The dining table is so often your home’s host. Whether you’re having family over for the weekend or bringing friends back together for a much-needed catch-up, every important gathering always gravitates towards the main table. That’s why it’s so worthwhile to invest in an antique English dining table that your family and friends will love.
Finding the right dining table for your home is a fun adventure, especially when the world of antiques means that no two tables are ever the same. Of course, beyond style, you’ll also have to consider size and how many people you expect to be using your dream table.
Here’s some advice on finding the perfect size and shape for any occasion.
Dining Table Shapes: Circle for Intimacy, Rectangle for Seating
First of all, it’s not just the size that dictates how many people your dining table can sit; getting the right shape is also important.
Most dining tables are rectangular because it’s perfectly functional, allowing people to make the most of their space in rectangular rooms. However, it’s not the only option.
Circular dining tables are a wonderful choice for small spaces and when you don’t need to seat many people. A small circular table can comfortably accommodate two to four people and provide a more intimate and communal feeling than the traditional rectangular dining table.
One downside of a circular table is that when it becomes bigger (say, seating six or eight people), it can become overly large and guests can feel distant. Rectangular tables are best for large groups, often fitting neatly into a space and providing enough room for everyone while keeping people close together.
Small Tables are Fabulous for Two or Four
If you only have a small space, then a small dining table is the obvious choice. However, even in larger spaces, the intimacy of a small dining table can make for wonderful evenings if you only have a small number of people to entertain.
A common size you’ll see is a 42-inch table-top; either square or round, this will usually be ideal for two to four people. A small square table is perfect for adding to the corner of a busy room, providing a quiet sanctuary for friends to catch up over a cup of tea or coffee.
Alternatively, a small round dining table, like the beautiful English antique cricket table below, is perfect for creating more intimate meals. There’s plenty of space for four people, while the circular shape allows everyone to feel closer and connected in a way you don’t experience on larger rectangular tables.
5-foot Dining Tables: Great for Six
For most families, a dining table for five or six is perfect – big enough to host family dinners without taking up too much space.
Rectangular dining tables with a length of five feet, or 60 inches, are often perfect for groups of six. Tables like this can be the centrepiece of a dining room, but are equally comfortable being a part of an open-plan space.
If you have a table that’s a little smaller, such as the 4.5-foot English antique country kitchen table below, it might be more comfortable to have someone sitting at only one end instead of both, creating a table of five. This also allows you to put the table against a wall, which can be great for saving space.
6-foot+ Dining Tables: Statement Tables for Eight or More
If you’re wanting a large, statement table for your space, you’ll probably want to look for something at least 6 feet long. Of course, it depends on what your home can accommodate, but if you have a dining room or other large space, then a large dining table can become a fitting centrepiece to design the room around.
Large antique dining tables naturally attract attention with beautiful designs and that classic aged look. Even a design that’s simple on the surface, like the antique English farmhouse table below, can very quickly become an eye-catching piece in the heart of a dining room.
A 6-foot (or 72-inch) dining table will comfortably accommodate six people and will usually have space for eight, with two at each end. 7-foot tables are particularly grand in their size, making them perfect for those who regularly have large get togethers.
Drop Leafs & Extendable Dining Tables are Great for Hosting.
While they’re less common in modern design, there are many beautiful antique dining tables with features that allow them to be extended, which is perfect for those with small spaces who want to entertain when the opportunity arises.
I regularly have beautiful items like this 18th-century drop-leaf dining table. Made with a timeless mahogany wood, it can serve as a lovely side table during the weekdays and then be folded out to host up to four people during evenings and weekends.
With so many beautiful antiques out there, I hope you’ll be able to find your dream dining table that marries both style and functionality. Our team is constantly sourcing new antiques directly from England, so keep an eye on our website to find our newest treasures before they’re snapped up.