The best dining companions for any space, modern tables can fill a space with substance and meaning. Coffee and dining tables, console side end tables and contemporary multi-functional tables—each piece plays an important role in a room’s style.
A piece of sound advice would be not to be too hasty when purchasing a table, as most of us plan to live with one for many years to come. It is advisable to visit many stores before you make the choice. This guide is a practical resource about how to find a great table, starting with some advice that you can follow before you buy:
Size
Yes, size matters! For dining areas, you don’t want a table that crams the space; or something too small for a large room. Also, dining tables should have enough room for seating and food circulation. The host should have enough space to move about. A good rule of thumb is that there should be at least 48 inches between the nearest wall or furniture piece; also there should be enough room between two diners. A contemporary conference room table, for instance, need not be a regular round shape. You get smaller and much more convenient tables that can be used for meetings and conferencing.
Capacity
It is important that a table should be scaled to the room. It is important to also consider the number of people will be using the table regularly.
Shape
Shape and size is important, as dining tables come in a wide array of interesting shapes. The regular rectangular tables are ideal for larger rooms, and then for smaller dining areas, you can find all fancy shapes and sizes—oval, square, round and semi-circles. Side tables and console tables come in different shapes to utilize space and add functionality. You also get extendable tables with leafs, that can be a smart option if space is a concern, or large numbers are a rare event.
The following is a list of important tables:
Console Tables
Console tables have the power to transform any open space into a beautiful corner. To fill bare spaces in large living areas, a console table can break the monotony and add meaningful style. Equipped with drawers, some console tables can come in handy to store knickknacks. Also known as a side table, console tables look best when arranged against a bare wall.
Dining Tables
Allow the architecture of your home to dictate your choice of dining table. Pay attention to elements that speak to the general styling of the dining area. Both traditional and contemporary tables can look great, depending on the theme you have chosen with other dining furniture. Traditional tables use woods like walnut and mahogany, while others that use cherry, oak and pine can look warmer and more casual. Contemporary tables use glass, metal and combination of materials.
Coffee Tables
A coffee table can serve as an important piece of family furniture and deserves a mention. You can team it with accessories that work with a theme and reflect your personal taste. It helps to define the purpose of a table before you buy one. Bigger coffee tables look great in larger rooms. Before you start with your search, it is important to determine the function, requirement and budget. For average-sized homes, small coffee tables in different shapes like oval, round, square or a low-slung oriental design may be all you need to make a statement.
