Dining Table Buying Guide
                     Dining Table Buying Guide
As one of the most well-used pieces  table legs   of furniture in the home, and arguably the most
important, when it comes to buying a dining table there are many different factors to consider. The
saying “buy well, buy once” couldn’t be truer – a dining table is certainly an investment piece of
furniture, but if you buy the right one, it can last a lifetime.
Considered the centre of any home, a dining table shouldn’t just be picked to match the chairs it
goes with, there’s so much more to it than that. We know it can seem quite daunting, especially if
you don’t know where to start. That’s why we’ve pulled together our dining table buying guide with
all the essentials you need to know.
From the best materials for dining tables to the different sizes, finishes, shapes and styles available,
we have you covered.
You may also be interested in reading our guide to Kitchen Island Dining Tables.
This blog post is also available as Web Story 👉 “Dining Table Buying Guide“
Contents
Best Material For Dining Tables
Choosing Your Dining Room Table Shape
Choosing Your Dining Room Table Style
Choosing The Correct Table Supports
Decide Your Table Colour
Consider Your Application
Where To Buy Dining Tables
Best Material For Dining Tables
Whether you want glass, marble, metal or solid wood, the possibilities are endless when it comes to
choosing the right material for your dining table. However, there are a few things you should take
into consideration before making that big purchase.
Glass-top dining tables work well  with many interiors,  giving off an appearance of elegance and
sophistication, perfect for modern and contemporary houses. As well as being easy to clean, glass
tables are perfect  for those working with a smaller space;  the transparent surface reflects light
helping  to  create  the illusion  of  space.  However,  glass  isn’t  as  sturdy as  other  materials  so  it’s
important  that  you  make  sure  the  glass  has  been  tempered.  This  means  the  glass  has  been
chemically and thermally treated so it is more resistant to scratches and is less likely to shatter if
knocked over, like normal glass. As glass is such a fragile material it can be a safety hazard, which
may not be suitable if you have young children in the home.
Marble has been used in flooring for many years but is becoming a popular choice for tabletops too.
Naturally beautiful, marble table tops have a timeless appeal and are sure to be a show-stopping
piece of furniture in your home. However, whilst marble can be durable if cared for properly and
thoroughly, it  is perceptible to stains and scratches. Regular sealing is also necessary to provide
some form of protection, although unfortunately this doesn’t prevent scratching.
Metal tables are commonly found in restaurants and kitchens, however, more and more people are
opting for this unique table-top in the home too. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but a metal table
is perfect for those looking to create an industrial-chic design in the home. Metal has lots of great
benefits – it is a very durable material and super easy to clean. However, perhaps one of the biggest
issues with metal table tops is how it absorbs heat. If any hot dishes are placed on the table this
could cause the metal to heat up, so it’s important to use placemats and coasters. You’ll also need to
make sure that the table is kept out of direct sunlight, as the metal top will absorb the heat from the
sun’s rays.
Solid-wood is perhaps one of the most popular choices when it comes to dining tables, and it’s not
without reason. Wood is classic, durable and is easy to repair if it gets damaged. Not only that, but
it’s  also  incredibly  beautiful.  There  are  so  many  different  variations  of  wood  to  choose  from,
whether it’s Pine, Walnut or Oak. Each piece of wood has a natural grain that shows character and
depth, and as no two pieces of wood are the same you get a unique table that you won’t find
anywhere else. However, when it comes to solid-wood tables, you need to be careful of moisture. If
drink or food is spilt, it must be wiped up immediately as it can eventually lead the wood to split and
swell over time – be especially wary of watermarks left by cups!
There are three main factors involved in finding the right solid-wood tabletop; durability, grain and
cost. Once you have listed out the requirements for your table, you can then make a decision that
will  best  suit  your needs.  Read our more detailed guide on everything you should know before
buying a wooden table here.