It is not without reason that the kitchen is considered a special room for the housewife and household members. This is a gathering place in the morning and evening, a center for leisurely Sunday meals, a location for receiving guests and friendly conversations. When planning a room, apartment owners try to “make friends” with all the elements of the area in order to get the most harmonious space. In addition to the set, appliances, finishing, the kitchen table plays a significant role in this union - in the article we will tell you how to choose it correctly: decide on the shape and size, material of manufacture, transformation mechanisms and other selection criteria.
Kitchen table shape
When choosing a shape, the area of the kitchen and the overall design of the room are important. After all, the configuration is directly dependent on the perception of the room: a table can visually lengthen / expand the kitchen, become the main zoning tool, and so on. Let's look at the most popular forms of dining tables.
Rectangle
. A classic that matches almost any style. Convenience and functionality are manifested in the fact that such furniture can be placed against any wall or anywhere in the kitchen, accommodating more people. Due to the possible transformation, rectangular tables save usable space, fold out, increasing the size by 1.5-2 times, which is convenient for seating a large company. Standard folding models can accommodate up to 10 people.
Oval
. A solution for both classic and modern interiors. It is considered the most spacious in terms of the number of seats. For example, in folding models, seating reaches 12 people. Due to the absence of sharp corners, the oval table is chosen by families with children - this option is less dangerous.
Square
. A good solution for a miniature kitchen. Simplicity and conciseness complement elegant interiors well. You need to understand that square options can accommodate a maximum of 4 people, provided that they are not standing near the wall. When placing a table in the center of a small room, the space will visually increase, become more symmetrical and orderly. A square table balances and completes the design of the room.
Circle
. Considered the focal point of the room and great for medium-sized kitchens. Before choosing a round kitchen table, think about ergonomics. Such furniture is not placed against the wall, so it is not suitable for limited square meters.
Triangle
. More an exception than a rule. These table models are made to order. Suitable for very small kitchens or for rooms with a non-standard configuration. If the room has a complex design, a triangular table will emphasize the futuristic feel of the interior. The best option for furniture of this shape is a coffee or coffee table.
Bar counter
. Not really a shape, more like a table type. However, he belongs on this list. Many people install counter tables to zone space or save space. When choosing this solution, keep in mind that its height is greater than a standard table. Accordingly, the chairs will also be non-standard. However, compactness and stylistic diversity will allow you to choose a design exclusively to your taste, suitable for the interior.
The shape of the dining table in the kitchen interior
The shape of the table affects not only its performance, but also its perception in the interior. Let's consider the possible options.
- Rectangle. The most traditional, roomy and comfortable shape. This table can accommodate quite a lot of people, it is convenient to place it against the wall, it takes up little space, especially when compared with round tables. You can put it in a corner or lean it against one of the walls with the end side, thus dividing the room into conditional zones.
- Oval. Tables of this shape have significant dimensions, since their width cannot be less than 90 cm, while their length exceeds 110 cm, and usually even more. They are only suitable for kitchens with a large area, because there must be enough space for sitting or passage to the pieces of furniture (at least 80 cm).
- Circle. A round table in a kitchen interior looks very elegant, but is quite demanding in terms of placement - on all sides from it to the nearest obstacle there must be, as in the case of an oval table, at least 80 cm, otherwise it will be inconvenient to move.
- Semi-oval. Such a table is rarely found in kitchen interiors, but in fact it is very convenient, primarily because it has no sharp corners, which is especially valuable in small spaces. Usually semi-ovals are placed in the center of the dining area, with the straight side adjacent to the wall.
Tip: If you want your kitchen table in your kitchen interior to always look decent, follow the rules for caring for it. At least once a week it is necessary to wipe not only the tabletop, but also the underframe with a damp cloth, removing dirt with mild detergents. Never use a knife or other sharp objects without placing a special board under them - it is easy to scratch the table, but returning it to its original appearance is difficult and sometimes impossible.
What size kitchen table to choose
How large or small a chair you need to purchase depends on the size of the kitchen, the installation location and the number of people sitting at it. Tips for determining the dimensions of the kitchen table:
- Seating for one person - from 60 cm wide and 40 cm deep. Plus at least 20 cm for dishes.
- When planting on both sides, the depth of the table can be at least 80-85 cm, and preferably more. Please note that depths exceeding 105 cm may be inconvenient in terms of food accessibility.
- The formula for calculating table dimensions is the number of family members + 2 guests. So, for a family of 3 people, the approximate dimensions of the table will be 150 cm in length and 80-85 cm in depth. This is enough to seat 6 people. The formula is valid for rectangular and square solutions.
- The dimensions of the round table are from 130 cm in diameter.
When determining the size, do not forget that you should be able to move comfortably around the room. There should also be space for chairs.
Dining table material
The lifespan of furniture depends not only on careful use, but also on the material used. Let's look at the most popular ones.
Tree
. This is 2-in-1 - beauty and practicality. The material allows you to make any shapes and design ideas, special coatings - to extend the life of use and create beautiful effects such as a matte or varnish finish, the desired color. However, many users today try to get by with minimal processing so as not to disturb the natural structure and pattern of the wood. Popular materials are cherry, oak, beech, walnut. The durability of a tree does not mean that it does not need to be looked after. Compliance with precautions when using will prevent scratches and damage that lead to the accumulation of dirt, swelling, and mold on the furniture.
Glass
. The apparent weightlessness of a glass table visually expands the space. Unusual solutions allow you to use furniture in interiors of high-tech, minimalism and other styles. It is important to understand that the tabletop is made of special laminated tempered glass, which is shock-resistant and extremely durable. Even if such material is damaged, it does not scatter throughout the room, but only splits into several parts. Design options - transparent, matte, colored, mirrored, patterned glass and others. Care instructions: clean from drops and stains with special compounds and sponges that do not scratch the surface.
Rattan
. Often, such options are purchased for country houses or country houses, as well as for country-style interiors. Rattan tables are weightless but durable. They need to be cleaned periodically with a brush to prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt; to increase practicality, you can cover the product with a sheet of glass.
Metal
. Quite a rare solution for a countertop, suitable for interiors in high-tech and art deco styles. Metal tables are durable, not exposed to moisture, mechanical stress, and heat resistant.
Plastic
. An inexpensive option with a short service life due to fragility, instability to mechanical damage, dirt and sunlight. Rather, it is suitable for temporary furniture or for a rented apartment.
Stone
. Basically, stone tables are made to order and used in exclusive interiors. There are no questions about the operational characteristics of the furniture: they are not afraid of impacts, hot dishes, water, or mold. But care requires special formulations.
Chipboard
. You can choose absolutely any table based on design, but laminated chipboard will be stronger than veneered one. The service life of such tables is short due to swelling from water, the likelihood of damage to the top layer and gradual deformation of the structure.
MDF
. If MDF is veneered, then its performance characteristics will be quite high. And the cost of such a product will be much cheaper than a wooden one. With careful use it will remain practical and beautiful for many years.
Kitchen table material in the kitchen interior
The appearance of the table and how it will look in the interior depend on what material the tabletop is made of. The material of the underframe also matters, but it affects durability rather than appearance. On the market you can find models whose countertops are made of the following materials:
- MDF. This is the most budget option. The external coating of the countertop can imitate natural materials. A table in a kitchen interior with an MDF tabletop looks good and is sufficiently resistant to mechanical damage and humidity, excluding joints with the edge. If water gets there, the chipboard that makes up the base may swell and become deformed. That is why such tables have a short service life.
- Tree. Traditional and most popular option. Wood can withstand moisture, has an attractive appearance, and when coated with special compounds acquires dirt-repellent properties. The kitchen interior with a large table made of wood looks solid and expensive. Wooden furniture lasts a long time, although it requires careful handling and periodic restoration.
- Stone (natural or artificial). The most durable and durable material. A stone countertop can be of almost any shape, and if artificial stone is used, it can be of any color. This is a beautiful, damage-resistant material that does not absorb dirt. It is easy to wash and does not form colonies of bacteria or fungi.
- Glass. Glass tables occupy a special place in the kitchen interior. They look very elegant and can decorate any kitchen. In a large kitchen-dining room they will emphasize exclusivity and add shine, and in small rooms, thanks to the “invisibility” effect, they will not take up much space.
- Ceramic tile. The tiled countertop looks very impressive. Caring for this table is simple - just wipe with a damp cloth. Tiles can imitate wood or natural stone, such as marble. The tabletop can also be decorated with patterns or mosaics of small tiles. An interesting interior solution is tiles on the countertop that match the tiles on the kitchen backsplash.
- Plastic. A material that is gaining popularity. Its advantages are lightness, ease of care, relatively low cost, the ability to choose a table of almost any color or without it at all - transparent. Modern plastic is resistant to both moisture and temperature, as well as UV radiation, which means that its service life is quite long.
There are also models made from combined and exotic materials, for example, cut wood or a combination of glass and leather. Such tables are quite expensive and are used in kitchens with exclusive interiors.
Number of legs
It would seem that there is nothing categorically important in this parameter. However, it is the number and location of the legs that determine whether the user will be able to achieve the desired posture at the table.
1 leg
- a solution mainly for round / square table models. It is convenient because the support located in the center of the furniture does not hinder movement.
2 legs
- usually these are solid racks on the sides of the table. The disadvantage is that they take up seating on both sides at once, so guests can be placed either on the other two, or in an awkward position behind the ends with legs.
3 legs
- this option is found in triangular and round models. It’s more than comfortable for three people sitting at the table, but not very comfortable for more people.
4 legs
- standard solution. They are located on the sides - this minimizes inconvenience when accommodating household members/guests.
Advice
. When choosing the number of table legs, focus on the possible number of guests and the shape of the furniture.
Transformation method
If square meters do not allow, it is much more practical to purchase a folding table that can be extended as needed and left compact during the main time. There are such transformation mechanisms:
- Book. A look familiar from childhood, which when folded looks like a cabinet. It can be folded out either half or completely thanks to the installation of the side wings on folding supports.
- Folding. The two parts of the table are laid on top of each other, and when necessary, they unfold like the wings of a butterfly.
- Sliding. The tabletop consists of two sliding parts, between which a special insert is installed.
- Transformer. A practical option with adjustment in both diameter and height. So a kitchen table can turn into a coffee table, and vice versa.
- Retractable. The tabletop can be hidden in a set, bar counter or window sill, for example, being its continuation. Then it slides out and slides in easily. A convenient option for small spaces.
Features of the room
To harmoniously integrate a table into a room, you need to take into account the features of the space.
Small kitchen
In general, choosing furniture and fittings for a small kitchen is not an easy task. And given the fact that it needs to fit everything you need, there may not be any room left on the table at all.
A rational solution is a folding table with a side part attached to the wall. The mechanism of operation is simple: after a meal, the table is lowered, and there is more space in the room. It is also better to choose folding chairs.
Another option is a compact square or rectangular model for 2-3 people. Chairs need to be selected so that they can be easily pushed under the table.
You can also choose a transformer or install a practical bar counter.
Big kitchen
In large rooms there are no problems with choosing the size of furniture. Just choose a table that is comfortable and suitable for the kitchen set, which would coincide with the concept of the kitchen as a whole. To prevent furniture from getting “lost,” it is better to abandon very small decisions.
Studio apartment
A bar counter is installed to separate the kitchen and living areas. This method of zoning very well highlights the functional features of each part of the apartment. You can also work on the option of a retractable table, which would be a continuation of the bar counter. In this case, all guests will need bar stools.
Dining room
Apartments or houses where it is possible to dedicate an entire room for meals are, by default, rather large. And since the dining table is the center of the dining room, it should be quite large in size and installed in the center. In shape it can be round, square, or rectangular.
Table shape
In addition to its aesthetic function, the shape affects the ability to install a piece of furniture in a room and how many people can fit behind it. We'll talk more about how to calculate sizes in the next section. Now let’s discuss what tabletop configurations there are.
- Rectangular
Classic example. Good installation options: in the center of the room, near the wall, in the corner. Depending on the length of the tabletop, such furniture can seat a large number of diners, without creating a feeling of alienation due to the large surface, and everyone can reach the middle.
When it comes to materials and design, there are no restrictions. You can find products in a variety of stylistic designs. It is among these types that transformers are most often found.
- Square
Good for tiny kitchens where the object is in a corner or near a wall. However, only two or three people can sit at it. If you place the table in the center, 4 people can sit. At the same time, there is no point in increasing the surface area, otherwise a solid area will form in the center, which is inconvenient to reach for.
The range of such products is pleasingly diverse: due to the fact that they are popular in small apartments, manufacturers are trying to produce as many models as possible.
- Round
Not suitable for tiny spaces due to the fact that they require placement in the middle. They allow more people to sit than in a square one (up to 8 people). But at the same time, they also have limitations in size: if you exceed the diameter of 1.5 m, then the same drawback will appear as with the previous variety.
They are often made from wood, glass and rattan. Such samples look harmonious in classic interiors. Look at 29 round products on the First Furniture website.
- Oval
A compromise between rectangular and round. It retains the convenience of placing the former and the spaciousness of the latter. An additional advantage for families with children is the absence of corners that children often bump into.
- Triangular
Non-standard models. They look very impressive, but functionally they are inferior to the others. Capable of accommodating no more than two or three people, they look out of place near a wall or in a corner.
Usually they are placed as a second table when organizing a tea corner.
- Bar counter
Although this is not exactly a table, many are now abandoning traditional products in favor of a bar counter. Here you need to take into account that the height of the bar exceeds the standard height: not everyone will like it. You also need to buy special chairs for it.
Due to its compact size, space is greatly saved, and a variety of stylistic solutions makes it possible to choose a design to suit your taste.
How to choose a kitchen table: tips
Here are some more tips to help you decide when buying a table for your kitchen.
- A table and chairs from one set is too standard a solution. By avoiding obvious combinations and choosing table and chairs in different materials and/or colors, you can freshen up the room and create a striking contrast that will work to the benefit of the kitchen. The fact is that today's trends do not prohibit mixing styles, approaches and materials.
- The style of the table should be in harmony with the set and the interior design in general.
- Consider the style of the room when choosing the color scheme of the furniture. For example, in strictly classical interiors there is no place for poisonous / bright shades; in Provence it is necessary to add a beige palette.
- If you are a family with children, avoid corners that could cause injury. In these cases, it is preferable to choose oval, round models or tables with rounded corners.
Having studied all the parameters, determined an acceptable budget and style preferences, as well as the expected number of users, you can easily select the most comfortable and beautiful table for leisurely Sunday breakfasts, daily dinners and entertaining guests.
Table color in the kitchen interior
The color of the countertop must be selected taking into account the style in which the kitchen is decorated. Often the color is determined by the material, but there are options here too. For example, a wooden table can be left natural by covering it with a protective compound.
In this case, the color of the wood and its texture will be one of the decorative elements of the decor. This is appropriate in “rustic” styles, such as country, Provence, loft, and some others. However, if you want to get an interior in a strict and restrained style, for example, minimalism, you can paint a wooden table to match the color of the furniture and walls so that it does not stand out against the background of its surroundings.
The dining group can be the dominant feature of the interior, and a contrasting and fairly bright color is chosen for it. For example, with white walls and furniture, the table can be bright red or orange. It all depends on the chosen style and your taste.
A white table in a kitchen interior is the most universal solution. It will look organic in both classic and modern styles.
