affairs or informal gathers and fit those large families or groups that come over.
Counter Height (36") - Counter height tables offer a more casual feel to the room. These are great for those small dining areas and can offer flexibility in size with leaves. You can mix and match the chairs with your kitchen counter as they are the same height. Typically you will need to find stools between 23-26" h.
Bar Height (42") - Bar height tables are used in a more casual and conversational setting. These are typically used to stand or sit at and are made smaller for groups to congregate around flowingly. You can also use a bar table for just that...a bar. Maybe you have a game room or having that big family gathering that has the open bar. Bar tables with a couple seats around makes that bartender the life of the party.
4. Number of Seats
So, now you are getting the idea for what shape and height you want, but how many people will be eating at the table? Will there be enough seats? Knowing the number of guests or seats that you will need will help you find the perfect table.
2-4 seats - A small round or drop leaf table works great if you are trying to seat 2-4 people. These tables are typically used in small spaces and a bar table behind a sofa add functionality in a small area.
4-6 seats - Tables that seat 4-6 people are the most common in rental units and kitchen nooks. These can come in all different shapes and sizes based on your needs or style.
6-8 seats - When fitting a table for 6-8 people, it is usually for big families or for those who like to entertain a lot. You will usually find rectangle or oval tables to fit this amount and most have additional leaves in them to add length for when unexpected guests show up.
8+ seats - Once you are looking for a table to seat 8 people or more, you will be most likely looking at rectangle shaped. This is usually in a more formal setting, however, you can make it more of a casual feel based on your style choice. Tables that seat 8 people are great for large families and entertaining.
5. Pick your Style
Now is the fun part! You have figured out your needs, found the perfect shape for the space, chosen a height that works best for you and your family, and calculated how many people will sit at this table. Now time to chose your style. Once you have chosen the style of table you are looking for, your options will have narrowed down so it will be easier to find the perfect one.
Style Examples:
Farmhouse - Farmhouse style focuses on natural reclaimed wood in with light, pastel colors throughout. White is an accent color that is seen on cabinets, trim, window treatment, or upholstery to help lift the room. Using antique furniture adds character to the piece and a story to tell generations.
Coastal - Coastal design is one of my favorites especially living in San Diego. It brings the calming waters and the vibrant ocean life to your home. Mix together blues, seafoam greens, and sandy tones to bring a lighter feel to your space. Whitewashed wood and touches of seashells add a natural feel to your room.
Industrial - Industrial design focuses on natural elements such as iron and concrete and illuminates the downtown industrial style. Look at the colors used in the space; blacks, browns, white, and greys.
Mid-Century / Boho - I like to categorize these together because they both hit on similar elements. Mid century modern style showcases the rick cherry/oak colors with clean crisp lines. Botanicals are used throughout bringing in a warm, earthy feeling to the room. Creams, cherry wood, gold accents, and green plants bring the Bohemian mid century vibe.
Modern - Modern style is different the mid century modern. While both touch on the clean lines and simple details, modern design brings a boldness that mid century modern doesn't. Chrome, glass, and metal are key elements to modern design. Mixing in contrast between colors such as black and white adds balance to the overall design.
Traditional - Traditional style tables tend to be bulky and more detail oriented. You will see more ornate carvings on the chairs or table base. The upholstery on the chairs will be floral or paisley. And there will usually be a distinct head of the table as the chairs at the end will be more ornate than the side chairs. Traditional style uses darker, luxurious woods such as Cherry, Walnut or Oak and royal colors such as red, purple, and gold are used in the fabric.
Ready to start your dining room design? Get holiday ready early and contact Basel Place Interiors for a FREE 30 min consultation.
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