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Come dine with me: Your guide to dining table styles
Katie Adema, February
2016
Your dining room table needs to shine in both form and function – which is what can make choosing the perfect style for your dining space a bit tricky!
Of course, a super practical approach is always an option – this process can be as simple as measuring your dining space and just picking a table that fits the size requirements and is solid and sturdy enough to last a few years.
But for the more aesthetic conscious among us, exploring all the possible styles of dining room tables is a definite must before making a final decision.
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Round tables are often the best choice for smaller spaces – the shape encourages easy conversation between guests, as it is a more intimate having everyone seated in a circle. The shapes also promotes visual unity in the design of the room and breaks up linear shapes that can dominate the interior landscape.
You could also take a modern approach and opt for fashion forward square, oval or octagonal shapes – be bold and complement the unusual shape with some brightly coloured or mismatched chairs.
[Tweet "There are no rules when it comes to individual style!"]
Classic shapes for all
Round and rectangular shapes are the most classic style of dining table for a reason – these suit the majority of dining spaces and are best for accommodating larger gatherings of people. Rectangular tables offer the huge advantage of being able to be extended a much more easily than most other shapes with an extra small table added onto the end. It is also a visually appealing shape, as it is clean and linear, which can elongate a room.![elegant-dining-room-round-dining-table](https://resimac-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/Project/Resimac/Shared/News/WP/2016/02/3959.jpg?rev=3c8054045b2d4d0c9c610b863845e9c3&hash=5D386ECE2C1DA0F41A8563228101D846)
Show me what you’re made of
Material choice is just as important as shape – and of course, the two need to complement each other. Traditional living spaces, or even modern spaces with earthy elements, will be complemented beautifully by a dining table made from solid timber. Whether you prefer dark or light hues, natural timbers offer a huge variety of colours and textures, and will last a lifetime. (Especially important for growing families!) If traditional timber isn’t your thing, never fear – there are an array of man-made materials to choose from, durable hard plastics like acrylic, and even various metals if you are inclined towards an industrial style. A table that includes a mixture of material, such as aged timber and rustic metal, can also provide some visual interest and impact in your dining space.![modern-dining-table-overlooking-kitchen](https://resimac-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/Project/Resimac/Shared/News/WP/2016/02/3957.jpg?rev=d5b1d26f7a1847c1a120909a386216d8&hash=081A8715831A73551AACC3E900DFFA70)