The dining table plays a central role in the home: it is not just a piece of furniture, it is the heart of the home, where families come together, stories are told and life is celebrated. It’s not just a place to eat, but also to debate, laugh and sometimes cry. The dining table is therefore an anchor point – and if it is chosen well, it can bring a lifetime of joy.
However, choosing the right dining table is about much more than just the design: the size, material, ease of maintenance and even the lighting are all decisive factors in how well it comes into its own. We’ll show you how to find the perfect dining table for your home.
The right size: space for everyone
A dining table should offer enough space for everyone to sit comfortably. For a family of four, this means at least 1.20 meters in length and 80 centimetres in width. But what if visitors suddenly arrive? An extendable dining table is the perfect solution here. It offers flexibility and ensures that you never run out of space, even if the family grows or friends regularly come over for a meal.
Dining table and corner bench: a harmonious duo
A corner bench can work wonders in a smaller dining room. It makes optimum use of the available space and creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. But here, too, it is important to choose the right table. A rectangular table with a depth of around 80 to 100 centimetres fits perfectly with the corner bench and ensures that no one is cramped. Make sure that the table is at a sufficient distance from the wall – at least 30 centimetres – to create an airy, open impression.
Round and oval dining tables: flexibility and conviviality
Round and oval dining tables are an excellent choice for smaller rooms or rooms where a flowing, harmonious design is desired. Thanks to their shape, round tables in particular create a special atmosphere of conviviality, as everyone sits at the table on an equal footing, without “head ends”.
Round and oval table shapes are ideal if you want to promote a feeling of intimacy and closeness, as everyone is the same distance apart. Round tables are particularly suitable for square rooms, while oval tables come into their own in rectangular rooms. Another advantage is that round and oval tables have no corners, which makes them safer, especially in households with children. They fit perfectly in rooms where a smooth transition between dining and living areas is desired, often making the room feel more spacious and inviting. These tables also offer seating flexibility, as you can easily add extra chairs without the table looking crowded.
The best wood: robust and stylish
Wood is the traditional material for dining tables and brings warmth and character to any room. But not all wood is the same. Oak, beech and walnut are the favorites when it comes to durability and aesthetics. An oak table is robust and exudes timeless elegance, while beech brings lightness to the room with its light tone. Walnut, on the other hand, gives your dining room a luxurious, warm atmosphere. Choose the wood that best suits your style – and your daily requirements.
Easy to clean: the dining table that can take on anything
An easy-care dining table is worth its weight in gold, especially in a busy household. A robust, sealed surface, as can be found on lacquered wooden tables or those with a melamine coating, is scratch-resistant, water-repellent and easy to clean. Glass tables are modern and can be wiped clean quickly – but you often have to do the latter because every little tap is visible. For the time being, glass tables should be avoided, especially in households with children.
The light above the table: create the right atmosphere
The right lighting is the icing on the cake that sets the scene for your dining table. A pendant light suspended above the table not only creates brightness, but also a warm, inviting atmosphere. Make sure that the light hangs about 60 to 70 centimetres above the tabletop – this way, nobody is dazzled and the light is evenly distributed. Luminaires with multiple light sources are ideal for longer tables, while dimmable, warm white light creates a cozy atmosphere that invites you to linger.
The costs: an investment in quality of life
A good dining table has its price, but it is an investment that is well worth it. For a high-quality solid wood table, you can expect prices to start at around 500 euros. However, handmade pieces or designer tables can easily exceed the several thousand euro mark. If your budget is limited, tables made of veneered wood or MDF offer a cheaper alternative from 200 euros. But remember: a dining table is a piece of furniture that will accompany you for many years. A wise investment in quality pays off in the long term – not only in style, but also in durability.
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