What are the different types of dining tables? Welcome to our Free 2021 guide!
To understand why there are so many different types of dining tables we have to realise that Dining tables are probably the essential piece of home furniture we all need.
Why? Well, it is the only piece that we all share daily.
It brings everyone together, and everyone uses it in the same way.
No matter where you’ve been and what you’ve had to endure, the dining table is the place to let your hair down, have a good meal and catch up with everyone’s else day.
Now, when you’re living at home with the family, you probably know what size of table you need.
You might even have an idea about the theme, as this will probably be according to your dining room design unless you plan a complete makeover!
However, one thing which might still throw you a bit is the type of table to buy.
Which type of dining table would suit your needs more?
How about a glass or a marble one?
Or will a traditional wooden table do?
Well, this article will give you a detailed breakdown of the differences between these three most common types of dining tables and help you make your decision easier.
Type of Table: Marble Dining Table
Amongst the most recent upsurge in popular dining tables is the marble table.
Marble is one of the most expensive materials when it comes to quality dining tables. This is because marble is not a material that is easily modelled.
Many processes go into making these marble dining tables to attain the highest standard of quality. If you are looking for a high-end table piece, this material is the one for you.
Despite the expense, there are many benefits to choosing marble dining tables.
Beauty of marble
- Marble dining room tables have an exquisite look. And if your dining room has a niche or nook area, they are perfect for candle-lit dinners.
- When choosing this type of table, you can be assured that it will make any dining room look elegant.
- Some marble tables have other materials embedded in, like oak or walnut, to achieve a grandeur look for further enhancements.
- We also have some tables that have marble bases/pedestals with a clear glass tabletop.
- Modern marble tables are available in many different colours, i.e. White marble tables, black tables, grey marble, brown and cream marble.
Marble longevity with wear and tear
Another benefit of using the marble material is that you, unlike wooden tables, won’t have to worry about the table chipping away.
Sometimes a wooden table might be damaged in a way small parts of the table chip away. As marble is far stronger, this is much more difficult to occur.
Also with other material types, the table can wear and tear quite significantly with time. You won’t have to deal with this when you choose marble over a cheaper alternative.
Another great benefit of choosing a marble table over other types of dining tables is that they are incredibly durable.
Because of the marble top, it is much less likely to be broken during use. This means that you will not have to replace your dining table often, which is what you want as a long term investment.
In fact, Marble tables can last generations, so you should view them as a real investment.
Some disadvantages of marble tables:
As wonderful as they are, Marble dining tables do have a couple of minor drawbacks.
Firstly:
- Due to their inherent nature, marble tables are more difficult to fashion than wooden tables. Hence why there are many different wooden designs available.
- Secondly, marble is expensive, so these tables generally have a higher price tag. Though if you see it as an investment, then in the long-tern you could save money.
- Another drawback is that these tables are heavy! – Yes, so unless you’re built like the Oak (excuse the pun), these tables are heavy to move. So make sure you know exactly where you want it and get the delivery drivers to be it put it straight there.
- So keep in mind, these tables are not as easy to move around compared to glass and wooden tables.
- Repair and long term damage – Small scuffs, scratches or chips aren’t so much of a problem. However, if you have a deep crack or breakage, there is no way to fix it. The table might need replacing.
How to look after your Marble Dining Table
Another thing to consider when purchasing dining tables is maintenance.
Marble is very easy to maintain. You need to wipe it down after use with a damp cloth or paper towel.
If you have any spillages, then use a special marble cleaner to wipe them away.
Surface wipes for dining tables
Most marble tables come sealed, so the stone will not absorb any liquid stains etc. However, it is still advised to wipe up the spills as soon as possible to prevent any staining or longer-lasting damage.
Marble Sealant
Since caring for a marble dining table is straightforward, you should consider this a significant benefit.
Marble Table Designs
And finally, another great feature of marble tables is the finish and design.
They are available in many different styles, colours, sizes and shapes!
For example, if you are interested in having your table look more like a natural stone, you can opt for the natural veining finish on the marble table.
You will also find that this type of finish has more of a realistic effect on the light. Thus, it is a much better option for those trying to get the true look of a natural stone table.
Or you can go for a dark grey or black marble table for the slick, cool look!
Regardless of what type of finish you choose on your marble table, you will enjoy the benefits of owning one.
It is highly durable, easy to care for, and looks fantastic.
You can even choose to add additional decorations to your tables, such as candles, frames etc.
So if you are looking for an exquisite addition to your dining room- a marble table could be the way forward!
Ok, so next up are glass dining tables.
Glass Dining Tables
Glass tables are the quintessential modern statement in a dining room. They are easy to look at and can go with any background colour scheme.
Available in many different shapes, sizes, and colours, glass tables are increasingly becoming very popular in dining rooms up and down the country.
If you want to change your dining room’s look but are unsure how to, glass tabletops might do the trick!
Aside from being light and easily customisable, a glass tabletop is also very easy to clean.
So if you have a cafe theme at home and have your dining area set up like a restaurant, you can choose a glass top table.
This will allow you to serve yummy coffee and desserts for your guests and visitors.
Although some modern designs might seem a bit expensive, it is a very wise investment.
Not only will it last for a very long period, but it will also provide you and your family with a very safe surface to eat from.
Your guests will love the fact that your table looks very beautiful, and it will never shatter due to tableware being dropped on it.
Types of Glass Dining Tables
There are many different types of glass dining tables on the market. For example:
- Tempered glass dining tables – Built to last. An excellent option for families with young and the elderly.
- Frosted glass tables – Rather than having a plain tabletop – these frosted designs add a bit more verve to our dining experience!
- Clear glass tables – For the purist! – A clear crystal glass top is an excellent minimalistic statement!
- Designed glass tables – Fancy a floral design? Or an etched picture? These tables are for the artist inside you!
- Coloured glass tables – Black glass tables, Blue tint glass tables and more. Coloured tables are increasingly becoming popular!
So every style has various designs that would fit into your present decor and current dining theme.
Benefits of owning a glass dining table
If you opt to get a table with tempered glass, you can be assured that it will have many benefits:
- Glass tables are generally ult with strengthened glass – This assures that there will be no nasty accidents, especially if you have the elderly or young kids around.
- Good glass tabletop can last anywhere from five to ten years. So it is a worthy investment.
- Of course, durability does not mean that the table would look perfect every single day. It merely means that the table will generally have a long life and hopefully be a worthy investment.
- With a bit of TLC, the shine will not fade, and it will withstand everyday wear and tear.
- Much easier to pick up stains on glass tables than on other materials
- If you have a spillage on a glass top table, it’s incredibly easy to wipe it up without any lasting effect.
Some people are a little more creative when it comes to designing their dining room. If you want a glass tabletop that will be eye-catching no matter what, you might want to consider getting a clear table.
These come in a variety of different shapes and can blend in perfectly with any colour scheme. They can also be used as a dessert buffet if you are planning a party!
Some disadvantages of glass tables:
First of all, even though tempered glass is solid, hardwood and marble are more durable.
This is one reason, compared to dining tables made of wood and metal, glass tops are not that expensive at all.
Sometimes glass tables do have a chilly feeling to them. The glass can get a bit cold during the winter months.
If you’re not careful when moving them around, you could accidentally chip the bevelled edges.
Maintaining Glass Dining Tables
Glass tables are probably the easiest to clean.
A warm damp cloth easily removes any smudges, and a cleaning spray will remove any stubborn stains.
With tempered glass, you do not need to worry about scratches and cracks.
The glass tops are usually resting on well-built legs, pedestals or bases. These can also be easily wiped, and access is typically no problem too.
All in all, glass tables are an excellent option for your dining room.
Wooden Dining Tables
Wooden dining tables are the classic choice.
Available in many different types of woods, they can be shaped into many designs and styles.
The most popular wooden tables include maple or oak, walnut, redwood, cedar and pine.
However, due to differences in grain patterns and hardness, each type of wood can result in distinctive and intricate table designs.
The standard shape is usually a simple rectangular table without any legs and usually no head support. Some tables have drop leaves and are called gable tables.
What is the best wood for a dining table?
There are many different types of woods used in manufacturing dining tables.
From softer woods to hardwoods, light to dark grains. Each different wood has a distinctive character that brings its benefits and highlights to its table.
Types of Wood used for Dining Tables
Here we will give you a quick breakdown of the most common woods and their features.
Namely:
- Pine
- Oak
- Walnut
- Maple
- Reclaimed
- Ash
- Beech
- Teak
- Mango and more
Pinewood for dining tables
Pinewood is generally known as softwood. But don’t let this fact let you think it is weak in any way.
It has a great deal of stiffness and resistance to shock. It has durable strength and good elasticity, giving it the perfect furniture-making properties, especially dining tables.
It is usually lighter than hardwood and has dark knots, giving it a distinctive design.
Its natural properties enable it to be styled in a variety of designs.
Generally, Pinewood is also cheaper than its hardwood counterparts.
Oak Dining Tables
Oak dining tables are amongst the most common hardwood tables in Europe.
It is a tough, hefty, and long-lasting wood. It is often cut in a way that makes it resistant to warping.
It has an appealing light colour with a noticeable grain and is resistant to fungal attack due to its solid constitution and long-lived character.
Oak tables are beautiful and available in a variety of designs.
Buying an Oak dining table won’t break the bank, too; they are available from budget to moderately priced tables.
Walnut Dining tables
Walnut tables, like Oak tables, are robust and resistant to warping.
These tables have a straight uneven grain and are resilient to significant shrinkage.
Specific walnut tables are also repellent to decay, so a good long term investment.
Walnut is a more expensive wood than others; however, you can still find some great deals, and with their natural properties, they definitely are an investment for the future.
Maple Top Dining Tables
High-end furniture, flooring, cabinets, and kitchen items are all made from maple wood. This is why this wood is an excellent choice for traditional and extending wooden tables.
One of its great advantages is that of its distinctive colour, smooth grain, and strength. The heartwood is light reddish-brown with deeper-coloured late-wood bands.
A fine choice if you have an upscaled budget for your dining table.
Ash Dining Tables
Ash dining tables, like Pine tables, are lighter in colour and have a straight grain for a uniform look.
Ashwood has various furniture uses due to its durability and flexibility, and its dining tables are an ideal choice for furnishing your dining area.
You can purchase one at a reasonable price if you have a limited budget.
Beech Dining Tables
Beech is a wood that is sturdy, robust, and weighty. It has a uniform texture and a tiny, tight grain. It is a popular wood for furniture and will provide warmth to your space.
It’s a great wood to polish because of its smooth surface.
The price of a beech dining table generally starts at a low to a modest level.
Teak Dining Tables
If you are after an all-natural champion, then teak wood is the business.
It’s one of the rare woods on the planet with natural oils that repel water, preventing warping, splitting, and brittleness.
The grain varies from straight, as seen in the best Burma teak, to wavy-grained, as found in Indian teak.
Top-end teak dining tables can be expensive, but you can still buy long-lasting budget versions in various styles.
Mango Dining Tables
Despite being a highly grained hardwood, it is also softer than other hardwoods such as Oak.
Mango Wood dining tables have a distinctive texture that makes it flexible enough to build a variety of furniture.
Another benefit of mango wood is that it is extremely sustainable due to its development as a fruit tree, making it less expensive than hardwood alternatives.
Reclaimed Wood Dining Tables
Reclaimed wood is wood that has been remanufactured after being removed from its original purpose.
Most of our reclaimed furniture is wood from 100+year old traditional furniture and carpentry.
Ecologically friendly; When you utilise recycled wood, you reduce the need for new wood, which helps to reduce deforestation.
Reclaimed wood, when collected sustainably, is a renewable resource that decreases landfill waste and the use of hazardous materials in the manufacturing of new items.
Benefits of owning a wooden dining table
From the many different types of dining tables, wood has several advantages over other materials for use in tabletops.
For one thing, it is far more durable than most other options.
If care is taken to preserve the wood, it should last a long time. The best care is to keep it out of direct sunlight and to protect it, you always add a layer of lacquer, though most dining tables come with this as standard.
Wooden tables are easier to move around than heavier marble tables, and the care of the table itself will be less complicated.
If care is taken, a solid wood table can be moved from room to room, if needed, without any additional support.
Wood furniture is popular because it allows for a great variety of styles and designs. The pieces can be unfinished, cut to the desired shape and size, sanded to rough or smooth surfaces, and painted.
Some of the more popular tabletop styles include a rectangular, half-moon, or L-shaped arrangement.
Some tabletops are finished with a variety of different effects. These finishes are achieved by buffing or finishing the surface with special tools.
Besides adding various effects to the tabletop surface, these finishes can also add a unique appearance to the furniture itself.
The tabletop itself will be completely smooth, while the legs and corners may have bevelled edges.
Wooden dining tables can always be sanded down and repainted or stained for a fresher look!
Disadvantages of Wooden dining tables.
Wooden tables are seen as old fashioned and more adept to traditional settings rather than modern.
If you damage the table, it will need sealing with oil and protective lacquer; otherwise, the table could start warping later if exposed to liquids.
Another thing to be careful about is that if the table is cracked, it needs to be looked at early; otherwise, the crack could extend and render the table unusable.
Cleaning and maintaining Wooden Dining Tables
Wooden tables are also reasonably easy to maintain.
A quick wipe soaks up any split liquids, and there are many cleaning sprays available to clean stains and grime off the table.
The lacquer helps keep the surface intact to ensure a long life.
Cleaning the rest of the table is easy; just a warm cloth or spray and wipe around the body.
Hardwood tables generally last a very long time, so they are a real investment.
So what is the best type of dining table?
The best type of dining table for you boils down to your personal preference, your budget, the space of your dining area and the dining theme you are furnishing.
If you already have a well-designed dining theme and do not want to disturb it, then the decision on the type of table you want will be easier to make. Just fit in the best kind of dining table for your present decor, and you’re done.
If you are trying to furnish a newly renovated dining room, you can decide on any style that suits your budget and space.
Traditional themes usually incorporate wooden tables whilst modern rooms lend themselves to glass tables and even more marble dining tables.
However, there can always be a criss-cross, depending on your style!
Types of Dining Sets
Tables and chairs are included in many dining sets. These are meant to be used in conjunction with one another.
Many wooden tables and chairs with similar designs may be found.
To complement the elegant marble patterns, most marble dining sets incorporate leather or chrome-styled seats.
PVC or leather seats are commonly used with glass tables.
Fabric chairs, on the other hand, may appear incredibly elegant when paired with glass tables.
Final words
We hope you have found this article helpful in deciding the best types of dining tables for you and your dining room.
