How to Design a Dining Table

Whether you are building it yourself or ordering a custom piece, designing your own dining room table ensures you get just the look you want. Many factors go into the design of a dining table. Taking the time to think about what you want and need from the furniture piece ensures you pick the best design for your room. After all the hard work, you'll enjoy a custom dining room table for your family and guests. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Analyze your use for the dining room table. Consider the number of people who eat at it on a regular basis. Also consider how often you use the dining table while entertaining to help you determine the best size and design for the table.

2

Measure the dining room to ensure the table design will fit. Take into account the chairs, leaving enough room to slide the chairs in and out. Leave enough room to easily walk around the table when people are sitting in the chairs.

3

Select the shape for the dining table. Round, oval, square and rectangle shapes all work well for dining tables. Round and square designs are better for smaller tables while oval and rectangle tables make better use of the space if you need a larger table.

4

Determine the size for the table. Also consider whether or not you will add table leaves in your design to expand the table as needed. A minimum width of 23 inches per table setting is recommended for a rectangular table. Round tables typically range from 36 to 70 inches in diameter.

5

Choose the height for the dining table. The standard height is 30 inches. Taller counter-height tables are a possibility. They typically stand about 36 inches tall.

6

Select the style of legs you want on the table. Dining tables typically have either four legs on the corners or one large pedestal in the middle to support the table. A larger table is typically better with four legs on the edges to prevent tipping.

7

Choose the type of wood you want to use for the dining table. Consider the other wood pieces in the dining room. Choosing the same type of wood makes the table fit better visually into the dining room.

8

Select the finish for the dining table. Many dining tables have a wood grain look to them using stain and polyurethane to finish the wood. Stain is available in a variety of colors to match the look you want. Painting is also an option.

9

Choose any custom details for the table, which might include a tiled top, engraving in the wood, decorative legs or a decorative edge along the table top.