How to Choose the Right Dining Table for Your Home – The 1933 Furniture Company

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How to Choose the Right Dining Table for Your Home

How to Choose the Right Dining Table for Your Home

Choosing a dining table is not simply a matter of style – it is a decision that influences how you live every day. The dining table is where family and friends gather, where meals turn into conversations, and where a room gains its sense of connection and purpose. It needs to feel inviting, suit the proportions of your space, and stand the test of time both in strength and in design.

In modern homes – particularly where kitchen, dining and living spaces flow together – the dining table often becomes the visual anchor of the room. It should complement your interior style while also supporting how you use the space, whether that is daily dining, hosting extended family, or serving as the central hub for work, homework and everything in between.

With so many shapes, materials and configurations available – from the handcrafted wood of Neptune, to the ceramic innovation of Calligaris, and the intelligent engineering of Skovby’s extending designs – it’s important to understand what will work best for your home and lifestyle. This guide is designed to simplify the process, helping you choose a dining table that not only looks right, but feels right, and continues to perform for years to come.


Choosing the Right Size for Your Space

The size of your dining table must work in harmony with the room. A table that is too large will overwhelm the space, while one that is too small can feel underwhelming and impractical.

How to measure correctly:

  • Allow at least 60–75 cm of space between the edge of the table and any walls or furniture. This ensures comfortable movement around the table, even when chairs are pulled out.
  • For open-plan spaces, consider the flow of the room. The dining table should define the area without interrupting walkways or blocking natural light.
  • In smaller rooms, opt for a table with a more open base or a pedestal design, which creates visual space and allows more legroom.

Tip: Place masking tape on the floor to map out the footprint of the table you’re considering. This gives a true sense of scale.


How Table Shape Impacts Flow and Proportion

The shape of your table is just as important as the size. It influences how people interact around it and how the table sits within the room.

Rectangular Dining Tables

The most traditional and versatile option. Ideal for longer rooms and open-plan layouts. Brands like Calligaris offer sleek ceramic rectangular tables with slim bases that allow for generous seating without crowding the space.

Round Dining Tables

Perfect for creating an intimate, social setting. With no corners, round tables soften a room and are ideal for square spaces. They encourage conversation and create an inviting focal point.

Oval Dining Tables

A blend of rectangular functionality and round-table softness. Skovby excels in oval designs that extend seamlessly, offering flexibility without compromising on style.

Square Dining Tables

Best for square rooms or compact dining areas. They create balance but are typically more suited to seating four to six people comfortably.

Design Insight: Curved edges and oval shapes visually occupy less space and can make a room feel larger, even when seating capacity remains the same.


Fixed vs Extending Dining Tables

Your lifestyle should determine whether a fixed or extending table is right for you.

Fixed Tables

Ideal if you have a dedicated dining room or consistent seating needs. A fixed table from Neptune, crafted in solid oak, creates a permanent sense of presence and elegance.

Extending Tables

Perfect for modern living where flexibility is key. Skovby’s patented extension systems are a leading example – beautifully engineered mechanisms that allow one person to extend the table with ease.

Best for:

  • Homes that entertain regularly
  • Growing families
  • Open-plan spaces where adaptability matters


Dining Table Materials: Style, Durability and Maintenance

The material you choose determines both the appearance and the long-term performance of your dining table.


Solid Wood 

  • Natural, characterful, timeless
  • Ages beautifully but benefits from gentle care
  • Best for those who appreciate craftsmanship and individuality

Ceramic 

  • Heat, scratch and stain-resistant
  • Highly practical for busy households
  • Available in a range of contemporary finishes
  • Low maintenance with exceptional durability

Glass

  • Visually lightens a room and enhances natural light
  • Showcases statement table bases
  • Modern and minimal, though some may prefer anti-scratch glass options for longevity

Veneer 

  • Offers the appearance of solid wood with greater stability
  • Less prone to warping in sunlight or heat
  • High-quality veneer is often indistinguishable from solid wood and can be an excellent long-term choice

Your material should reflect your lifestyle: a ceramic table may be ideal for young families, while solid oak may suit those who value tradition and tactility.

 

Pairing Your Table with the Right Chairs

A well-chosen dining table deserves chairs that balance comfort, proportion and style.

When selecting chairs:

  • Consider scale – the chair height should allow for at least 25–30 cm between the seat and the underside of the table.
  • Comfort is key – padded and upholstered chairs invite longer meals and conversation, while wooden chairs offer structure and visual clarity.
  • Mixing chairs and benches can create a relaxed, contemporary look while maximising seating.

Brands like Calligaris offer ergonomic designs with flexible backs, while Skovby chairs complement their extending tables with seamless alliances in tone and style.


Design and Aesthetic Harmony in Open-Plan Spaces

In open-plan living, the dining table often sits at the centre of the visual story. It needs to connect seamlessly with your kitchen cabinetry, flooring and living area.

Consider:

  • Base design: Pedestal and central bases allow for flexible seating arrangements and keep the space visually open.
  • Coordination, not matching: The dining table should complement your interior palette but does not need to match your kitchen exactly. A contrast between materials can create warmth and interest.
  • Lighting: A statement pendant above your table not only adds style but can visually define the dining zone in a larger space.


Investing in Quality: What Makes a Table Last

A dining table is an investment piece. Quality construction ensures it will remain part of your home for decades.

Look for:

  • Weight and stability – a sign of solid construction
  • Precision engineering in extending systems (Skovby is particularly renowned)
  • High-quality finishes that protect against daily wear
  • Sustainably sourced materials from reputable brands

When you choose a dining table from a brand like Neptune, Calligaris or Skovby, you are not just choosing a style – you are choosing reliability, innovation and long-term value.


Frequently Asked Questions

What size dining table is best for my room?
Allow 60–75 cm of clearance around the table on all sides to move comfortably. Measure your space before choosing a table size.

Which dining table material is the most durable?
Ceramic is one of the most durable materials available – resistant to heat, scratches and stains. Solid wood is also long-lasting but requires more care.

Is an extending dining table worth it?
Yes – if you host or need flexibility, an extending table offers versatility without taking up extra space day to day.

Do dining tables and chairs need to match?
They should complement each other in tone or style, but they do not have to match exactly. A curated look often feels more natural and sophisticated.

What is the best dining table shape for small spaces?
Round or oval tables work best in smaller rooms as they remove corners and maintain an open flow.


Visit Us In-Store

Every home is different – and the best way to choose the right dining table is to experience the quality in person. At The 1933 Furniture Company, our team can guide you through different finishes, extending mechanisms and styling options to help you find a table that fits your home and the way you live.

Whether you are drawn to the classic warmth of Neptune, the innovation of Skovby, or the contemporary detail of Calligaris, you’ll find dining tables designed to be lived around, not just looked at.

Visit our showroom in Navan to find the dining table that will become the heart of your home.

 

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