Your Guide to Choosing a Durable Dining Table

 
dining room table
 

Dining tables come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and the variety of styles and features can add a lot of confusion to the process of picking a table for your home. Armed with the right information, you can make the selection process a satisfying adventure. Here's what you need to know to choose the right dining table for your taste and lifestyle.

Size

A cramped dining area can be both uncomfortable and unattractive. Avoid the crush by paying attention to dimensions and working with the space you have. The size you choose should be determined by the space itself and not necessarily by the number of people you want to invite for dinner. Make sure you don’t choose a table that’s too big.

Measure the space: Know the dimensions of the room and the table before you make your final decision. Using a diagram and simple arithmetic, determine whether guests will have at least 42 inches of clearance from the edge of the table to the nearest wall. If you have more than 48 inches of clearance on each side, you can size up.

Consider an extending table: Tables with folding ends can offer the perfect solution for small-space entertaining. With these tables, you can fit more guests into your home when needed without taking up too much space on a daily basis with a large furniture piece.

 
dining room table with candles
 

Material

Material influences durability, and it also has a big impact on style. A blend of wood and metal can give a table the right amount of rustic/industrial aesthetic for a modern dining area, while an all-glass table can look sleek and glamorous and if placed in a smaller area takes up less visual space, making your small place seem bigger. Details are important, of course. Here’s what you should consider when it comes to materials:

Wood: A durable, classic option, wood is also highly versatile in its ability to fit in with a variety of different design schemes.

Glass: Although it isn’t the most durable dining tabletop material, modern glass is strong and safe enough for just about any home. However, if you have children, you might want to opt for a different material or a lot of cleaning cloths. Metal: Metal isn’t necessarily a common material for a dining tabletop, but metal legs provide contrast for wood or glass tops and can create a modern industrial feel.

Acrylic: Acrylic is a great table top choice. Its durable, strong and comes in a variety of finishes and can even look like other materials such as concrete or wood.

Once you know what size, style, and materials might work best for you, take some time to shop Roomservice by CORT’s dining tables. We have plenty of great options in different styles and sizes to suit your needs, and you can quickly build an entire suite of coordinating dining room furniture around your table.