The ideal table for your dining room

The heart of the home, the dining room table comes in a multitude of shapes, styles and materials to suit our desires and create a convivial space where we enjoy gathering with family and friends. Round, square, rectangular or oval? What shape should you choose to create a warm, functional space? Here's our advice to help you make the right choice and design your own space.

Thinking about your dining space before installing your dining table

Before embarking on the purchase of your dining room table, it's important to consider the overall layout of your dining space. The choice of furniture should take into account the visual harmony between the different rooms. The table and chairs should define the dining area, while blending in with the overall style of the decor. The layout of the furniture should allow easy movement around the table and optimize storage. A well-designed dining room is above all practical! It must be able to accommodate a number of elements, including the dining table and chairs, and if space allows, a storage unit such as a sideboard or display cabinet.

To emphasize the uniqueness of this space, you can opt for a tiled or carpeted floor. Natural lighting is also an invaluable ally in sublimating and delimiting the dining area. Placing the dining table in a space with less light than the rest of the living room will nevertheless create a more subdued atmosphere. You can also choose an eye-catching light fixture or a picture frame behind the table to set the tone for the dining area.

Determining the right location for your dining room will make your day-to-day life easier, while integrating your constraints, such as evening homework, which can easily be done in this space. By playing with the heights and shapes of the furniture, you can create relief and give dynamism to this room.

Choosing the right dining table that you love

When buying a dining room table, you need to consider the practical, aesthetic and functional aspects. The harmony between style and the size of the surface area you have available will have an impact on the choice of shape or materials for your dining room table. So, how do you choose your ideal dining table?

Shape: a question of space

Many solutions exist for optimizing dining space in a modest-sized apartment or house. While extendable tables meet the need to accommodate a large number of people, the shape of the table also plays its part in the layout of the space. Rectangular tables, for example, are appreciated for their versatility: they can be used for meals, work or meetings, and adapt to all interior styles. What to choose? Rectangular, oval, round or square?

The layout of the dining area depends above all on your habits and the structure of your home. If space is limited and you live alone or as a couple, you're more likely to opt for a minimalist square dining table.

On the other hand, if you like to entertain and have a little more space at your disposal, we recommend a round or oval table - 70 cm in diameter minimum for two people, 1m20 for 4 - to which you can add extensions if required. In fact, this type of table makes it possible to seat a large number of people, while ensuring good circulation in the room.

For a large family, a beautiful rectangular table is the ideal solution to ensure everyone's comfort: 140 cm min length to accommodate 6 people, 160 cm for 8, 180 cm for 10.

Materials for everyday use

Family composition and uses are crucial factors to consider when choosing table materials. For example, if you have children, it's best to opt for a sturdy plywood or ceramic table. These materials are easy to maintain and less likely to break in the event of an impact, ensuring everyone's safety.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a style that emphasizes design, sophistication and elegance, glass tables are an excellent choice. They bring a touch of modernity to your living space. For those sensitive to fingerprints, a table in white lacquered material is recommended. Not only is it easy to clean, it also embodies elegance in a subtle way.

Finally, for those who enjoy festive evenings with friends, it's wise to avoid porous materials that can absorb liquids such as wine or coffee. Instead, opt for materials like ceramic, which remain stain-resistant and easy to maintain, allowing you to enjoy your parties without worry.

The dimensions you need to know to choose the right table

Around the dining room table, always remember to set aside 45 cm for the seat and 120 cm for the seats, if there is no passage behind; 150 cm to facilitate a passage. If one leg of the dining table is in the leg area, you need to set back 30 cm from the edge of the tabletop.
Bear in mind the following ratios:
- a 70 cm table allows two place settings to be placed face to face, without the possibility of adding a dish in the center;
- an 85 and 90 cm table (medium size) allows dishes to be placed in the center;
- a table over 1 m and 1.10 m allows a table runner to be placed.
For everyone's daily comfort, you need to allow for a minimum width of 60 cm per person, a set-back distance of 60 cm for chairs and a circulation space of 70 cm around the table.

We hope these few tips will help you choose the right dining table and create a particularly warm atmosphere for unforgettable moments of sharing with family and friends.