The New Dining Table
By Teresa Opdycke
Imagine a dining table that transforms colors with the movement of guests. What are the new trends in dining tables?
Do people even gather around a table for meals anymore? Get the skinny on new dining tables from the minimalist approach to retro styles to traditional. The new styles await those ready to bring the family back to the table in style.
Tall Tables
Tall tables are all the rage from coast to coast. Also called counter height tables, the tall dining table stands 36 inches in height compared to the average dining table height of 30 inches. Bistro or bar tables offer casual dining similar to eating in a bar or pub.
Why do bars sport taller tables? The main reason is so that people standing are face to face with those sitting. The fellow introducing himself to a lady no longer towers over her as he extends his hand in introduction. The tall table allows a face to face meeting. For anyone wanting to create the feeling of a bar in their home, the tall table works great.
Bistro Tables
The cozy casual feel of a bistro was bound to find its way into homes, especially the down-sized homes of baby boomers. The 40 inch round tables create an intimate eating arrangement for two or four people at the absolute most. The small tables work well in a kitchen corner, a breakfast nook, on the deck, on an apartment or condo balcony…any small place where two people can catch a bite works.
Made from wood, metal, glass or any material, the style depends on you. You’ll find contemporary, adirondack, or traditional themes to fit your décor.
Table Tops
The tops of tables have become more than just a slab of wood to cover with a pretty cloth. Granite, marble, tile, and porcelain match stylish good looks with easy clean up and minimal care. Rich cherry and traditional maple tops answer the call for those seeking the warmth and character of wood.
Banquettes
Just a few years ago banquettes were yanked out of the kitchen to add space to one of the busiest areas in a home. Now, the banquette returns with comfort being top priority. The breakfast nook or kitchen nook is a long bench like the corner booth at a restaurant. Seating can be built on both sides or one side can be left open. The cozy intimacy of a banquette makes the arrangement attractive to homeowners. The seats often lift providing all-important storage. If you you’re lucky enough to have left the original banquette in your kitchen, simply update by adding comfort. Thicker cushions on the seat and back, a fresh coat of paint and you’ll have one of the latest trends in dining.
Green Dining
No, not as in green color, but for the environmentally conscious, which everyone should be. Consumers are asking more questions concerning where did the wood used in the manufacture of the table and chairs come from? Buyers seek reclaimed and recycled wood products. The word ‘sustainable’ comes up in conversations between sellers and buyers. Consumers want to know that the dining table bought today makes little or no impact on the environment tomorrow.
Dining in Color
Natural wood is an eternal best seller for wood furniture, but the brave and trendy crowd are opting for color. Pea green, yellow, red and violet in various shades and hues create a bold dining statement. Update your current table or look for one at a yard sale. Paint the legs and underside a bold color and refinish the table top leaving it a natural wood tone.
No matter how you decide to update your dining room, it’s all about comfort. Gathering around the table for a meal or celebration with family and friends should be a comforting experience. Choose a table that fits the needs of your family and your lifestyle and you’ll dine happy for years to come.
