We’ve just discovered this beautiful, contemporary, solid oak dining table. We identified several alternatives that also looked great, so why did this particular design come out on top?
Choosing a solid oak dining table
Here we discuss a few points on why, as interior designers, we selected this solid oak dining table.
- It’s pedestal-type base means that you can position chairs without table legs being in the way. This is particularly useful when entertaining large numbers.
- It is a solid oak dining table as opposed to an oak veneer. Some of the veneered alternatives looked great in photos, but closer examination revealed lipping around the edges. The tables were well made, but lipping highlights the fact that it is not solid.
- Price is important. Given the budget available here, it seemed right to spend on solid wood rather than a veneer. In fact, some of the veneered tables were more expensive.
- The number of regular diners is an obvious factor when deciding the dimensions of a dining table. In this case, Christmas and birthdays are the only occasions when 16 -20 diners are present. Extra tables from elsewhere in the house could be brought in to cater for the additional numbers, so there was no need to have an extending table.
- Width is also a consideration. Dining at a table only 750mm wide feels cramped and you have to squeeze serving dishes into the middle. Many new dining tables are around 900mm wide, which is fine.
- As for styling and craftsmanship, this table just looks fantastic.
Pros and cons of an extendable dining table
We mentioned above that this is not extendable dining table. Extendable tables are a great idea in principle giving flexibility throughout the year. However, there are a few points to remember:
- The extended dimensions needs to be sensible. We saw good designs that extended from, 1.8m to 2.1m to 2.4m as the leaves opened progressively. However, one stylish table that we investigated jumped from 2m straight to 3m, which was too large.
- The way in which a table extends needs to look right. In some designs that we examined, the two main halves separated left and right to reveal the stowed sections in the middle. You then lift these into place, and the table remains symmetrical. Others have leaves which slide out at each end, again maintaining symmetry. Then there is a third design in which a leaf slides out at one end only. If you’re tempted by a table that opens at one end, take a moment to check that it looks right – the lack of symmetry of the top can look a bit odd.
- The stowed leaves of a wooden/ veneered table will darken at a different rate to the rest of the wood which is exposed to sunlight for much longer periods. You will end up with a table of different colours. This is why some models have a stowed centre section made of a completely different material.
There are thousands of dining tables on the market; different wood finishes, plastic, glass, black, white; the choice is endless. The style and decor of the room, its chairs and other features will have a bearing on which table to choose. For us, this carved masterpiece was exactly right. If you agree with our choice, you may care to read more about our stylish dining room designs.
