Choosing a Dining Table and Chairs
A dining table in most UK homes serves multiple purposes: eating, homework, working from home. Getting size, material and practicality right for your household is worth the effort.
Size Guide
Allow 60cm of table width per seated person. A six-seater rectangular table needs at least 180cm x 90cm. Allow 90cm between the table edge and walls or other furniture — people need to pull chairs back to sit and stand. In smaller UK rooms, a round table (120cm seats four, 150cm seats six) often works better than a rectangle.
Materials
Solid oak is the most popular choice: hard, refinishable, ages well. A quality solid oak dining table costs £400 to £1,200. Glass-topped tables look contemporary but show fingerprints and smear marks constantly. Ceramic-topped tables resist heat, scratches and stains well and start around £500 to £800. Pine (£150 to £300) marks easily — not ideal for households with young children.
Extending Tables
Extending tables solve the everyday-vs-occasions problem. Check the extension mechanism works smoothly — cheaper tables can leave a visible gap or height difference at the join. Butterfly extensions fold up from inside the table; draw-leaf types pull from each end and need space for the extended leaves.
Chair Comfort
Standard seat height of 43 to 46cm suits most dining tables (72 to 76cm high). Check clearance between the seat of the chair and the table underframe — at least 20cm. Dovetail joints at drawer corners and cross-bracing under the seat indicate quality construction in wooden chairs.
Buying Online
Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have 14 days to return online furniture purchases without reason. This does not apply to bespoke or custom-made pieces. Check return policies carefully, particularly the charges for collection of large items.
