DINING TABLE BUYING GUIDE

Purchasing a dining table should not be a hasty or rushed decision. The table you choose today is likely to be the staple of your dining room for a very long time. So, when buying a dining table, do your research and closely examine the following:

Size

First, it is important to look at the size of the dining room. A small dining room requires a small dining table, and a large dining room demands a large dining table. To allow for adequate space for seating and a general moving area, make sure there�s at least 48 inches between each edge of the table and the nearest wall or piece of furniture. If traffic doesn�t pass behind the chairs on one side of the table, 32 inches should be sufficient on that side.

Capacity

Generally, you should allow 22-27 inches for each person at the table. While the table should be scaled to the room, it should be scaled to your needs, as well. If you are looking for a more intimate dining table, the typical table length should be about 42-55 inches meaning you can comfortably seat 6 people. How often do you plan on using the table, and how many people will you be seating there? If you host frequent large dinners, you�ll obviously need a large table. If you plan on using the dining table primarily for family meals or small gatherings, a smaller table will work better. If you only entertain large groups on an occasional basis, consider buying a smaller table, or even better, an expandable table.

To accommodate different sizes of parties, expandable dining tables have quickly become a very popular choice. They allow you to augment the size of the table based on the size of the party. It is also ideal for apartments or homes that may not necessarily have room for both a dining room and a living room.

Shape

Rectangular tables are most common and most space efficient for most decors. However, many people prefer sitting at a round table because it�s much more conducive to conversation. So, as a general rule, round tables are best for small groups up to at most 8. If a round table seats more than 10, it is no longer conducive to conversation and it most likely would not fit into your dining room.

Leg placement

It is very important to look at dining table�s leg placement. A leg at or near each corner, or one central leg is the most common. These two types of legs provide the table with the most space efficiency and balance.