Choosing the perfect dining table is like finding the right flavor for that perfect meal - a mix of artistry, practicality, and a pinch of stylishness. Grab your fork and knife as we serve up the ultimate guide to dining table selection.
The significance of choosing the right dining table cannot be overstated. Your dining table is the centerpiece of family gatherings, celebrations, and daily meals. It's where memories are created, conversations flow, and connections are made. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting the perfect dining table style and size to match your needs.
Assessing Your Space
Measuring Your Dining Space
Accurate measurements are the foundation of a well-planned dining area. Begin by measuring your dining space, taking note of its length and width. But remember, it's not just about the dimensions of the room. Ensure there's ample space for chairs to be pulled out comfortably, allowing for easy movement around the table. This typically equates to 2 ½-3 feet of walking space around the table. Additionally, chairs should be placed about 24 inches apart from each other to allow for enough leg and arm room.
Room Layout Considerations
The layout of your dining room plays a crucial role in choosing the right table shape. If you have a wide space, oval and round tables work well. If your space is more narrow, consider a rectangular table that can be extended with built-in butterfly leaves based on the number of diners needing places at the table.
If your dining room isn’t actually a separate room but rather a nook in your kitchen or a section of your living room, consider a bar or counter height table or a smaller round pedestal table where chairs can be pushed all the way under and out of the way.
Choosing the Right Shape
Round Dining Tables
Round dining tables exude elegance and promote intimate conversations where everyone can see and hopefully hear each other. The sizes of round dining tables typically come in the following dimensions:
36 inches is the round table size for 2 people
42-48 inches is the round table size for 4 people
54-60 inches is the round table size for 6 people
60 inches or more is the round table size for 8 or more people
Modern Bungalow tables that have removable leaves are 12-18 inches
Modern Bungalow tables that have internal butterfly leaves are 18-32 inches
Round tables are best suited for square shaped spaces. Their proportions will look off if you try to place one in a rectangular room.
Rectangular Dining Tables
Rectangular tables are timeless classics and ideal for rectangular shaped rooms that can be either narrow or wide. They work for those who plan to entertain or have large gatherings, even if only occasionally, as both removable and built-in leaves offer extension capabilities. They typically come in the following dimensions:
36-42 inches wide
48 inches long will seat 4 comfortably
60 inches long will seat 4-6 comfortably
78 inches long will seat 8 comfortably
Butterfly leaves can extend rectangular tables beyond 80 inches
Exploring Styles and Aesthetics
Farmhouse Dining Tables
The farmhouse style is warm and welcoming, bringing a touch of nature and rustic feel to your space. What makes a farmhouse style dining table?
Heavy with a solid wood top combined with solid wood or iron legs
Durable, sturdy and practical
Typically don’t have leaves for additional seating
Fit with any decor from traditional and rustic to modern and industrial
Shop Farmhouse Dining Tables
Mid Century Dining Tables
For lovers of sleek, contemporary design, mid century dining tables are a perfect choice. What makes a mid century dining table?
Typically made of wood
Simple design with lines that are straight or evenly curved
Long tapered legs giving a light and airy feel
No ornamentation
Shop Mid Century Dining Tables
Classic Styles: Craftsman, Mission, and Shaker
Classic dining tables, including craftsman, mission, and shaker styles, never go out of fashion. Their enduring appeal means they can even be incorporated into modern spaces. What makes a classic dining table?
Made of solid wood often with the natural wood grain emphasized (think quarter sawn oak)
Clean and simple lines
Exposed mortise and tenon style joinery
Tapered legs (Shaker Style)
Warm tones
Shop Craftsman, Mission and Shaker Dining Tables
Size Selection
Seating Capacity Guide
Choosing the right table size is crucial when asking yourself questions like ‘how many people can sit at a 60 inch round table’ or ‘what is the size for a table that seats 6’? Check out our handy seating capacity graphics with the most common sized tables, to help you determine the perfect table size based on your needs and available space.
If you’re looking for a different size, just ask us!
Considerations for Small Spaces
Small dining spaces require thoughtful solutions. There are furniture collections built for smaller spaces, like our Shenandoah Collection. Additional space-saving options include tables with butterfly leaves (both removable and built-in), multi-purpose furniture like sofa tables that can double as dining surfaces, or bar and counter height tables.
Finding the Perfect Chairs
Chair Styles and Compatibility
Choosing the right chairs is as important as selecting the table. While many dining tables have matching chairs that are designed to be sold together, it doesn’t mean you have to use them. Different types of chairs can complement various table shapes or you may consider mixing and matching chairs or even incorporating a bench to add more seating and versatility.
Be sure the chairs you choose match in scale with the dining table - if they are disproportionate or look ‘off,’ you’ll know.
Find chairs that share a common design element with the table for cohesiveness. For example, if the table has tapered legs, find chairs that also taper.
are a great alternative and perfect for kids who don’t need as much back support and want to wiggle to their heart's content.
Don’t be afraid to use
upholstered chairs
and add color!
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfortable seating enhances dining experiences. Take the following points into consideration to understand the importance of chair height when selecting a dining table:
Dining chair height should be around 18 inches for a standard table and 24-30 inches for a counter or bar height table (reference guide below)
There should be about 12 inches of space between the tabletop and chair seat to allow room for legs and aprons or trim beneath the table
For chairs with arms, leave about 7 inches of space between the chair arm and table top so that the chair can slide under
Budget Considerations
Dining Tables and Your Budget
Having a budget for your dining table and chairs is essential when investing in high quality, made for life, solid wood furniture. One of the best pieces of guidance we can offer is spending money in proportion to where you spend most of your time. If the dining table is one of those places - in addition to eating it might be used for working, schoolwork, projects or casual gathering - then it makes sense to invest in something that will last.
Remember that you don’t have to buy everything at once! Create a timeline and determine what pieces you truly need right now.
Balancing Budget and Quality
Investing wisely in a dining table is worthwhile. There are many long-term benefits of owning quality furniture that stands the test of time but it doesn’t mean there aren’t also ways to save when it comes to tables and chairs.
Choose types of woods that won’t break the bank like red oak, character cherry and plain sawn oak instead of mahogany, walnut and quartersawn oak
Solid, one piece tables without leaves will typically cost less
Tables with legs typically cost less than tables with central pedestals
Arm chairs cost more than side chairs - consider using side chairs all around
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining Solid Wood
Solid wood dining tables require surprisingly easy care to keep them looking their best. Our maintenance tips and cleaning routines will help you preserve the beauty and longevity of your wood table.
Trust in the quality of solid wood furniture sold by Modern Bungalow
Carefully crafted joints allow for expansion and contraction to keep the fit and integrity of each piece of furniture
Finished with a
post-catalyzed lacquer
guaranteed to protect the furniture
Simple dusting is often all that’s needed with a soft cloth or feather duster
To keep dust away longer, use a lambswool duster with lanolin or a damp terry cloth
Tips for Preventing Damage
Protecting your dining table from wear and tear is easy to do. The sooner you treat the spill or stain the better. Here are some tips to help prevent common damages:
If a spill occurs, wipe immediately with a soft cloth
If a white ring has formed, try applying heat from a hair dryer or spread petroleum jelly and wipe away with a damp cloth
Ink stains:
On untreated wood: mix baking soda with water and pour over stain, wipe away and dry immediately
On treated wood: mix dish soap and water and test a small spot before treating the whole stain to not ruin the finish
Don’t use chemicals (ammonia or silicone) on solid wood as they can be absorbed and ruin the wood
Use coasters, placemats, trivets, tablecloths and felt pads to protect the surface whenever possible
One last thing…
Choosing the perfect dining table involves careful consideration of your space, style, and size requirements. We've covered all the essential factors in this ultimate dining table buying guide, empowering you to make an informed decision that enhances your dining experience. Remember, your dining table is more than just furniture; it's where memories are created and cherished.
Let's answer the toughest question first. You may believe that custom tables must be wildly expensive, but that does not have to be the case. It is certainly possible to design a table that costs upwards of $7000 or more, but it is equally possible to make decisions that allow a similar table to be built for much less. How much less? Well, being truthful, you should not expect that custom tables of any kind will beat the price of a mass produced table in a heads up, like-for-like design. But getting a modest table built from domestic hardwood for $1500-$2500 is a reasonable goal.
The cost of a custom dining table is a reflection of the unique elements that go into its creation. Several factors influence the price, including the choice of materials, the specific wood selection, the complexity of the design, the table's size, and the time invested in its preparation and construction. Each decision made during the crafting process contributes to the overall value and individuality of your custom table. Rest assured, the resulting custom table will not only be a testament to quality but also a representation of your personal style and preferences.
Exceptional table designs stem from a harmonious blend of various elements, with the foremost being the unique vision and expectations of the customer. We all possess distinct reasons for desiring a custom table, whether it's about bringing a vision to life for hosting home events, optimizing space utility, or seamlessly integrating a table into an overarching design.
Collaborating with a skilled furniture designer or craftsman is the ideal route to fuse your vision with professional expertise. Come prepared with images of tables that resonate with your taste (or those that don’t) while the craftsman shares their portfolio and skills. To further enhance the process, an in-person visit to the designated space where the table will reside is invaluable. While a virtual visit is an alternative, nothing quite matches the depth of an in-person encounter. This visit, typically lasting 30-60 minutes, serves as a crucial exploration of style, vision, scale, and the initial decision-making on materials. It serves as the catalyst for the subsequent steps in the design process.
Selecting a wood species is a critical step. The type of wood determines the natural tone or color of the table. Any stain or shading or accents will vary in their effectiveness depending on the main wood choice. Most colorants work by embedding pigment in the wood grain, so selecting a wood that has very fine or subtle grain (like maple) will produce one result, but selecting a wood with strong grain (like walnut or oak) will produce a very different result.
The wood selection obviously impacts the cost of a custom table. Since 2020, most hardwoods have seen dramatic increase in cost. Working with a craftsman (myself included) can help making the right choice easier. If you have ever bought countertops or carpets, you'll know that those are typically priced an a "per square foot" model. Hardwoods are different because the thickness of the wood is variable and the overall volume of wood needed is part of the cost. So wood used in furniture making is sold in "board feet." This is much like buying cords of firewood. A board foot of wood is 12 inches by 12 inches by 1 inch. If a particular species of wood is selling for $20 per board foot, here are some examples of typical cost to the builder:
66 x 30 x 1.5 = 20.62bf -> $412.50
72 x 36 x 1.75 = 31.5bf -> $630.00
96 x 40 x 2.0 = 53.33bf -> $1066.67
Once the initial ideas are discussed and the wood and material decisions are made, a drawing or rendering is made to define exactly what is to be built. This illustration becomes the basis for building a price quote.
Building a table is a relatively straight-forward process. The design process has already defined the size of the table and the principle materials to be used. Therefore, construction is broken down into three main areas, each of which follow a similar process.
Table top The top is either assembled by milling and joining multiple boards together, or by milling one or more large "slabs" to create a natural, live edge detail. The result will be a long and wide panel that is roughly flat and ready for treatment (filling knots and cracks, addressing any stability issues, and adding any inlaid details) and finishing (sanding smooth, addressing color, adding a protective finish with the desired sheen/appearance).
Apron If applicable, the apron is a short detail that is mounted under the table top and runs around the perimeter of the top and connects the legs. The apron can be simple or ornate or even omitted entirely. The apron goes through similar steps as the top including milling, treatment, and finishing.
Legs There is almost limitless choices for table legs. For budget-minded customers, buying pre-made legs is a great way to save big money. Adding custom legs can increase the table cost significantly as this is where complex design can easily add a lot of time to a project. Legs are typically either metal or wood, and legs can be set up as a single pedestal, two or more trestles, or four single post legs.
Crafting a custom dining table is an artful journey that begins with your unique vision. My process starts with a thorough consultation, where we delve into your desires for size, style, and statement. From there, I meticulously select the finest materials, carefully considering wood type, grain patterns, and finish options to match your preferences. The design takes shape with precision, ensuring that every detail aligns seamlessly. As I commence construction, the table is expertly handcrafted, showcasing the skill and dedication I put into every project. Finally, quality checks and finishes are applied, resulting in a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that not only reflects your individuality but also stands as a testament to my commitment to excellence. Your custom dining table, a true labor of love, is ready to become the heart of your home.
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