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 kitchen table matches the shape of the kitchen
The kitchen table can be round, oval, rectangular or square, the choice of shape depends on the shape of the kitchen. If you have a square room, a round or square table will suit you, and if you have a rectangular room, an oval or rectangular table will suit you.
A round or oval table will give you more space to move around more freely because the corners are rounded. For a smaller rectangular kitchen, an oval table will work better, while for a small square kitchen, a round table will work better.
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.
Size
The dimensions of the furniture depend on two factors: the area of the room where the table will be installed, and the number of people who need to be seated at it.
Thus, it is believed that planting requires at least 60 cm of surface width and 40 cm of depth. These are the minimum acceptable parameters. At the same time, you will have to take into account that there should still be room for common dishes, so you can safely add 20 cm to the depth.
If planting is expected from all sides, then the minimum permissible depth is 80–85 cm, and preferably more. However, a product wider than 105 cm is also not very successful, since not everyone will find it convenient to put on food.
Experts advise calculating the dimensions based on the size of the family, plus 1-2 seats for guests. It turns out that for a family of 3 people (if the object is installed with one side to the wall), the following dimensions will be optimal: width 80–90 cm, length 120–150 cm. For a celebration, you can move the furniture aside and seat six people at it.
These calculations apply to rectangular and oval models. A round table for 6 people must be at least 1.3 m in diameter.
When choosing, consider the availability of free space for installing chairs and moving around the room. If the chair is in the aisle, then there should be at least 1 m from the edge of the tabletop to the nearest object, and in the case where only a chair is installed, 70 cm is sufficient.
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.
Popular color combinations
We have already talked about contrasts above. Combinations of dark and light surfaces add dynamics to the atmosphere, help to visually correct planning defects, and correct the geometry of the space. But even if the idea of contrasts does not excite you, there are many other options. And when choosing, you can start not only from the color of the kitchen set, but also from the material of its manufacture and style.
For classic sets made of wood or wood-based materials, models made of chipboard, chipboard, and solid wood are perfect. Even if their shades differ, the unity of the wood texture will come to the fore. The color palette of natural tones is wide enough to create a harmonious environment. The warmth of such shades in combination with tactilely pleasant warm surfaces creates an atmosphere of homeliness and comfort.
If the kitchen furniture is made in a modern style, then most likely it is made of MDF with a glossy or matte finish, complemented by glass and metal elements. You can choose the appropriate table for this set. A popular solution is a tabletop made of glass or MDF on galvanized metal supports. Glass panels can be transparent or frosted, and can be painted in various shades: red, orange, green and many others. As for MDF, the palette of possible colors is even wider.
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.
Three rules for choosing wisely
When choosing a dining table and other related kitchen furniture, it is important to rely on three “golden” rules.
Rule 1. Comfort and convenience
The dining group should be comfortable and convenient. The table should be such that all family members can comfortably sit at it and, at the same time, there is space for free movement in the room itself. Ergonomics experts have come up with a simple formula that will allow everyone to enjoy their meals comfortably. Thus, per seated person there should be at least 60 cm width and 40 cm depth of the tabletop. At the same time, there should be space in the middle of the table for serving items. Therefore, the minimum width of the tabletop is about 90 cm, and the length is selected depending on the size of the kitchen and the number of people who will regularly gather at the table.p>
Rule 2. Functionality and practicality
Many modern apartments have small kitchens, so it is important to consider both the functionality and practicality of the table. Today you can find comfortable transforming tables or book tables on sale. Such products are compact, do not take up much space and, at the same time, they can be unfolded at the right time and comfortably accommodate all family members or guests. Also popular are models equipped with drawers for storing various items necessary for any housewife: cutlery, napkins and towels, dishes and other kitchen utensils.
Rule 3. Appearance
We should not forget about the appearance of the dining group. The style of the table should be chosen to match the overall design of the kitchen. Only in this case there will be integrity in the interior, and in the room there will be an atmosphere of comfort and warmth. For example, models made of solid wood, chipboard, glass or artificial stone will harmoniously fit into any style of room, from strict classics to ultra-modern high-tech style. But bright plastic and metal will fit perfectly into designer products.
Based on these rules, you can easily choose a comfortable and stylish table model. However, there are other important criteria that you should pay attention to when purchasing a dining set.
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.
