A dining table is a large piece of furniture that will dictate the look and feel of your dining space. Of course you want your table to be functional, but you also want something beautiful that you will be happy to sit down at day after day. Horizon Home Furniture in Atlanta has an amazing selection of unique dining tables at great prices! Read on for some tips on picking the perfect table, and stop in to our Atlanta store to browse our inventory!

Size

First things first, you have to decide on the size of dining table you need. For most people, their dining space will be the determining factor for how big of a table they can fit. Measure your space and allow for 42â€-48†between the table edge and the wall. This will leave enough room to comfortably push out your chair and maneuver around the table. Allow for this same amount of clearance between the table and any other furniture in the room, such as a buffet. Even if a table will physically fit in a space, does it seem to work visually? A great way to visualize the table in your space is to use a sheet or blanket folded to the same size as your prospective table. Lay it in your room and see how it looks with the other furniture and features of the room. Once you know what size table will fit, and look best, in your dining area, you can move on to other (more fun!) considerations.

Number of Seats

So you have a dining room that can accommodate a large table—great! You should also evaluate how many chairs you will need on a regular basis around your table. If you have a large family, or if you are frequently entertaining, you will need space for a lot of chairs. Some dining tables have a large top, but the way the legs are configured leaves very little space for chairs. Each diner will need about two feet of eating space to feel comfortable and not cramped. Make sure that the table you choose will be adequate for the number of chairs, and the size of chairs, you plan to pair it with. Some tables are expandable, and can be extended from a small circle into an oval shape that can seat 12 or more guests. If you need the flexibility of sometimes hosting a larger group, an expandable table is a great choice for you. You will also want to consider where you will store any extra, unused chairs.

Shape

So you know what size table you are looking for, and how many seats you need, now you should consider the shape. Rectangular is the most common table shape, with square, round, and oval following in popularity. A rectangular table works well in a long, narrow room and leaves space for traffic flow. Many tables get wider as they get longer, so look for something that will fill, but not crowd, your dining space. Typical rectangular dining tables will accommodate 4 diners at 4 feet long, around 8 diners at 7 feet long, and up to 12 diners around 10 to 11 feet long. A rectangular table can be ornate and traditional, or have very clean lines and work great with a modern aesthetic.

A round table works great for a smaller space, and eliminates having sharp corners to bump into. Because there are no corners, more people can fit around a smaller round table than a rectangular one. Some rooms are perfect for a round table, and if you choose a pedestal base you add in even more legroom. While round tables are great for small spaces, a really large round table makes a great statement piece. If you go large with a round table you may want to consider adding in a lazy susan to the middle so that it is easier to pass and reach food.

Square tables, like round tables, put all of the diners at equal distances from each other and can make for a more intimate dining experience. Square tables in a square room can look great and really complement the space.

There are other shapes as well, such as hexagonal or octagonal, or even triangular! While some of these look unique and interesting, you ultimately need to consider how functional they will be for sitting at and dining.

Live Edge

If you really want to step out of the box and have a truly original dining table, a live edge piece is the way to go. Horizon Home Furniture is Atlanta’s number one source for live edge furniture, and each piece is truly unique and unlike any other. Our live edge tables can have burls, knots, and wavy edges that are special and beautiful. A live edge table can be made to your specifications, and you can create the perfect size table for your needs. Check out our amazing selection of live edge furniture today!

Material

Choosing a material for your dining room table will depend on the style you are going for in your dining area. A deep, dark wood conveys a classic, traditional feel, while a slick glass topped table may be more at home in a modern dwelling. A zinc-topped table is great in an industrial space, while a table with rich woodgrain can add interest and warmth to a dining space. If you are eating three meals a day at your table, make sure it has a durable surface that can be easily cleaned. Different table materials can really change the look of your room, and if you are going for a light, airy feel make sure to stick to whites and light woods. If your dining space can handle something dark and dramatic you can choose a darker wood, or a metal or concrete look.

Height

Most dining tables come at pretty standard heights, but there can be some variations, and an inch lower or higher can make for an uncomfortable dining experience. Try out your table and preferred chairs in person to see if they are comfortable, and at the right height for dining. Some dining tables come in a counter-height that can be great for delineating a dining space from the surrounding room. These tables are usually difficult for small children to navigate, so think of how different height tables will work for your lifestyle.

Now that you are armed with some guidelines, you are ready to pick out a great table! Horizon Home Furniture in Atlanta has an amazing selection of great dining room tables, and dining room sets, and our inventory is constantly changing! Come visit our showroom to find a table that is the perfect size, height, color, and material!