Dining Table

A dining table is a table used for eating, usually located in the dining room of a home. Except for rare examples, dining tables have a symmetrical shape, and are round, square, rectangular, or oval. Some tables have a drop leaf—an extra panel (or panels) hidden under or inside the tabletop—to expand the dining surface.

Fast Facts:

1. First used on a wide scale by Greeks and Romans
2. Common uses: dining, entertaining, catch-all for clutter
3. Made from: woods, metals (particularly steel), marble, glass, synthetics (such as Formica)
4. Price range: $50 to $10,000

History

The first known widespread use of common tables for eating was by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Dining tables of the Victorian era were often designed with a high degree of ornamentation. While having a separate kitchen and dining table was once considered a luxury, dining tables were mass produced in the mid-20th Century to feed the demands of a growing middle-class.

Buying Guide

Measure your dining room, or whatever space that's meant to house the table. Keep these dimensions handy while shopping. Note that in order to fit chairs between the wall and the table, you'll need at least three feet of clearance. Consider how much tabletop space you'll need—even a small table should be no less than three feet long in its narrowest dimension, unless it's for use by only one person. Each diner will require around 24-inches of space, width-wise.

Peruse a number of models before buying. You'll most likely be living with your table for years. You don't want one that's either impractical or an eyesore.

Top Brands

1. IKEA
2. Ethan Allen
3. Broyhill Furniture
4. Drexel Heritage Furniture

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