How to choose a dining table in the living room: useful tips, styles and recommendations

Dinner table - an integral part of the living room or the kitchen. This piece of furniture has an important multifunctional purpose. The mood of the closest people, comfort in the house, even the appetite is due to a properly selected dining table. How to choose a large dining table in the living room from a variety of different materials, color schemes, decor?

Recently, has become popular the transition of the dining area from the kitchen to the living room. This solution is suitable for owners small kitchens and in the absence of housing resources for a separate dining room. In this case, the right way to buy a seating table is a key point in creating a design project for a room for guests and food. Thus, at first a table is bought, and then the general concept of the interior decoration of the dining-living room is already built. Chairs are selected, additional furniture and interior details, dressers, shelves, shelving and more.

How to buy a dining table?

Preparation of a sketch plan of the room

We create a sketch of the living room, where we sketch out all the pieces of furniture, windows, doors. Such a picture will help you quickly navigate in the shape and size of the dining table.

The standard height of the dining table is about 70-75 cm. Given the free space in the “dining room”, the number of people in the family, and, most importantly, the size of available finances, you will need to determine the dining area of ​​the table.

Allocation of the "dining" area in the living room

Often in the living room you can independently arrange the dining area, thanks to special visual techniques:

• Carpet. Usually in living rooms the territory is divided into a dining room and a soft sofa. By placing furniture in a certain corner and putting next carpet, you will create a kind of soft “island” and this living area will be perceived separately;
• Partition, screenany curtain, wallpapering a certain wall. This is the most suitable method of separating space, suitable for large, roomy living rooms. For this purpose, you can put large flowerpots, shelving, original screens, tubs with plants;
• Flooring various materials, color shades, textures. Allows you to visually separate the dining part of the hall from the recreation area.

Also, these techniques can be combined and used simultaneously.

Calculating the size of the dining table in the living room

Necessary take into account the dimensions of the roomso that the table is placed rationally - it is not small and not too massive.

The norms provide for 60-70 cm of the width of the table for each person. Mentally put all the household members at the table and calculate the minimum size of the dining table.

Usually standard size countertops It is 60 * 120 or 80 * 120 cm. There should also be a space for free movement and a place for chairs.

Choosing a dining table shape

Square dining table

A compact table measuring 80 * 80 fits perfectly into the interior of a small apartment. Square tables are so convenient that they can be easily moved close to the wall or save space and place in the corner. A soft “island” and a square-shaped table within small living roomhall or kitchen.

Rectangular Dining Table

Tables with this form of countertops are the most common, they fit into almost any interior of the living room. This table embodies the architectural and construction template, because the room is also rectangular. A rectangular product will “fit” more people than a similar square or round one.

Round dining table

For a family of four, a suitable diameter for a piece of furniture is 1-1.5 meters. Particularly captivating is that at the round dining table, everyone sitting looks at each other. Such a key feature is a household name - they often say, “you need to meet or talk at a round table.”

Oval dining table

The oval dining table as well as the round one is more rational to place in a spacious, large living room. Each person sitting at such a table needs to be “given” approximately 70-80 cm of “freedom”. In addition, the absence of angles pleases - injuries are reduced, especially where there are babies.

Extendable dining table

The traditional sliding dining table increases the dining area by a third with the help of a lifting insert board underneath the shifted double worktop. The folding seating table is more convenient to push together.

Advanced Extendable Dining Table

Having moved one of the parts of the table, the mechanism is activated, and the second and all subsequent parts will advance automatically. In the countertop aperture, a special insert immediately rises and opens, assembled under the table in the form of separate parts. You can find such a table in a specialized furniture salon.

Convertible dining table

It is also possible to equip the dining area with the help of functional "transformers". Dining table-transformers for the living room have sliding and folding mechanisms, lifting and folding panels. Such tables are most often purchased for studio apartments, stylish creative kitchens. The high cost of transforming tables is due to the expensive modern and high-quality furniture sliding fittings.

Dining table "Butterfly" (transformer stand)

For less well-off families, the budget option is perfect - a transformer stand with drawers (usually 6-8 pieces). In a small apartment, usually such a compact stand is folded. If necessary, as well as for special occasions, the transformer stand is located in the center of the hall or living room. The panels rise and rest on the folding legs, and thus, a full-fledged dining table that seats 10-12 people.

Living Room Dining Table Material

Wooden dining table

Adherents of traditions will prefer natural wood. Tables made of oak, ash, cherry, birch will serve faithfully for many years. A high-quality dining table made of solid wood looks very expensive and, by the way, is also worth it.

For the "average" buyer, tables made of less expensive tree species - beech, pine, larch, are suitable. The countertop can be made of chipboard or MDF and coated with natural valuable veneer.

Benefits wooden dining tables - non-toxic, safe, due to the processing of protective substances normally tolerate temperature extremes, exposure to moisture and chemicals, mechanical stress.

When operating varnished tables, it is advisable to cover them with a tablecloth - this will protect the tabletop from cracking and varnishing.

Glass dining table

Modern glass models of dining tables are perfect for the interior decoration of the living room. Typically, these tables are combined: the legs and the base frame are made of metal or wood, and the “cover” is made of high-strength laminated glass.

The advantages of glass dining tables - reliability, style, beauty, lightness. Remember that the specific sound that occurs when touching dishes with a glass "roof" is not very pleasant, so buy special stands, napkins, and bedding in advance.

It is advisable to put the glass table in the living room, made in the proper style - high tech either modern.

Rattan dining table

Recently, wicker rattan tables or its synthetic substitute. The wicker table can be supplemented with metal elements - legs, frame, corners or a glass top.

The benefits of rattan dining tables - environmental safety, ease, reliability, durability, resistance to temperature changes, exposure to various substances and water.

Plastic dining table

When buying a modern dining table made of plastic, the main thing to pay attention to is the quality of the plastic itself. Plastic furniture is lightweight, it can be conveniently and compactly stored without problems.

Advantages of plastic dining tables:ease of construction, resistance to damp, temperature extremes, unpretentiousness in leaving, a variety of forms, various color schemes and drawings.

Artificial stone dining table

Using this new polymer, you can simulate a coating of any material - marble, onyx, granite, as well as a wooden slice. Fake diamond It is divided into acrylic, agglomerate and molding (liquid stone). Such tables weigh less than a natural counterpart, look stylish, luxurious and at the same time are available for ordinary customers.

The advantages of living room dining tables made of artificial stone:durability, long life, beautiful appearance, environmentally friendly raw materials, a variety of colors and configurations, simple maintenance, if necessary, you can make grinding, a decent value for money.

But it’s worth noting limitations “Artificial” stone countertops: hot utensils and utensils cannot be placed on an acrylic countertop; do not use abrasive detergents when cleaning them.

Dining table styles for living rooms

Today it is possible to buy a dining table in a huge variety of styles, forms and directions. Consider the main ones.

High-tech dining table

A modern style that combines a kind of "know-how" and various artificial materials. Usually wood is not used here, but preference is given to glass, metal in a set with plastic. High-tech style involves the combination of forms, materials and decorative elements. For example, the glass "lid" of the table rests on a forged chrome leg of elaborate form.

Classic dining table

In the creation of classic dining tables for the living room, all traditions are observed - elegance, reliability, practicality, solidity, and sometimes monochrome with the interior. The leader among the materials used is solid wood or veneer (online). For example, a classic dark wood dining table combined with simple wooden chairs with fancy carvings.

Dining table Provence

Natural French style is characterized by soft, pastel colors, softness, airiness, comfort. Provence style combines imitation of antique and rustic lightness. For example, an elegant countertop made of light wood and ornately curved metal legs create an indescribable French atmosphere in the living room.

Loft Dining Table

A large, stylish, solid dining table, usually located in the center of the room. Expensive materials are used in this style, so loft tables are quite expensive. This furniture product can be of any shape, size and made of any material, and at the same time combine “rudeness”, coziness and comfort.

Modern dining table

Currently, Art Nouveau living tables have become quite popular. The modernized style is a modern rough processing of wood, the use of artificial aging. For example, a rectangular dining table made of wood with metal or glass support.

Dining table in ethnic style

Originality, simplicity, practicality and dim, muted natural colors. Country style is a large dining table made of solid wood. Most often, ethnic tables are purchased for cottages, country houses. Buying a dining table for a city apartment means having a spacious living room. For example, a wooden tabletop and a support made of artificial stone. Country table will create a kind of foundation for home comfort and family hearth.

Dining table overpass

The surface of a folding dining table stands on two legs formed by several sets of boards. The design of the table allows it to be moved apart, thereby increasing the size of the countertop. For example, a rectangular "cover" on the pillar-support made of metal or wood, interconnected by a crossbar. The style of the "flyover" living room table has long been outdated, but it is more appropriate to use it to create a relaxed atmosphere in a friendly company.

Eco-friendly dining table

Specificity eco style is to eliminate any fuss that accompanies the urban rhythm of life. Eco-style is a natural crystal purity, the use of natural materials, the simplicity of lines and the clarity of unpretentious forms. For example, a simple wooden dining table, without any decorations and decorative frills.

A selection of chairs for the living room table

Having preferred a dining table, in design and analogy we choose chairs for it. You can buy chairs separately from the table, thereby conducting an experiment and creating your own unique style of living room. For example, combine a traditional wooden table with unusual modern glass chairs.

Please note that in addition to beauty and design creativity, chairs should be comfortable and ergonomic for long sitting in them. Pay attention to the height of the chairs and the dining table, they should harmoniously fit together.

Features of placing a dining table in the living room

Well-chosen table and chairs for the living room will create comfort and attract attention as a single stylish ensemble.

What you need to know when placing a dining table for the living room or hall?

• dining tables are never set next to the exit;
• kitchen and dining tables are also not accepted to be placed in the corner of the room;
• the territory of "food absorption" must be distinguished from the surrounding space;
• think about special decorative lighting - An unusual glass lamp with a dim light will give coziness and romance to your banquet “gatherings”.