Dining Tables
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Modern and contemporary dining tables
When it comes to designing a contemporary dining room, the most important part is choosing your dining table. While there is no one right choice, the dining table is the piece around which you make the rest of your design decisions. To find the best dining table for you, there are three things to consider: the size and how many people you would like to seat around your dining table, what shape would best fit your aesthetic, and what material would make the most sense.
Dining table size
The simplest but most important question about your modern dining table: what size should it be? The answer to this question determines the rest of your dining room setup and potentially its overall design aesthetic. If what you’re looking for is a modern dining table for two or three, a café table might be the right choice for a more intimate, informal dynamic. On the other hand, if you have a bigger family or intend to entertain, a more formal dining table designed for six to eight people is likely the best idea. This type of dining table can act as a sort of centerpiece, as well as providing the space to comfortably seat a large group.
Dining table shape
When it comes to contemporary dining tables, there are three major shapes to consider: round, rectangular, and oval-shaped. Any shape can make sense in a space depending on the specific table design, so the best shape determinant is the dining setup you desire. Typically, round tables work better to facilitate conversation among the whole group, as there is less distance between each person. Oval-shaped dining tables are more modern in form, although they provide a more traditional dining experience with guests seated on either of the table’s long arcs. And the most classic dining shape, rectangular dining tables enable you to seat guests along the long sides, with the host or guest of honor seated at either end of the table.
Dining table material
The most popular categories of material for modern dining tables are metal, glass, wood, and stone. This is because dining tables tend to be a long-term purchase, so while they can be striking centerpieces, they must also be made of high-quality materials that can retain a certain timelessness. What materials are right for your table depend on your particular design aesthetic. Wooden dining tables are the most traditional, and they can fit into both casual and more formal settings. Metal dining tables are similar in their versatility, with treated metal often appearing in outdoor dining tables due to its durability. Glass-topped tables are generally a more formal option, and they can be striking in the way their tops contrast with their legs’ material. And marble is the most luxurious material choice of all, with a marble dining table being an undeniable statement piece.
Knoll dining tables
One of the most iconic modern furniture pieces, the Saarinen Dining Table is a stunning addition to any home. The Saarinen Dining Table comes in both round and oval shapes and ranges in size from a 35-inch café table to a 96-inch formal table. While it also comes in granite, laminate, quartz, and veneer, the classic Saarinen Dining Table material is marble, with eight choices of beautiful polished coated marble available. This, paired with its minimalist one-legged design, makes it an eye-catching yet functional modern piece.
Striking and architectural, the Platner Dining Table is similar in its tulip table silhouette but presents a very different design aesthetic. Available in three sizes, the Platner Dining Table is durable, round tempered glass set atop hundreds of welded steel rods, providing an industrial yet airy aesthetic. And more traditional in silhouette and material, the Risom Dining Table is a round wood table that showcases Scandinavian design in its simplicity and versatility.