A dining table is so much more than a place to dine – it’s where we enjoy time with our friends and family, share stories and laughter and it’s a place where we celebrate events and create memories. Whether you are looking for a dining table for large gatherings or a versatile solution for urban living, it is important to make sure you select a solution that fits your style and also meets all your practical and hosting needs.
Pick well and you will have a beautiful piece of design furniture that will stand the test of time. And, don’t underestimate how the right lighting can really enhance the dining space and atmosphere – we’ve shared some of our favourite options further below for inspiration.
Different shapes and sizes
Here we spotlight some examples from our favourite Italian design brands, evaluating dining table shapes, size and different materials. Our curation includes options from small bistro tables for two right up to 285cm extra long dining tables for formal dining and all are custom-made to your specifications.
A perfect pairing – the stunning Roma table by Minelli Fossati comes in a choice of 2 sizes – 137cm and 160cm diameter, together with Via Veneto chairs
Round or Oval – A round or oval dining table makes clever use of the space available and is best suited if you prefer informal dining, with no head of the table. The shape creates a sense of intimacy, encouraging easy conversation. Compact spaces can benefit from bistro style round tables for 2 or 4. Or select a larger round or oval style which can seat more people than a square or rectangular table, since you can squeeze more chairs around the table when you have extra guests!
Tip: If you opt for a pedestal base, you will gain the most leg room and you won’t need to contend with awkwardly placed table legs.
The Ed Table by Guglielmo Berchicci is a contemporary design classic. Available in a host of colours and with the option of a luxe lacquered finish, this table punches above its weight for value and style. Pairs perfectly with the Zoe chairs and Amélie Chairs.
Rectangular – The most popular dining table shape in the home, which easily fits in most rooms. It’s long, narrow design lends itself to large-scale entertaining, with the hosts positioned at each end.
The custom made Kelly T comes in a range of lengths, colours and finishes including this extra long version in pink shiny metal finish and matt champagne gold feet with matching Kelly C chairs
Square – An alternative option which also creates no hierarchy around the table, much like a round table.
Beautiful and luxurious dining table surfaces
Laminate
The laminates used in our curation of Tacchini tables are produced at high pressure: made of numerous layers of paper soaked in heat-curing resins and compacted through the combined action of heat and high pressure. This particular type of laminate offers exceptional durability and resistance to all stresses.
Lacquered Wood
These table tops from Tacchini are made of wood fibre, faced then lacquered on both sides using specific paints. The lacquering comes in three different finishes: the first is slightly embossed, giving a mildly textured look to the surface, the second is a velvet finish using polyurethane to transform the wood into a soft, perfectly scratch proof surface and the third is a gloss finish.
The Split dining table is custom made with your choice of table top including this amazing laminate that looks like marble and looks perfect with the Kelly C dining chair
Many people consider marble to be one of the best dining table materials. It’s luxurious and sophisticated and each piece is unique, being hand-crafted by nature. However, marble is a porous material—meaning it can stain easily and quickly so it is recommended to treat with an anti-stain treatment in order to maintain its beauty.
Metal
A metal dining table can add a luxurious glamorous feel to any room. Our absolute favourite metal tables are made by De Castelli’s craftsman, with designs that are also works of art.
For the ultimate in luxury the Convivium table designed by Nikita Bettoni is sculpted from one solid piece of brass characterised by a DeErosion finish and comes in choice of 220cm and 280cm length
Dining tables for indoor or outdoor use
For versatile dining tables that can be used indoors or outside (ideal for our British climate!), there are some really interesting options made by Italian design brand SLIDE Design who are masters at using high quality polyethylene material and producing great design pieces. Plus you have the option of upgrading to a luxe lacquered finish. Here’s a few ideas:
The Ottocento collection has a neoclassical style and comes in different sizes to suit your space. Pick from the interchangeable bases and tops for your own personalised selection.
The Arthur Luminoso table is another great choice for multi-purpose use. With a chunky light up base and tempered glass top, this is a simple design that works in a host of spaces.
And if you want flexibility to pick different sizes and shapes of top, check out Hoplà. This versatile collection of tables, minimalist and contemporary in style, comes in a range of sizes, heights, shapes and tabletop finishes – you can pick and mix to suit. All have a conical shape base which you can select in your choice of finish and you can pick from round, square or rectangular tops.
Tablescaping ideas
We are huge fans of using luxe linens at the table and believe by investing in good quality pieces you will enjoy them for years to come.
Here’s some inspiration from our favourite collection, all made by hand in Venice.
Illuminate the dining experience
Light up your table and create atmosphere with our pick of the best table lighting:
Find the perfect dining options to suit your spaces
For more dining solutions, discover our beautiful selection of Italian design furniture, lighting and accessories, visit houseofdome.com or call us on 020 3908 5605.
