If you enjoy entertaining guests, having an elegant dining table is key. Luckily, there is an array of options available that can cater to both larger and smaller spaces.
But which outdoor dining table should you purchase? Here are a few key aspects to bear in mind when searching for an outdoor dining table, including material, shape and seating capacity.
1. Material
A dining table must be durable enough for long hours of use and provide sufficient seating comfort, in addition to looking good aesthetically. Therefore, when considering different materials as potential purchases it’s essential that all options be thoroughly evaluated prior to making a final decision.
There are a range of all-weather materials that stand up well to outdoor conditions, including aluminum and synthetic wicker. Residents living near coastal regions might prefer rustproof furniture made of materials like teak with natural oils that protect it against moisture and mold growth.
Plastics and synthetic materials make an excellent option for weatherproof furniture. Many styles feature colors that mimic other materials to match your design aesthetic; you should also ensure the pieces you select can withstand strong winds.
2. Size
Size matters when it comes to creating the look and feel of any space, as well as for how well the dining area functions – be it intimate family meals or large dinner parties.
Finding the ideal dining table size requires careful consideration of mathematical proportions and dimensions, traffic flow and seating capacity, as well as traffic flow management. Our comprehensive guide gives you data-driven insight to help make an informed and confident decision.
Ideal is leaving at least three feet between your table and any nearby wall or piece of furniture, to allow for comfortable circulation around dining chairs as well as space for servers to come and go freely from their stations. To expand seating capacity further, consider purchasing an extension table with hinged or drop leaf designs which easily accommodates additional guests.
3. Style
Your outdoor dining table should fit seamlessly with the design and aesthetic of your home and garden, providing the optimal dining experience. Look for designs, shapes, and styles that reflect your individuality as a designer and reflect how much fun dining outdoors should be!
Consider your dining table material carefully when choosing it for its aesthetic and durability. Wood tables offer natural strength and warmth, yet require periodic upkeep to keep looking their best. Metal options like aluminium, steel and wrought iron provide considerable durability with endless design potential; however, without proper treatment they may rust over time.
Before purchasing any dining table for your home, take the time to assess its configuration, identify an ideal shape and material suitable to your climate as well as budgetary considerations. Colder’s offers our Best Price Guarantee so that you get maximum value from your furniture purchase.
4. Seating Capacity
Knowledge of your table’s seating capacity is both practical and aesthetic; it determines how many people can sit comfortably at once without feeling cramped, as well as having an effect on how your dining room flows. To assess how big of a dining table your space can accommodate, start by measuring length and width – an ideally there should be at least 36″ between its edge and any walls or furniture so that chairs can easily be pulled out and moved around freely.
If there are doors or other obstacles near your dining table, it is also essential that enough clearance be given so they can open and close without interference from chairs. At least 30″ is suggested as minimum clearance distance.
5. Storage
Finding the ideal outdoor furniture requires more than simply shopping for pieces that can withstand different climate conditions; comfort, style and functionality should all play into the decision process. If you live in an area prone to strong winds, for instance, consider investing in quick-drying outdoor rugs to provide cushioning against potential damage or being swept away from your furniture.
Maintaining furniture correctly to extend its lifespan is also key, including protecting it during inclement weather conditions and storing it indoors during the winter. To make life even simpler, opt for dining tables with built-in storage solutions such as drawers to store seldom used items while remaining easily accessible.
