Even small-sized kitchens are difficult to imagine without a dining table and chairs. We will figure out what they can be, how to choose the appropriate option and most effectively place it in the kitchen.
Dining Group Features
Under the lunch group refers to the combination of furniture necessary for eating. First of all, it is a dining table and chairs. Chairs can be replaced with stools, benches, kitchen sofas, ottomans and so on. But in general, it is always a table and something on which you can sit at this very table.
Dining table and chairs can be purchased as a set, or purchased separately. In the latter version, there is nothing reprehensible, the main thing is to choose the items of the dining group as harmoniously as possible. Moreover, modern design options imply the use of a table and chairs not from the kit, support the idea of combining various materials. Ready dinner set remains a classic.
When choosing, you should take into account the size of the kitchen and the number of people sitting at the table. It is believed that per person needs 60 cm for a comfortable location.
Types of designs and sizes
Round or rectangular tables are considered traditional. They are spacious and versatile. In large rooms, the table can be placed in the center, in more compact kitchens - moved to the wall or in a corner. Depending on the design, the “squares” and “rectangles” will fit into the room with a different design.
The round model is associated with comfort and domestic warmth. Another feature of this table - it is roomy. At the round table, as many people sit as at a rectangular (square) of the same size. However, the round version should not be too large so that the diameter does not exceed 100 cm. Otherwise, sitting at the table will be uncomfortable, and you will have to reach for dishes standing in the center of the table. As a rule, round tables count for a maximum of 8 people.
A round table, especially on one leg, visually expands the space. However, it will not be possible to push it against the wall, or use the "dead zone" in the corner, pushing the furniture there. The advantage of round models is the absence of angles in it, which is important for families with small children.
The semicircular version combines the advantages of a round and a rectangular model. It combines a streamlined shape and the absence of sharp corners, and can also be flush against the wall. If you look from above, then this table has the shape of a semicircle.
An oval table is also a classic. He looks stylish, respectable.
The advantage is the absence of corners, the ability to position it both in the center and along the wall in the room.
Corner tables are designed for small kitchens and small families. They are located in the corner of the kitchen, and the shape of the countertops resembles a triangle. Such a table can accommodate no more than 2-3 people. It is worth noting the inconvenience associated with the fact that people at the table are forced to look at the wall.
For small rooms, manufacturers offer a variety of options for transforming tables. One of them is a folding table book. The table top is folded in the manner of a book, and if necessary, the folding parts are lifted and rest on the extendable legs.
Shelves for storing dishes or folding chairs can be located on the inside of the table.
The extendable table has a worktop that can increase in diameter. This is possible due to the fact that the table can be moved apart, after which additional compartments are put forward. As a rule, the size of the latter is from 40 to 70 cm, the amount is 1-4.
The wall table is a rectangular version mounted on a wall and stretching along it. It is small in size and seated people usually look at the wall. For small rooms, you can organize a table on the principle of a bar. With one side it rests on a wall, and the second part rests on a support.
Such a table can also serve for zoning the room.
Perhaps the most compact model can be considered a folding table against the wall, organized by the principle of tables in trains. When it is not necessary, the table lowers the will of the wall. Before the meal - rises and sets in the desired position.
From the types and designs of tables, we turn to an overview of the varieties of chairs. Compact and democratic is considered a stool. It is a small bench or stand on wooden or metal supports and a seat. There are completely plastic models. The advantage of the stool is its ergonomics, low weight, the ability to completely slide under the table, and sometimes fold the stools on top of each other.
However, since this type of furniture does not have a back, sitting on it for a long time will be uncomfortable.
A more popular option is the classic chairs with a back. They look noble, convenient to use. The height of the backrest can be from 36 to 81 cm. The disadvantage of chairs for a small kitchen is that they require free space, they can not be pushed under the table. However, modern manufacturers also solve this problem - folding chairs with a back appeared on sale. If there is no space in the kitchen, then they can be folded and taken out, for example, in a closet in another room, on a loggia.
The material for the chairs are plastic, metal, wood, which explains the wide price range for products.
If there is a bar counter in the kitchen (or it performs an independent function) then it requires special bar stools. Their distinguishing feature is greater height than classic models. Bar stools look stylish, they are comfortable and practical. It is recommended to choose models with a back, and even better - bar semi-chairs. They have a higher back, which ensures comfortable operation.
Disadvantages - high weight, fragility, when it comes to models with a plastic seat.
Instead of chairs and a stool, you can choose a small kitchen sofa. The standard size is 80 cm long and 40 cm wide. However, variations are possible. For convenient use, you should choose models without armrests. Or with one armrest, if on this side the sofa will move against the wall. Modern models have internal drawers in which you can store kitchen textiles, dishes.
The size of the kitchen table is determined by the number of people sitting at it. The minimum width at the table, required for one person is 60 cm. The standard width is 60-80 cm. At the table, whose width is about 100 cm, it is uncomfortable to be seated, and you will have to reach for dishes located in the center of the table.
The standard table height is considered to be 75-80 cm, but this is a calculation for a person up to 170 cm tall. If a person has a much lower or higher height, then the height of the furniture for comfortable use should change.
The ratio of the height of the table and chair
When choosing chairs, consider the size of the table. Usually, when buying ready-made sets, there is no need to measure the height of the furniture, since all the elements of the dining group correspond to each other.
With a table height of 72-78 cm, the height of the chair should be at least 42-48 cm from the floor. The size of the seat is at least 36 cm. Between the legs there must be a space of at least 52 cm. Otherwise, it will be inconvenient for the sitting person to put his legs.
You can not have chairs at the table tight to each other. There should be at least 40-50 cm between them. And around the table with people sitting behind it - at least 70-100 cm of free space.
For greater ease of use, many manufacturers give the back of the chair a slight curvature. For such products also have their own standards. So, with a back height of up to 32 cm, a radius of curvature of the back of up to 22 cm is allowed. With a back height of over 32 cm, this radius can reach 45 cm.
The bar counter can have a height of 86 to 130 cm. As with the dining table and chairs, the height of the latter should be 30 cm lower than the height of the table.
Standard bar stools are 75-85 cm high, but other options are also possible here.
Materials of manufacture
Consider the most popular materials for the manufacture of kitchen tables.
Natural wood (solid wood)
A table made of wood is always noble, respectable and elegant. Such products can be made from hard (oak, ash, elm, larch) or soft (pine, willow, alder, birch) tree species. The first are more dense, strong and durable, and therefore have a higher cost.
Anyway a table made of natural wood is a purchase for many years, but the product periodically needs restorationupdating a varnish coat. We must not forget that wood is a highly flammable material, it should not be exposed to prolonged exposure to moisture, high temperatures.
Postforming
This variety is not the name of a particular material. It involves the use of chipboard, chipboard or MDF for the manufacture of tables. In short, these are wood chips and fibers, which are pressed, and then acquire the desired shape. The countertops of such products can be plastic or coated with veneer imitating a wood surface. These products have gained popularity due to the variety of models, low weight and affordability.
However, in their appearance, strength and durability, such tables are noticeably inferior to wooden counterparts.
Glass
Modern material. It is worth noting that a special tempered glass is used for the production of countertops. It is not afraid of impacts and other mechanical damage and, even if such a product breaks, it will not be scattered by a hundred small fragments.
Glass tables look stylish and original, and even with large sizes do not clutter up the space.
Plastic
Inexpensive, affordable and easy to care for material. Plastic products can be varied in shape and size. Most often chairs are made of plastic, and their only drawback is weight restrictions. However, its modern manufacturers seek to level using a more solid support, for example, a metal frame.
Plastic models can be painted not only in the most incredible colors and combinations, but also have a transparent surface.
Like glass tables, such models of chairs allow you to visually unload, expand the kitchen.
A rock
Stone countertops combine with metal or wooden supports. Only artificial stone is used, since it does not have a radioactive background, less porous than its natural counterpart, has less weight and cost.
Today, kitchen furniture is often combined, that is, made of several materials at once. Among the popular combinations are metal with plastic, glass, wood, wood with glass. Chairs, stools and sofas usually have a soft upholstery, the upper part of which is fabric, dermatin, leather.
No doubt genuine leather will be the most respectable and durable upholstery material. However, due to its high cost, it is possible to consider more affordable analogues - ecoskin or dermatin. The first option is preferable, since it has more similarities with genuine leather, and has a longer service life.
Dermatin is a less durable option, completely unsuitable for chairs - the one sitting will sweat.
Another option for the dining room furniture is rattan. This is an environmentally friendly material, similar in its properties and appearance to thin rods, vines. Rattan furniture will harmoniously fit into the design of a country veranda, as well as ranch-style kitchens, Provence. The advantage of furniture is elegance, low weight, environmental friendliness.
The most durable chairs are based on a metal frame. However, the cost of such products cannot be low. Since metal is a hard and cool option, a softer seat and upholstery are required.
Design and colors
The design of the dining group is determined by the style of the interior of the kitchen or dining room. A classic is an oval or rectangular wooden table. Simple geometric shapes must be present, decor on furniture legs, chair backs is mandatory. Acceptable - forged legs of tables and chairs, elements on the backs.
For rustic country-style interiors, a small wooden table in the shape of a circle or square will be optimal. You need to supplement it with chairs with fabric upholstery or a small sofa.
Natural textiles, floral patterns and ceramic dishes will help to finally “collect” the image of the kitchen.
Bright plastic models are a sign of modern and art styles. They can become both an accent of the kitchen, and harmoniously combine with bright walls, a set.
The Scandinavian style is characterized by naturalness and functionality. The best solution is a simple wooden table of a rectangular, round or oval shape on ordinary legs without decor. Typical color is white, pastel colors.
Interiors in high-tech style and minimalism can be assembled using a transparent table and chairs made of plastic or metal. As an option for such a kitchen - a table along the wall or a bar.
The bar counter is also a great option for loft-style kitchens.
If you want to convey an oriental flavor, pay attention to the low oval and round wooden tables. Carved elements on the legs are welcome. As a place for a seat - fabric sofas, poufs, trestle beds.
Chairs and tables in monochrome or white are suitable for most interiors. To light calm shades, you can pick up a white table. Chairs - to match the table or slightly darker / lighter.
An important point - the difference in the shade of the table and chairs should not have a "run" of more than 2 tones.
A fashionable design option is a table with photo printing, combined with the pattern of a kitchen apron. A plastic table can be combined with chairs made of the same material, plain or colored. When choosing the latter, you should make sure that the color of the chairs falls into the gamut of drawings on the tabletop and apron of the headset.
Top manufacturers
The ranking of the best manufacturers of furniture for the dining group is usually led by Italian and German manufacturers. Unrivaled quality, premium materials and modern design are the hallmarks of their products. Speaking of design - exactly italian designers dictate furniture fashion all over the world. Naturally, such products are quite expensive.
Not much inferior to such products Belarusian furniture for kitchen. Although in design, these manufacturers, of course, lag behind the colleagues of Italians. The basis of production is classic groups for a small number of people. Typically, this is a chair and 4 chairs. However, given the dimensions of standard domestic apartments, this is a very convenient option. Similar options are produced and Russia.
Among the products of domestic production, many worthy options also appeared (Yaroslavl furniture factory, Krasnodar company Gold, brand "Bratsk" and others).
China supplies mainly kits from the economy class series. But, despite this, it is important to understand that a suspiciously low price is one of the signals of poor quality. You should be especially careful when buying plastic models.
They must be made of food-grade plastic and free from odors.
How to choose?
When choosing, you should focus on the dimensions of the room, its style. For a room that is too elongated, it is recommended to select a square model, which visually smoothes the corners, according to the type of pencil case. In the square kitchen, the round version will harmoniously look. If you have a small family, but often have guests, it makes sense to consider a folding or sliding option. When buying sliding models, they should be moved apart and make sure that the distance between the table and the chair is still in compliance.
When choosing bar stools, evaluate the height of the back. Too low will not support the back of the seated person, but, on the contrary, literally dig into the lower back. You cannot sit on such a chair for a long time. Preferred version of the seat with a higher back. The most reliable models are considered on 4 legs. There are options with two and one leg.
If you plan to purchase a sofa for the kitchen, preference should be given to models on legs. It will be more convenient to wash the floor under the sofa. Before buying, you must definitely sit in a chair at the table. Assess whether they are suitable for height, whether it is comfortable to sit on chairs. Remember that with beautiful plastic models, older people and children usually slide off.
Location
There are 3 main options for the location of the dining area in the kitchen: along the wall, in the center of the room and by the window. You can place a table of any configuration near the window, such a layout will be especially successful if a beautiful view opens from the window. If this part of the wall is not wide, or there is a balcony door, then it is much more rational to place the table end to the window. The design option is a table-sill, when the windowsill is lengthened and strengthened, turning it into a countertop.
For small kitchens, the most functional is considered the angular arrangement of the table.If you want to bring a cozy atmosphere into the room, choose round table models with a small sofa.
For a small kitchen, you can choose the option of a bar counter, and so that the wall along which the table is located does not look boring, hang pictures on it. The advantage of such a layout is ergonomics, the ability to free a zone by the window. However, as already mentioned, many people are uncomfortable to “rest” with their eyes on the wall.
Visually increase the space will help light shades. A table with a glass top, as well as plastic counterparts with a mirrored, grated surface to shine, will also cope with this task.
Good examples in the interior
A simple, modern and very functional version of the design of a small kitchen. This dining group is not a set, but it looks harmonious. The table and chairs are united by an abstract form and material of manufacture. As for the colors, they are somewhat different - these are 2 close colors and several shades within the same color. To make the dining group the center of the composition of the kitchen allows its location, as well as spot lighting of the table with hanging lamps, lampshades.
If a small table and chairs seem somewhat boring, and the interior itself is made in the modern, high-tech or loft style, then you can try to combine a traditional square table with different chairs. They differ in size, color, material of manufacture. Some proximity can be traced only in the similarity of the forms of chairs.
The elegant design of the living-dining room is best complemented by a snow-white round table. Chairs of a light gray shade help to avoid monotony and a hospital atmosphere.
Refined, respectable, but at the same time relaxed interior with a glass rectangular table. It is combined with chairs, armchairs, some of which are covered with gray matter, and some - with black leather. Accent allows the rug under the table and a futuristic-looking lamp on the cord above the dining group.
Classic dining room interior with stylish modern elements. The wooden table and chairs of traditional design are beaten by snow-white armchairs in a modern design. White color is “supported” by the upholstery of the chairs, carpet. A rare chest of drawers makes the room even more elegant and eclectic.
Variant of a stylish contemporary dining room in cool gray hues. The mirrored surface of the glass table resonates in mirrored cabinets. By the way, this is an excellent technique that will visually increase the space.
A good example of the fact that minimalism can be vibrant and diverse. The dining group consists of an unusual-shaped rectangle table and black and white leather chairs. For the color in this interior, “paintings” on the walls and hanging lamps “respond”.
The living-dining room in a modern style requires unusual, but practical solutions. A dining group of dark oval table and classic chairs to match the best fit into this spacious room. The dark shade of the kitchen furniture “supports” the black and white gamma of the interior.
A great example of an amazing combination of different furniture within the same dining group. The classic wooden table is responsible for the quality factor, harmony, comfort in the interior. And white plastic with metal elements of the chair make lightness, add space. In addition, they are perfectly combined with turquoise accessories.
Laconic benches instead of chairs are not only practical, but also very modern. The dining group has become a highlight of the interior. And an unconventional look at modern kitchen was also conveyed through a combination of benches and chairs.
Dining room for dining in a classic style. Distinctive elements - natural wood, laconic forms, many decorative elements on chairs, table legs. The interior is complemented by luxurious carpet and a chandelier.
Another version of the classics, but less solemn, with a touch of antiquity. If the previous dining room could previously belong to a high-ranking nobleman and be located in the castle, then this example is a very suitable option for a more modest suburban estate. In any case, both options look harmoniously in modern realities. In this example - all the same natural wood materials, exquisite chairs, some floridity, decorative forms.
An overview of Ikea kitchen tables and chairs in the video below.