Address
304 North Cardinal
St. Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Work Hours
Monday to Friday: 7AM - 7PM
Weekend: 10AM - 5PM
DINING GUIDE
Dining Room Essentials: How to Choose the Perfect Table
Shape, size, material, and style — everything you need to find the table your home has been waiting for.
The dining table is where life happens. Sunday lunches, birthday celebrations, homework sessions, late-night conversations, and quiet morning coffees.
It's one of the most important pieces of furniture you'll ever buy — and one of the easiest to get wrong. Too big and it swallows the room. Too small and it can't hold your family. The wrong shape and every meal feels awkward. The wrong material and it shows every scratch and stain.
This guide walks you through everything that matters when choosing a dining table: size, shape, material, finish, and style. By the end, you'll know exactly what to look for — and what to avoid.
01
Start With Size: The Most Important Decision
Before you fall in love with a style, get the size right. A beautiful table that doesn't fit your room or your family will never feel right.
How many people do you need to seat?
- 2 people — a small square or round table, 70–80cm wide
- 4 people — a rectangular table around 120–140cm long
- 6 people — a rectangular table around 160–180cm long
- 8 people — a rectangular table around 200–240cm long
- 10+ people — an extendable table or a very long rectangular table
The space rule: Leave at least 90cm of clearance around the table on all sides. This gives people room to pull out chairs and walk behind seated guests. If you can't achieve that, your table is too big for the room.
Measure twice
Use masking tape to mark the exact table size on your floor before buying. It's the simplest way to avoid a very expensive mistake.
02
Choose the Right Shape
Shape affects how the table fits your room, how many people it seats, and how the conversation flows around it. There's no single best shape — only the right shape for your space and lifestyle.
| Shape | Best For | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangular | Most homes, larger families, formal dining | Seats the most people, but takes up the most length |
| Square | Small families, compact rooms, casual dining | Great for 4 people, awkward for larger groups |
| Round | Conversation, small spaces, a softer look | No head of the table, easy to walk around |
| Oval | Elegant dining rooms, medium to large families | Softens the look of a rectangular table |
| Extendable | Everyday small, entertaining large | The most flexible option for South African homes |
Space-saving tip
Round tables fit into tight corners better than rectangular ones — and they make small dining areas feel more generous.
03
Pick a Material That Fits Your Life
Material determines how your table looks, how long it lasts, and how much maintenance it needs. Choose based on how you actually live — not how you wish you lived.
Solid wood — the classic choice. Warm, durable, and ages beautifully. Oak, walnut, and pine are popular in South Africa. It can be scratched, but it can also be sanded and refinished for a lifetime of use.
Wood veneer — real wood over a solid core. Looks similar to solid wood, costs less, and is more resistant to warping. A great value option.
Glass — makes a room feel bigger and brighter. Easy to clean, but shows fingerprints and smudges. Best for modern, minimalist spaces.
Marble and stone — luxurious, cool, and dramatic. Heavy, expensive, and can chip. Requires sealing to prevent stains.
Laminate and melamine — budget-friendly and very easy to clean. Great for families with young children. Not as warm or long-lasting as wood.
Metal — industrial, sleek, and very durable. Often combined with wood or glass for the best of both worlds.
Family reality check
If you have young children, choose a table that can handle spills, crayons, and the occasional bump. Solid wood or laminate beats marble and glass every time.
04
Consider the Finish
The finish affects durability, maintenance, and the overall look of your table. It's an easy detail to overlook — and an important one to get right.
- Matte finish — modern, subtle, and hides scratches well. The most popular choice right now
- Satin finish — soft sheen, easy to clean, and looks elegant in any style
- Gloss finish — high shine, dramatic, but shows every fingerprint and scratch
- Oil finish — natural look, warm feel, but requires regular re-oiling
- Lacquer finish — hard-wearing and protective, great for busy family homes
Practical pick
A matte or satin lacquer finish on solid wood gives you the best balance of beauty, durability, and easy maintenance.
05
Match Your Home's Style
Your dining table should feel like it belongs in your home — not like it wandered in from someone else's. Here's how to match style to space.
- Modern minimalist — clean lines, slim legs, glass or matte wood, neutral tones
- Scandinavian — light oak, simple shapes, functional and warm
- Industrial — reclaimed wood, metal legs, raw textures
- Classic traditional — rich wood tones, pedestal bases, ornate details
- Farmhouse — sturdy wood, generous proportions, rustic finish
- Contemporary luxury — marble, brass, glass, sculptural shapes
Not sure what your style is? Look at the pieces you already love. Your table should complement them — not match perfectly, but feel like it belongs in the same room.
06
Don't Forget the Chairs
A dining table is only half the equation. The chairs you pair with it determine how comfortable your meals actually are — and how the whole set looks together.
Comfort and proportion rules:
- Seat height — chairs should be 25–30cm below the tabletop
- Seat depth — at least 40cm of usable seat space per person
- Allow 60cm of table width per person — less feels cramped
- Mix and match — matching chairs are classic; mixed chairs feel curated and modern
- Consider benches — a bench on one side saves space and seats more people
Comfort tip
Sit at the table before you buy. If the edge digs into your arms or the chair is too low, no amount of style will make up for it.
07
Budgeting: What to Expect
Dining tables range from budget-friendly to investment pieces. Here's a general guide to what you're paying for at each level.
| Price Range | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | Laminate, melamine, or basic veneer | First homes, rentals, tight budgets |
| Mid-range | Solid wood or quality veneer, good construction | Most family homes — the sweet spot |
| Premium | Solid hardwood, marble, or designer pieces | Long-term investment, statement dining rooms |
Wise spending
Buy the best table you can afford — it's a piece you'll use every day for years. Chairs can be replaced or upgraded over time.
08
Your Quick Buying Checklist
Before you commit, run through this list. It'll save you time, money, and regret.
- Measure your space — including clearance for chairs and walking
- Count your seats — everyday needs plus a couple of extras
- Choose your shape — based on your room and family
- Decide on material — based on your lifestyle, not just looks
- Check the finish — matte or satin for easy maintenance
- Match your style — it should feel at home in your space
- Test the height — table and chairs should work together
- Think long-term — will it still suit you in 10 years?
Final check
If you love it, it fits your space, and it suits how you live — you've found the right table. Trust that.
FIND YOUR PERFECT DINING TABLE
Tables Built for South African Homes
From compact 4-seaters to generous family tables and flexible extendables — explore our collection and find the one that's right for you.
✓
Every size and shape — round, square, oval, rectangular, extendable
✓
Quality materials — solid wood, veneer, glass, and marble
✓
Matching chairs and sets — cohesive style made easy
✓
Fast delivery to all 9 provinces in South Africa
Final Thoughts
Choosing a dining table isn't just about finding something beautiful. It's about finding something that fits your space, suits your family, and feels right every time you sit down at it.
Get the size right first. Choose a shape that works for your room. Pick a material that matches how you live. Then let style guide the rest.
Do that, and your dining table won't just be a piece of furniture — it'll become the heart of your home for years to come.