Australians understand that a dining table is far more than a table; it is where the family gathers to share meals, partake in conversations and create memories. It might be a little difficult for residents of Sydney or Melbourne to pick the right dining table but rest assured that with the proper dining table, the dining experience would greatly improve, as would the aesthetics of your home. Finding the perfect dining table involves great deliberation on the design, space, lifestyle, and even personal taste. Use this guide to learn everything you require to find the perfect dining table that goes well with the interior design of your Australian house.

Understanding Your Space: How To Correctly Measure for a Dining Table

Australian homes are available in compact styles such as city apartments and wider suburban houses, meaning that residents have a wide variety of choices to select from. Furthermore, when picking the right dining table, remember to take note of wider room space as the dining table must be able to comfortably fit into the dining area. If you have a particular design in mind, ensure that you have the dimensions perfect, as the table must be able to enhance the space. On that note, here are some tips to remember when measuring the space and dimensions of the area allocated for the dining table: 

• Begin by taking the measurements of the length and width of the room using a measuring tape, remember to give at least 90-120 cm of space for the table and chairs to be user-friendly.
• Traffic flow – Make sure that the table does not block any walking paths or access to other rooms.  
• Proportion – The table must be proportional to the room space. It should neither be overly large as to occupy too much space, nor too small, as to look out of place.  
• Clearance space – A minimum of 3 feet (around 90 cm) of clearance on all sides of the table should be provided, as this will enable comfortable chair movement and pedestrian traffic around the table.  

An extra piece of advice is to consider using painter’s tape to outline prospective table sizes on your floor. This will assist you in visualizing how each size would fit into the space before you buy.  

Selecting the most appropriate shape for your dining table.  

Rectangular dining table.  

The most popular option, rectangular dining tables come with numerous benefits, especially to Australian homes.  

• They are perfect for long and narrow dining rooms.  
• They provide sufficient sitting capacity for bigger families.  
• They offer a classic, formal design.  
• They blend with open-plan living spaces which are common to modern Australian homes.   

Rectangular tables provide higher seating capacity than other shapes and thus are suitable for those who enjoy hosting or have big families.

Round Dining Table

Round dining tables are increasingly finding their way into Australian homes, especially in apartments or more confined spaces:

• Fosters a cozy environment that promotes lively discussions
• No corners lead to greater safety, especially in houses with toddlers
• Improves the use of space in smaller dining areas
• Allows for greater circulation around the table

For smaller dining rooms, a 6-seat round dining room table such as the Livorno is ideal because it occupies less visual space and still caters for family gatherings. 

Square and Oval Dining Tables 

Square dining tables are perfect for square rooms and provide an elegant balance in that room. 

Oval tables offer the best of both worlds – a rectangle-shaped table and a round table- combining the sophistication of a rectangle with the space-saving allowances of rounded edges. 

Modern Dining Table Materials for Australian Homes 

Solid Wooden Dining Tables

Solid wood remains one of the most popular choices for Australian dining tables because of its beauty, unmatched durability, and timeless elegance. 

• Adds warmth and personality to your dining area 
• Develops gorgeous rich patina with age
• Complements all kinds of Australian interiors from coastal to modern
• Will last for decades with proper maintenance

Local Australian timber varieties like Jarrah, Blackbutt and Tasmanian Oak are exquisite with their beautiful grains and also support Australian industry.

Modern Australian Dining Tables

Many contemporary Australian homes have dining tables made from modern materials like:

Australian apartments feel more spacious because Eclipse Dining Tables and other glass tables feature glasses that reflect light. 

A concrete blend of stone and cement provides a table with both stylish appeal as well as durability against the Australian climate. 

Faux marble and marble are much more appealing than real marble, and fake varieties are even more popular among progressive Australian households. 

Sawn veneers allow wood to be used at affordable prices while being environmentally friendly, 

Trends for Dining Tables in Australia 

Elegance of Minimalism 

The traditional monotonous clean style of minimalistic Australian dining tables remains unmatched: 

• Known for having geometric lines and slender outlines. 
• Commonly seen in neutral tones that enhance Australia’s powerful natural sunlight. 
• Characterised by a focus on the quality of workmanship and little attention to ornamentation. 
• Is stunning for modern Australian apartments and houses. 

Multi-functional Dining Tables 

Multi-purpose dining tables are great for versatile compact living spaces which are rife throughout Australia.        

• Can be extended to accept bigger groups of people for rare occasions.        
• Store items within the unassuming table itself.        
• Easily changes from coffee table to dining table.

Choosing Chairs to Go with Your Dining Table

Blending your table with chairs creates a matched visage of a dining set and the set logo needs some consideration:

• Each chair is about 60 cm in width, which should be comfortable enough for any chair
• Keep chair height about table height, which is usually 25 to 30 sm between seat and tabletop
• Let some arrangements for mixed seating be made by placing a bench on one side to get a feel of sitting Australian style.
• Select materials that will go along with your table to bring some variety in texture

Dining Tables Resting on the Australian Lifestyle

Dining Tables for Family

Tackling families with children should take practicality as their main concern:

• Useable and easily cleanable surfaces, like solid wood or good-quality laminates
• Rounded for safer edges
• Big enough to serve family meals and do homework on the table
• Strong enough for daily Heavy usage

Dining Tables for Entertaining

Those who love (and are one of our Australian traditions) throwing dinner parties.

• Bigger table to comfortably sit 8-12 people
• Solution for different sizes of gatherings
• Designs that are easy, sturdy and serve as a statement.
• Enduring heat and moisture.

Conclusion

In the Australian household, the dining table is a centrepiece for family meals, conversations, and memories, while having the shape, materials, and lifestyle considered. The dining table can serve the family beautifully for years to come, May it be a traditional solid wood table, a modern concrete table, or a round space-saving dining table. The table choice reflects practicality and personal style, creating a home.