Buyer’s Guide
Dining tables.
One of the home’s hardest-working pieces of furniture, a dining table is justifiably a big-ticket purchase – you’ll want want to choose once and choose well. “It’s typically an investment item, something that people hang onto for years,” says interior designer Lynne Bradley, principal of Lynne Bradley Interiors. And with homes getting smaller and open-plan living on the rise, today’s dining tables double as food prep and work spaces. As such, you’ll want a design that goes the distance, says Jane Novembre, marketing director at Domo. “Lifespan will depend on quality, usage and environmental factors such as direct sunlight, but a table should last between five and 20 years.”
Dining tables generally seat between four and 12 people, and come in different shapes, including rectangular, square, round, oval and organic. As well as budget and style, what you choose will depend on usage, the shape of the room it’s going into and how many people you need to seat, says Novembre. Consider flexibility too, says Bradley. “Tables on castors, for example, can be easily moved around to facilitate different functions.”
When it comes to shape, curves are definitely in, says Georgina Holmes, senior interior designer at Coco Republic. With good reason, adds Novembre. “Round tables maximise space in small rooms and facilitate conversation.”
Oval tables ensure plenty of circulation space yet take up less room than rectangular styles.
According to Bradley, rectangular tables, which suit most room shapes, are a perennial favourite. “They’re great for narrow rooms, work with bench seating and have a generous surface.” Extension tables are ideal for large families and regular entertainers, adds Holmes. Square tables seat fewer diners, making them feel more intimate than rectangular styles, says Bradley.
Diners need sufficient elbow room to sit comfortably. “Allow 60-70cm of tabletop per person, and 70cm all around the table for chairs to pull out,” says Bradley. Consider a pedestal base, says Jodie Blampied, design director at Style Merchants. “They look clean and make best use of table real estate.”
Materiality and profile are other key considerations. “A very bulky style can overwhelm a space, whereas one that’s too lightweight can leave a room looking bare,” says Bradley. According to Blampied, timber is always a good bet. “Timber is robust and can be refinished if needed. Glass and high-gloss finishes require more cleaning; marble, stone and concrete are heavy and require sealing.” Measure the room and access points carefully before you buy. “This is particularly important if you’re trying to install a large, heavy table in a small apartment,” says Blampied.
Fabio Fanuli, director at Fanuli, believes glass and marble tabletops are having a moment, but terrazzo is on the way out. Homeowners are increasingly conscious of sustainability too. “The rise of designs made from briccole, a timber salvaged from Venice canals, is a great example of this,” he adds.
Details such as metal supports, ribbed bases, chamfered edges and unusual stones bring character to the mix. “Custom tables are gaining in popularity as people look for more flexibility in determining size, timber species and finish,” says Kate Nicholson, creative director and designer at The Wood Room Furniture. “Generally, a handmade piece will cost twice as much as an off-the-shelf style as there’s a lot more time and effort involved in making it,” says Chris Booth, owner of custom joinery firm Kithe.
Quality is everything, so check the details carefully before you buy. “Are the joins neat? If you see gaps, the table is probably not well constructed,” says Novembre. “The timber should look the same on the underside as it does in more visible areas.” Boxes ticked, all that’s left to do is enjoy it.