The Benefits of an Expandable Dining Room Table
Many believe that one of the most important purchases you could make for your home is a dining room table. It is an excellent place for everyone in the home to come together and enjoy each other’s company. Too often someone will purchase a dining room table that is oversized for their dining room. A great alternative is an expandable dining room table.
Whether you have a small dining room and you are in need of a larger table when you are using it for dining purposes, or you have a small family with no need for extra seating unless family is visiting, an expandable dining room table will be an excellent addition.
The size of the table that you choose will of course depend on the size of the room. You need to make sure that you have a few feet behind each chair for walking space. In addition to walking space, make sure that you have plenty of room for a nice china cabinet or buffet table to place in the room if need be.
If you are positive that an expandable table is for you, but you are unsure if you should purchase a rectangular or a round table, then there are ways to help you decide. For example, if you have guests over on a frequent basis, then a rectangular table would be ideal. This is due to the fact that it provides more place settings and space for food, but it does not take up very much floor space.
On the other hand, if you and your immediate family use the table on a regular basis and you prefer an intimate setting when you do not have company over, then a round table will give you a much more personal setting. However, if you have more dinners with company than with just your family, then a rectangular table is much more convenient for everyone.
There are two types of expandable dining room tables. The first kind is a primitive version, where you add the extra pieces or “leaves” of the table in when you need to expand. The extra leaf usually goes in the middle to make the table longer. Another version of an expandable table, and a much more modern choice, is a 3-in-1 table.
The newer, expandable table can be an entry way table and then widen into a square card table, which would also be ideal for a small kitchen table for 4 people. When you have a large group of people over, expand the table even farther to seat 8 people or more. While you can always purchase fold-away chairs, a bench style seat is much more classic and elegant. The bench can also be pushed under the table to save space. If the bench is too long for the table when it is not expanded to its full length, you could always use the bench in another area of your home.
When purchasing any type of dining room table, you need to lean on it to be sure that it is sturdy. A dining room table can be a rather large purchase, therefore you want it to be able to withstand the test of time. If you have children who sit at the table regularly, then a wooden table that is not made of soft wood is ideal to prevent scratching. Your dining room table should be appropriate for your family’s needs, whether it be round or rectangular, expandable or not expandable.
