What type of dining table is best?

united4ever

Got a dining area next to pen plan kitchen 3m x 2.83 m is the dining area. We had a big circular dining table but it absolutely dominates this space so thinking of something smaller, square and more clever. Looking at a few tables with bench seats and some other ones where the chairs really tuck under the table. We have 2 kids (2 and 5).

What type of dining tables work best and do not take up too much space?

We do have a breakfast bar seperating the kitchen and dining area so looking to add a couple of stools on the dining area side of it too.

Bit exhaustive but some considerations so far are below:


http://www.gumtree.com/p/dining-tables-chairs/ikea-fusion-dining-table-and-chair-set/1082240761

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/70290223/

http://www.glasswells.co.uk/kenley-space-saver-dining-table/p6810#tdesc_1

http://www.oakfurnituresuperstore.co.uk/ranges/parisian/parisian-130cm-shabby-chic-dining-table-with-chairs-and-benches.html

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-4-ft-Farmhouse-Solid-Pine-Kitchen-Dining-Table-and-Chairs-Bench-Painted-F-B/151241822302?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140122125356%26meid%3Dfaa4d60814f748a2bb21726c96d222bb%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D20140122125356%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D151241887335&rt=nc

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chunky-Rustic-Solid-Shabby-Chic-Dining-and-Coffee-Tables-Chairs-benches-and-tv-/181512278215?pt=UK_Home_Garden_DiningRoomFurniture_SM&hash=item2a42f990c7

http://www.gumtree.com/p/dining-tables-chairs/shabby-chic-table-bench-and-2-chairs/1082223217

http://www.gumtree.com/p/dining-tables-chairs/space-saving-dining-table-and-chairs/1079121431

cinnamon442

We got this one:

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/10116811/

It's genius. It's a solid square four person table but extends into an eight person table when needed. You can also only extend it on one side to make it a six-seater so if you need more table room but don't want to extend it all the way out, this is perfect. It also doesn't have leaves you need to pull out and store somewhere else and it fits neatly into a corner of our living room with some standard chairs tucked underneath.

G_M

Generally they work best if aproximately 4 feet high, with at least 4 legs for stability, and large enough to accomodate the number of people who intend to use them.

Apart from that, you are asking an impossible (and, to be blunt, stupid) question.

Everyone has a different budget. And different taste. Some want utilitarian, some want antique. Depends if to be used by adults, kids or both? And how well trained those kids are. And what else is in the room.

etc etc etc ETC

Personally, I like

http://www.webberleyantiques.co.uk/p557/17th-century-oak-refectory-dining-table.html

Elfbert

We've got this one, to save space. We love it. Keep it folded up when there's just the two of us, open it out for guests. We've got the bench, too.

http://www.futoncompany.co.uk/tables-desk-chairs/oak-console-table-en.html

midnight_child

I would go for this one.

http://www.homeleisuredirect.com/pool_tables/pool_dining_tables/billards-montfort-lewis-pool-table.html

Elsewhere

You could buy a very narrow dropleaf table, eg


and hang your chairs on the wall like the Shakers!


When not in use you'd have room to play Twister!

xoAmyox

I had the folding IKEA table previously and would keep one side up at all times. The problem is that two chairs don't fit under it neatly because of the gate-leg.
It served a purpose but I don't think it would stand up to the daily use of a family with more than one child. Ours was more occasional use.

I later got this table:

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/10116811/

And it was brilliant, much more sturdy, neat and lasted us really well!

Mallotum_X

eat off the floor, problem solved

Alister_Nickson

A rectangular table is the most traditional choice but works just as well in a modern setting as it does in one that’s steeped in history.

ellie27

As its a narrow space that you have then I say you need to have a rectangular table.

ManuelG

Alister_Nickson wrote: »

A rectangular table is the most traditional choice but works just as well in a modern setting as it does in one that’s steeped in history.

If they haven't picked their table after two years, they never will.