Question 1

What is the best dining table?

Accepted Answer

Dining tables come in a huge variety of styles and are often chosen according to individual preference. The best dining tables are ones that are sturdy, well-made and able to withstand wear and tear. You should also consider your space limitations as well as budget. Find a versatile collection of antique and vintage dining tables on 1stDibs today.

Question 2

What is the narrowest A dining table can be?

Accepted Answer

The narrowest a dining table can be is 36 inches. This leaves 18 inches of space for each of the guests on the opposite side of the table, as well as room in the center for serving dishes or platters. Find a collection of antique and vintage dining tables on 1stDibs today.

Question 3

How wide should a dining table be?

Accepted Answer

How wide a dining table should be largely depends on its shape. Most rectangular and oval dining tables are 36 to 40 inches wide. Round table widths or diameters vary and will determine how many people can sit comfortably at one time. Generally, a round table 36 to 44 inches in width is ideal for up to four people, while ones that are 44 to 54 inches in diameter can accommodate four to six. Tables between 54 and 59 inches in width are suitable for six to eight people. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of dining tables.

Question 4

What is the height of a dining table?

Accepted Answer

The height of a dining table varies from piece to piece. However, standard dining tables are usually 28 to 30 inches tall. Counter-height tables are taller at 34 to 36 inches, and bar-height tables are the highest at 40 to 42 inches high. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of dining tables from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 5

Is a dining table necessary?

Accepted Answer

No, a dining table isn't always necessary. People who eat only a few meals at home may not need a dining table, and some people prefer to eat at kitchen counters using counter-height stools. Or, they may choose to sit on the floor in front of a coffee table or to take their meals at a desk or on a TV tray or end table. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of dining tables.

Question 6

How high should a dining table be?

Accepted Answer

How high a dining table should be varies. If you already have your dining chairs, look for a table that is 10 to 12 inches taller than the seat height to provide ample legroom. The standard height for dining tables is around 30 inches. However, you can opt for taller pieces, such as 34- to 36-inch counter-height tables or 40- to 42-inch bar-height tables. Shop a large selection of dining tables on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is a dining table with leaf?

Accepted Answer

A dining table with leaf is a dining table that has its middle part as solid and remains in place, but the two sides of the table drop down on a hinge, so they hang at the side. This is where the name 'drop leaf' comes from. Many homeowners have decided to go with leaf tables as they offer a lot of flexibility to their homes. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of dining table options as well as a range of vintage and antique drop-leaf tables.

Question 8

What is an MCM dining table?

Accepted Answer

An MCM dining table is a table that reflects the mid-century modern style. Typically these tables are functional and have clean minimalist lines. MCM furniture is made with a variety of materials and colors, but wood is the most common. Find a selection of mid-century modern tables and furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 9

How thick should a dining table be?

Accepted Answer

How thick a dining table should be varies. Many tables feature tops that are between 0.75 and 1 inch in thickness. However, some tables may have tops that are up to 2 inches thick. Typically, tables with thicker tops will have a more rustic appearance. Shop a large selection of dining tables on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What is a butterfly leaf in a dining table?

Accepted Answer

Dining room tables with butterfly leaves look like they have wings when they’re being opened, which is why they’re called butterflies. A butterfly leaf affords you more space at your dining table for additional house guests. Owing to geared slides, butterfly leaf tables should open easily.

Question 11

What is a draw leaf dining table?

Accepted Answer

A draw-leaf dining table means that the table’s leaves are stored under the main tabletop. The top of the table is lifted slightly on its frame and the leaves pulled out on each end. Relatedly, a drop-leaf table is a table with a fixed center section, but on either side of that, there are hinged leaves that can be raised or lowered according to your specific needs. The purpose of a drop-leaf table is to save space when the table is not in use. Drop-leaf tables can also be used as nightstands, side tables, coffee tables, and desks. Find a collection of antique and vintage draw-leaf dining tables on 1stDibs today.

Question 12

Are ceramic dining tables good?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ceramic dining tables are really good as they are very strong and durable. Made from sturdy materials, ceramic dining tables are resistant to spills, cuts, scratches and extreme heat. You can select from varying styles of ceramic dining tables, including Antique, Vintage, 21st Century, Mid Century on 1st Dibs.

Question 13

How can I identify my antique dining table?

Accepted Answer

To identify your antique dining table, first check to see if there is a maker’s mark on the underside. If there are no identifying marks or stamps, a furniture appraiser can check the style and the hardwood used to identify your piece. Shop a collection of antique furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What is the best width for a dining table?

Accepted Answer

The best width for a dining table may vary upon your needs. Typically, the width of a dining table may range from approximately 36 to 40 inches, and you want to make sure you allow for approximately three feet of walking space around the table in your dining room so that guests can move freely. Shop a wide range of vintage and antique dining tables on 1stDibs today.

Question 15

What is the best wood for a dining table?

Accepted Answer

The best wood for a dining table is a matter of preference. Oakwood is widely used due to its durability and open grain structure. It can withstand surface scratches and can be easily sanded and refinished. Find a range of antique and vintage dining tables on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Why are Japanese dining tables low?

Accepted Answer

The chabudai, or the short Japanese dining table makes the most of limited space by serving many functions in a Japanese home. They often feature collapsible legs so they can be stored. Diners sit on pillows on the floor, rather than chairs, again freeing up more space by not having bulky chairs. Shop a collection of Japanese furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How long should a bench be for a dining table?

Accepted Answer

How long a bench for a dining table should be depends on the length of the table. Generally, a dining bench should be equal in length, or 1 or 2 inches shorter, than the length of the side of the dining table where you intend to place it. For example, if your rectangular dining table is 60 inches long, benches that are 58 to 60 inches long would work well. Shop a wide range of dining room furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 18

Is a round dining table practical?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a round dining table is practical. Typically, shapes of dining tables that don't have corners save the most space. Working with a tighter space may mean that a round or oval dining room table, a design that references the festive meals of the medieval era, may be a better fit. Round dining room tables, particularly those that originated in the Art Deco period, still endure as a popular contemporary substitute for traditional rectangular dining tables. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of dining tables from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 19

How tall is the typical dining table?

Accepted Answer

Dining room tables are typically 30 inches high.

Question 20

Should a buffet be longer than a dining table?

Accepted Answer

No, a buffet usually shouldn't be longer than a dining table. Most experts recommend that you choose a buffet that is the same length or slightly shorter than your dining table. Keeping the two pieces in proportion with each other creates balance within a space.

Find vintage and antique dining tables on 1stDibs.

Peterson Dining Tables

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Set of 4 Lubke Herbert Ohl Circo Chairs and Peterson Design Table Dinette Set

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Dining Room Tables

Andre Arbus French Art Deco Dining Table

Vintage 1970s American Organic Modern Table Lamps

Victoria LittleJohn Studio Ceramic Table Lamp

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California Postmodern Round Dining Table with Color Lines by Peterson Design

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Charles L. Peterson"The Honeymooners" Mid Century Etching 1956, 1956

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Charles L. Peterson
"The Honeymooners" Mid Century Etching 1956, 1956