The following guide discusses various dining room table material such as wood, glass, metal, marble, laminate tables etc. Also, it talks about table styles, shapes etc so go ahead and have a look.
The dining room table is a crucial piece of home furniture. It’s both a gathering spot and your room’s focal point.
You should, therefore, shop for a table that complements your dining room’s design as well as your fashion taste and style.
However, with the furniture market flooded with all kinds of dining room tables, choosing the best table can appear quite strenuous.
To find the best dining table, you should consider the table’s material, style and shape.
Dining Tables Materials
Dining room tables’ construction relies on different materials. The table may have a holistic design or a design that uses different materials for the tabletop and the table’s frame. Here are the most common dining tables materials:
Wood Dining Table
This is the most popular option for table tops. Wood is a versatile construction material and can be hardwood, softwood or composite wood. If you settle on a wood dining table, opt for hardwood.
Common hardwoods include mahogany, oak, maple, walnut, cherry etc. Hardwoods are both attractive and long lasting. However, hardwood dining room tables are more expensive than their softwood and composite wood counterparts.
Glass Dining Table
A glass tabletop is modern, airy and elegant. Glass is also easy to clean. A table with a glass tabletop may have a graphite, wooden or metal frame. This material gives a sophisticated look and with a simple vase with flowers it can create a powerful impression. On the other hand, you will have to clean it often as fingertips and dust tend to cling to it.
Metal Dining Table
Metal is sturdy and durable. A metal tabletop is also modern, stain resistant and cool to the touch. If your dining space is industrial or contemporary, a metal tabletop can be a good fit.
Marble Dining Table
Marble is not just for kitchen counter tops. Today, marble is a common material for particular luxurious dining table models. Marble has an elegant rich tone. Marble is also easy to clean. Some other related stone-based types include also Granite and Onyx table tops.
Laminate Table
The laminate tabletop fits different styles and budgets. Laminate tabletops have different layers of materials that can include PVC, high impact melamine and some wood grain finish. Laminate is sturdy and durable.
Synthetic Table
Because synthetic material is fairly durable, lightweight and less expensive than others, there is an increasing trend of synthetic dining tables nowadays. This material can be made to resemble other types such as organic materials like wood, teak etc.
Dining Room Tables Shapes
The shape of your dining table may depend on available space or your preferences. Dining tables come in a variety of shapes. Most common shapes include:
Rectangular (most common shape. Good as a divider in open plan houses).Square (in fashion lately. Consumes a lot of space. Good for square areas).Round (old fashion but looks very cozy. It consumes also a lot of space).Oval (easy in placement. Practical and does not consume a lot of space).Freeform (good for eccentric or artistic designs).
Dining Tables Styles
Style is an important consideration since it’s your chance to make a personal statement. Dining room tables’ styles include the following:
PedestalTraditionalModernRustic-ModernIndustrialContemporaryShakerFarmhouseTrestleetc
Pick the style that creates your intended ambiance and rhymes with your other home furniture choices.
All in all, purchasing a dining table is a personal experience. Fortunately, anyone can find a table that fits their taste and budget. Take your time and find a dining table of your dreams.
Here are some more detailed descriptions of various dining table styles with their pictures:
Pedestal Dining Table
Pedestal dining tables typically feature a small tabletop supported by a single column. The support may spread out into three or four feet near the ground. The first pedestal tables were used for holding candles and featured circular or oval-shaped tabletops. However, newer designs feature tabletops of varying shapes and sizes.
Pedestal tables are commonly used in rooms with limited space, as the pedestal table has a smaller footprint and the tabletops are not very long. Some pedestal tables feature leaf inserts to extend the length of the tabletop. There are also double-pedestal tables, which feature two central support columns.
Farmhouse Table
Farmhouse tables are heavy, rustic tables that are often built with distressed wood to give the table an aged look. Most farmhouse tables have a rectangular tabletop and thick, sturdy legs. The legs are typically either standard posts supported by a stretcher beam that runs the length of the table or X-shaped legs for added support. Some farmhouse tables also include bench seating on two sides of the table.
The farmhouse tables are rarely painted. Owners often choose a finish to help highlight the natural grain of the wood. The main benefits of these tables include their durability and rustic charm.
Rustic Modern
Rustic modern dining room tables combine rustic elements, such as wood tabletops, with modern features. The most common combination is an aged wood tabletop with sleek, metal legs, or supports. These tables often have a rectangular top with brass, steel, or aluminum legs.
Besides wood tops with metal legs, rustic modern dining tables are also available in a wide range of styles, shapes, and designs. There are rustic modern tables with pedestal bases, bench seating, or modern designs featuring only wood elements. The one thing they have in common is the use of rustic materials with modern design features.
Trestle
A trestle dining table uses one of the earliest table designs. They consist of a tabletop supported by two or three trestle supports. These supports are often made with two or four legs connected by a horizontal board.
Modern trestle tables typically feature sturdy trestle supports made of oak or other durable materials. The tabletops are also often wood. Trestle tables are mostly known for their sturdy construction. However, they come in various lengths, width, and styles. Older designs often feature intricate details along the edges and the trestle supports, while modern designs typically feature clean lines and simple details.
Traditional Oval
Traditional oval dining tables come in many designs. However, they are most commonly single or double-pedestal tables. The pedestal support requires less leg space and allows for elegant, detailed designs on the supports. Long oval tables may include double supports, while a smaller oval table may feature a single pedestal design.
Traditional oval tables are also available with four legs, trestle supports, and other designs. The main feature is the oval tabletop, which may also feature a leaf to extend or shorten the length of the oval. The traditional oval tables are commonly constructed from wood and then stained instead of painted.
Shaker
Shaker tables and other Shaker furniture were created for simplicity and function. They do not feature fancy inlays and other detailed carvings. The designs are simple, functional, and built to last. Due to these features, Shaker tables are typically sturdy and often handmade using pine, maple, cherry, or cedar.
Shaker tables often have a rectangular tabletop, while the legs or supports may come in a variety of styles. The primary characteristic of the Shaker table is a minimalist design. This minimalist design is like many modern styles, but often with straight lines instead of curves, resulting in a heavier look.
Industrial
Industrial dining tables are typically large, heavy tables. Some industrial tables feature a wood tabletop with metal legs or supports, while others are entirely constructed of recycled metals. The styles vary. However, most industrial tables are made using materials that are associated with construction.
For example, the supports may be made from metal support beams while the tabletop may be made from a sturdy door panel. These tables are occasionally given a distressed look, to appear like they have been used in an industrial setting. Industrial tables are also often heavy, which can provide a more stable surface compared to lighter tables.
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