Choosing a dining table that will evolve with you

By Don Garvan

When deciding on the perfect dining table for a space, there are many things to consider to make sure it’s a piece that will evolve with your style over the years. Before you begin your search, here are a few things to think about to make sure you choose a dining table that will become a centrepiece within your home. 

CONSIDER YOUR LIFESTYLE

To begin your journey to finding the perfect dining table, it’s important to consider the lifestyle you aspire to live within the space. If you find that your dining table is a place for family gatherings then you will need a piece with plenty of room and seating for everyone. Compared to if you’re living in an apartment where space is limited, you may prefer a smaller dining table that is round in shape with seating that effortlessly stores underneath to maximise your space. 

TIMELESS DESIGN 

Once you’ve identified your lifestyle essentials, it’s time to consider the design of your table. This is an essential feature that will influence the overall look and feel of your space. It’s important to select a design that will evolve with your style over time, instead of tying you down to a trend. We recommend a timeless design featuring simple lines and a neutral colour palette that can be adapted with decorative pieces. This will give you the freedom to transform your style over the years without feeling the need to introduce an entirely new piece everytime you want to redesign your space. 

AUTHENTIC MATERIALS

To ensure the longevity and functionality of your dining table, we recommend investing in a table that is crafted from high quality materials, such as solid oak. We also suggest choosing materials that have been ethically sourced to support regeneration, biodiversity and the protection of native fauna. Investing in a dining table crafted from authentic, high quality materials will ensure your dining table is a functional piece that will stand the test of time. 

FLAWLESS FUNCTIONALITY 

The next step in purchasing a timeless dining table is to ensure it will be a functional piece that creates an unencumbered look and feel within your dining space. A simple way to make sure the dining table you’ve choosen will fit effortlessly within your space is the map out the dimensions on the floor with masking tape.  This will help you to easily visualise how different shapes and sizes will fit within your space, while guiding you as to whether or not your new piece will be a functional and enjoyable part of your home. 

–Don Garvan is CEO and founder of Totem Road, makers of authentic, sustainable furniture, with a showroom in Sydney’s Paddington. You can also shop online.