Dining tables for the kitchen: a variety of options and tips for choosing

The dining table is not just a meal, it is a place where the whole family gathers or meets guests. It can be the center of the room, attracting attention or its subtle detail. In any case, when choosing a table, you should be aware of the key characteristics that you need to pay attention to when buying.

The kitchen table should be durable and comfortable. The space of the countertop should be enough for comfortable placement of households, but the furniture should not clutter the kitchen. The surface is necessarily moisture resistant, made from materials allowed for contact with food. It is important that it be sustainable. Appearance should harmonize with the overall style of the interior of the kitchen or dining, combined in colors.

In addition to the traditional table, one can distinguish a folding model, folding like a book. It has the form of a pedestal, and if necessary, countertops rise, which are installed on sliding supports.

Folding table It is a structure without legs, one of its sides is screwed to a wall or window sill. When the need arises, the countertop rises and rests on a retractable leg. The advantages of such furniture are its functionality and ergonomics, but it is designed for 2-3 people.

Similar to folding wall table. Both of them with their rectangular design resemble a bar counter. However, the wall-mounted version is firmly fixed to the wall and has no legs. Visually, it represents a rectangle sticking out of a wall.

The transforming table at first glance seems small, but thanks to a special mechanism, the size of the countertop increases. To do this, two halves of the countertop are parted on the sides, and another part appears between them. In other words, the circle suddenly turns into an oval after such manipulations, and the square version becomes a rectangular one. This model is especially convenient for one person or a small family, who often have guests.

Sliding models include coffee table, which can turn into a dining room.

There is also mobile table. It can be a familiar wooden or plastic model with furniture wheels. In addition, the compact table can be attached to the kitchen cabinet or headset by means of a guide and with its help move along the table or headset.

The modern version of the kitchen table - bar counter. It is a rectangular narrow table, fixed to the wall. However, the bar can move away from one of the walls, stretching across the kitchen. This option is preferred for spacious rooms.

The classic shape of the countertop is a rectangle. It can have sharp or rounded corners. The table is considered universal, since it can be pushed against the wall or pushed into the center of the kitchen. A similar option is appropriate in most interiors; it does not go out of fashion.

Square patterns usually purchased for small kitchens, as they are roomy and ergonomic. Like a rectangular one, such a table can be put forward in the middle of the kitchen or put along the wall.

The capacity of a circle is greater than the capacity of a rectangle of the same size. However, the round version is designed to fit no more than 8 people, because otherwise it would be excessively cumbersome. Another drawback is the inability to push the round model to the wall.

An oval table combines the advantages of a circle and a rectangle. Such a table, if desired, can be leaned against the wall, it is spacious enough and well suited for small kitchens.

If you like a round table, but at the same time your kitchen is small, pay attention to the semicircle table. It can be leaned against the wall, but at the same time the model maintains smoothness of lines.

Today you can also find triangular tables with rounded corners. They look original, especially in modern interiors. The model can be leaned against the wall or extended into the middle of the kitchen. However, at any location, such furniture will not be roomy.

The dimensions of the furniture should be such that it was comfortable for the seated, while in the kitchen there was still free space. At least 60 cm in length and 40 cm in width are required per person. At the same time, in the center of the table should be a place for common dishes.

The standard width of the kitchen table is considered to be 80-85 cm. It is not worth buying a table about 100 cm wide, even if the size of the kitchen allows. Behind such a model will be uncomfortable. A worktop with a width of less than 80 cm is also an unfortunate option, it will be crowded at the table.

The length of the furniture is selected taking into account the number of seats and the dimensions of the room. In addition, the dimensions depend on the shape of the table. So, for a rectangular version of 150 * 90 cm, a family of 4-6 people will fit, but provided that the table is not mounted on the wall. For a family of 4 people, a round table is required, the diameter of which is 100 cm. For 6 people, it is recommended to purchase wider furniture with a diameter of up to 130 cm.For a large company of 8 people it is more convenient to use a rectangular or oval table 210 * 100 cm.

In trying to seat more people at the table, it’s important to remember that there should be at least 40 cm between the chairs. Otherwise, the diners will touch each other's elbows and cause inconvenience to neighbors, rising from the table. Around the table when landing people should remain about 80-100 cm.

Consider the most common materials used for the production of dining tables.

A model made of wood is a classic, not subject to the influence of time and fashion. They are distinguished by a noble appearance and, depending on the design features, harmoniously fit into any interior. Wooden models are characterized by impact resistance, long service life.

Strong, attractive tables are obtained from these breeds, however, their cost is quite high. Soft breeds include pine, willow, alder. Models from these materials are slightly inferior in quality as analogues from oak or larch.

The disadvantage of wooden tables is considered high weight, the need for special care of the product, flammability, high cost.

Eco-friendly material that combines lightness and durability. Wicker rattan furniture looks especially good in a country house, on open verandas, as well as in the interior of eco-style.

Despite the apparent fragility, the glass model is characterized by strength, as it is made of tempered triplex. Material is different crash-worthiness and durability, and even in case of breakage it will not fly apart by a hundred traumatic fragments on the sides.

Thanks to transparency, the glass table does not clutter the kitchen, so suitable for small rooms. As a rule, glass tables are laconic in design, have metal legs.

Particleboard is a wood chip that is pressed. The result is a material that simulates boards. Modern technologies make it possible to achieve an attractive appearance and provide high moisture resistance, however, this option will still be less strong and durable than a solid wood model.

MDF also mimics wood surfaces because it is made from wood fibers. The surface of the table is veneered, which provides higher strength, moisture resistance and aesthetic appeal. The advantage of tables made of chipboard and MDF is affordability, prevalence in stores, low weight.

Modern plastic dining tables have nothing to do with those products that can sometimes be seen in street cafes and fast food outlets. Models made of plastic for the house are more attractive, durable. Thanks to modern technology, they are resistant to moisture and environmental influences, easy to care for. Today, such tables can be of any shape, performed in a different version and even with photo printing on the surface of the countertop.

Tables with stone countertops look aristocratic and respectable, invariably becoming the center of the kitchen. However, such products are suitable only for spacious rooms. The basis of the product is an artificial stone that does not have radioactive radiation, lighter and easier to care for, unlike natural stone. Usually, stone worktop combined with metal or wooden legs.

The appearance of the table also depends on the number of legs and their appearance.

• Round and oval models are usually equipped with one leg. Such furniture is stable and comfortable - the legs of the seated do not stumble on the legs of the table.

• The product on two legs is attractive in appearance, stable, but not very convenient in operation. It is impossible to sit from the end of the table, since legs are in this part.

• Three legs are usually in round or triangular patterns. The table is stable, attractive in appearance, easy to use.

• A classic option is a table with four legs. Practicality, convenience, attractive appearance - it is not for nothing that these models are most often found on sale.

A table made of dark materials looks solid, but in small rooms it can look overly bulky.

If the interior styling implies luxurious classics, the presence of antique interior items, then the best choice is a wooden model made of bog oak.

As a rule, the model is chosen to match the overall color scheme of the kitchen or they opt for darker shades of the table and chairs. The latter in this case become the accents of the kitchen, forming contrasting combinations with the other shades.

It must be combined with the color scheme of the kitchen. The same pattern on the countertop and kitchen apron looks good.

• To add airiness and lightness to the tables, white tables help.
• Models with black countertops look stylish and unusual, but are suitable for spacious, well-lit rooms.
• Yellow, as psychologists say, improves mood and appetite. But a too bright tone will be tiring, so preference should be given to golden shades or ocher color models.
• The green table is also associated with vitality, vitality. Depending on the design, it will be appropriate in a classic, modern interior, in the Art Nouveau style.
• A brown hue is considered neutral, but in the dining area it is better to combine it with white or pastel shades.
• The pink shade will add harmony, light and lightness to the room. But provided that these are light muted colors. Such furniture is especially attractive in interiors in the style of Provence, Art Nouveau, Scandinavian.
• The blue color of the countertops soothes, relaxes. Suitable for themed marine cuisines, Mediterranean interior. It goes well with white, beige, pastel colors and red details.

For a quiet modern or classic interior, you should choose a table in the same style. As a rule, these are expensive spectacular models that attract attention, or laconic and simple to finish products. In the first case, the presence of carved legs, inlays, stained glass inserts is permissible.

For the avant-garde style or interiors, Art Nouveau should choose tables with chrome or shiny surfaces, curved legs, unusual shapes and bright colors. Materials - plastic, metal, wood. Despite the possible pretentiousness of such models, tables differ in functionality.

Provence style is characterized by a combination of deliberate simplicity and even rudeness with grace. The forms are mostly simple. Cracks, aged surfaces become the highlight.

A Scandinavian-style kitchen table is cold shades (for example, bleached wood), functionality, dimensionality, stability. They do not have accessories, distracting parts. The most suitable shapes are a rectangle, square or U-shaped model.

When choosing a table, you should take into account the dimensions of the kitchen and the number of people sitting at it.If you have a small family, it makes no sense to purchase a bulky table - it will be uncomfortable at it. And in the event that guests often come, it makes sense to consider the option of buying a folding or sliding counterpart.

For a small kitchen, you can choose a folding table or a transforming table. Suitable for a small apartment and a transparent glass or plastic table. It will be roomy, but visually will not clutter up the kitchen.

For a spacious kitchen or dining room, you can choose almost any kind of table. Do not give preference to a too small model - it simply gets lost in space.

Polish companies produce tables according to European standards, take into account fashion trends, but at the same time do not overestimate prices. Thanks to this, tables from Poland delight with quality, stylish appearance and pleasant value.

Models from Germany are the strength, durability and thoughtfulness of every detail. Naturally, high quality and functionality cannot have a low cost.

Chinese and domestic tables Today they can compete with European brands. However, provided that the cost of the table is not ridiculously small. For an unreasonably low price you cannot get a quality thing.

For a large kitchen in a classic version, the optimal option was with a stone countertop, made on the principle of a bar counter. Expensive materials and the unusual shape of the countertops attract attention and bring notes of originality to this solid interior.

A modern and vibrant kitchen, the leading colors of which are light green and white. Please note that the table in this interior is white and the chairs are light green, but nevertheless they make up a single composition.

The original model, which is the center of this interior. A tabletop made of hammered boards emphasizes eco-style, while snow-white legs are combined with furniture and walls. Thanks to them, even such a massive table does not look heavy and bulky.

A beautiful illustration of the layout of a table in a small kitchen in a modern interior. The oval shape and glass countertop visually expand the space, and the saturated green color of the chairs is “friendly” with the pattern on the countertop. Refreshing and stylish.

Even a small area can be turned into a cozy and functional corner. A small round table and a corner bench along the walls resemble lovely verandas somewhere in France. The effect is enhanced by natural wood surfaces and striped textile prints.

See how to choose a kitchen table.