No living room is complete without a dining table. This is an almost obligatory part of the interior, regardless of the style of the room. The table must be in harmony with the rest of the furniture, because depending on its design, it can be round or rectangular, wooden or glass, classic dark or fashionable bright shade. So how to choose dining table to the living room?
The main rule is that the table must fit harmoniously into the overall interior of the room. If the living room is decorated in classic style, a solid wooden table of an oval or rectangular shape will look good in it. If the room is dominated by modern style, then a light table made of chipboard or MDF is quite suitable.
And if the owners of the living room are young people watching fashion trends, then they will like a bright table more unusual shape, perhaps with glass table top and on metal legs.
But regardless of the interior style, when choosing a dining table you must take into account some requirements:
- The surface of the table should be impressive (in case a large number of guests gather around it)
- The table should not clutter the room; if its dimensions are small, it is better to choose a folding transforming option that can easily turn into a small cabinet
- The table top and legs should be made of quality materials, since the table is usually purchased for more than one year
- The table should be functional (on holidays it should serve as a place for family dinners, and on weekdays it should serve as a stand for various interior items: a laptop, a vase with flowers, sewing machine etc.)
- It is advisable to choose a model stylish design(boring times rectangular tables are long gone).
Important! And there is one more unspoken rule. Huge dining tables for living rooms are not in fashion today; they are a thing of the last century. Therefore, even for large living rooms, you should not choose a table that is too massive.
Today there are a huge number of sliding models on the market, which are in demand for their compactness and ability to save space. The more spacious the living room looks on ordinary days, the more stylish and comfortable it will be.
Transformable tables
The most difficult thing is to choose a dining table for a small living room, because it should not “eat up” a lot of space, but at the same time it should accommodate numerous guests. Typically, in this case, a folding table is chosen. It can be of three types:
- Collapsible
- Corner
- Transformer
The first option provides completely collapsible design, which “appears” in the room only when necessary. On other days, the table top and legs are “hidden” from the eyes of household members on the balcony, behind curtains, under the sofa, behind a closet or in a closet. Typically, such tables are made of lightweight materials - plastic, chipboard, fiberboard, MDF. They are easy to disassemble and assemble; this usually requires only a screwdriver and five minutes of free time.
Corner tables appeared only a couple of years ago. They gained their popularity for their functionality. In small apartments, such functional pieces of furniture are irreplaceable, especially if the living room serves as both a meeting place with friends and a work (study) office. A corner table is perfect for studying or working, since it can accommodate not only a laptop, but a full-fledged monitor and printer.
A transforming table is the most compact model; it usually “turns” into a cabinet or pouf, which takes up no more than square meter area. When purchasing such a design, you should pay attention special attention on the quality of the fittings.
It should be the highest, because the table will often have to be disassembled, so the fastenings must be reliable. It is better to choose such furniture from trusted manufacturers who will guarantee its quality.
The traditional solution for countertops is wood - the most environmentally friendly, but also the most expensive material. A tabletop made from it will last for decades: the table can easily be passed on to children and even grandchildren. But many people consider a wooden table to be a “relic” of the past, so they opt for more modern materials.
In a living room decorated in modern or high-tech style, a table with a glass top will look great. Its main advantages are stylishness and lightness, but there is a drawback - keeping the tabletop in perfect cleanliness much more complex than one made of wood or chipboard. Any stain or speck of dust on the glass is always noticeable.
But such a table can be chosen in any shape - round, oval, square, rectangular; as well as any color - blue, black, white, gray, as well as bright shades - green, orange, red.
Such a table will become not just a piece of furniture, but also the best decoration living room. Usually the glass surface of the table is combined with metal legs. As an option, the tabletop can be two-tiered, this is especially convenient for a small living room, because some of the serving utensils can be laid out on the lower tier.
Advice! Plastic can also be used as a material for the top of the table. This is the cheapest and most short-lived material, but it always looks light and modern. If necessary, such a table can be quickly moved to another room, hidden on the balcony or in the garage.
The shape of the tabletop can also be different - in the form of a circle, oval, square. Today on the market you can even find triangular and octagonal models - quite modern and stylish solutions. But it is better to choose the corners of the table not too sharp, especially if there are small children in the family.
Where to put the table in the living room
When receiving guests, the traditional place for it will be the center of the room, but on other days the table can be placed anywhere. In a classic living room, the ideal place will remain the same center, because this style assumes a large area of the room, so the table will not disturb anyone.
But for other interiors, more “modest” places are quite suitable. In small living rooms, the table is usually placed along the wall or in the corner to save space. If it is a solid structure, it would be quite appropriate to place a couple of chairs next to it.
The size of the table is selected individually. If you plan to place no more than eight people behind it, then a length of 135 centimeters will be enough, but if you plan to have more guests, then it is better to choose a table 2-3 meters long so that everyone present is comfortable.
Whatever the dining table, it should always be combined with the rest of the furniture in the room: harmonize with them in color, shape and design. It will be a pleasure to gather at such a table for family lunch, it will not interfere on ordinary days, and the living room will be a symbol of comfort and coziness.
When choosing a table for a small kitchen, in most cases it is better to immediately abandon standard options. Even if an ordinary dining table can be squeezed into it, there will be very little room for maneuver, and such a kitchen cannot be called comfortable. How smaller room, the more original the approach should be.
How to choose a table for a small kitchen
The first thing you need to understand is which table in the best possible way will suit you. To do this you need to take into account:
- dimensions of your kitchen;
- number of family members;
- How often do guests come to the house?
Choosing a table shape
The kitchen table can be:
- rectangular;
- square;
- round;
- semicircular;
- corner.
A rectangular table is classic version, which traditionally enjoys the greatest popularity. However, it is often not the best fit for it.
If you're short on space in your kitchen, be sure to consider purchasing a different table shape before settling on a rectangular top design. However, rectangular furniture has an important advantage - it fits well in a corner or against a wall.
A square table can also be placed against a wall or in a corner, while it looks more compact. When looking for an alternative to a rectangular tabletop design, this option is worth considering first.
Round table - good option, if it is supposed to be placed in the center of the kitchen. It does not look massive and allows you to visually expand the space.
Since sharp corners no, such a table creates a minimum of inconvenience in a cramped room, and the likelihood of injury is also minimal. The round table will fit perfectly into the interior of any style - from to high-tech.
Semi round table has all the advantages of a design with a round tabletop, but also has one more important advantage - it is placed close to the wall and takes up a minimum of space.
A corner dining table is a good option for small family. It takes up the least space and is therefore perfect for the tightest spaces.
Color
The dark-colored dining table looks solid and solid. But this is not the best option for a small kitchen - such a design will look too bulky.
It is worth paying attention first of all to light-colored furniture - white and beige tables, light wood tables, and so on.
The use of these colors in the interior allows you to visually expand a cramped space. A light and airy pastel-colored table will not overly fill the kitchen or clutter it up.
Design
There are many table designs that are suitable for a small kitchen. The main ones include:
- standard - consists of a tabletop and one or more legs;
- wall-mounted table - this design is attached to the wall and has no legs, but it is rigidly fixed;
- folding table - it is also attached to the wall, and it can be folded when not needed;
- transformable table - its dimensions can be increased or decreased if necessary;
- bar counter - a long narrow table that can be placed along one of the walls.
Advice! If you are buying a table that is not located along the wall, remember that there should be at least half a meter of free space behind the backs of the people sitting. In this case, sitting down and getting up will be comfortable.
Massive structures are not worth buying - they are not suitable for small spaces. It would be much better to choose a light and elegant table with a thin tabletop up to two centimeters thick and graceful legs.
However, it is necessary to take into account how well such a design will fit with the rest of the kitchen furniture and whether it can harmoniously fit into the interior.
At the same time, tables with one leg are better for a small kitchen than with three or four - they leave more space for movement and minimize the risk of bruising your leg.
It would be better if the dimensions and general design of the table make it possible to remove all the chairs under the tabletop - in this case, you will have room to turn around when the table is not used for its intended purpose.
Glass table
On glass table definitely need to pay attention. For a small kitchen it is even better than tables light shades - glass table practically invisible and visually does not clutter up the space at all.
As a result, if you change the opaque table to a glass one, it begins to seem that there is more space in the kitchen.
At first, a glass tabletop may seem flimsy and unreliable, but in fact, a high-quality glass table can withstand any load and does not scratch.
At first, many people are embarrassed by the sight of their legs while eating, but this feeling also quickly passes.
In addition to simple transparent ones, there are also designs with tabletops made of frosted, colored or textured glass.
Transformable table
This table has sliding structure. If necessary, the two halves of the tabletop can be moved apart and a special additional panel can be installed between them.
As a result, a square table turns into a rectangular one, and a round one into an oval one. This interesting solution For small kitchen, this design is very convenient and functional.
IN assembled form This table is suitable for two or three people, while taking up minimal space in the kitchen. When guests arrive, it can be laid out so that everyone can fit.
Advice! In addition to such a table, it is worth purchasing chairs with backs or stools that fold compactly, “strung” on top of each other. When they are not needed, they can be stored in the pantry or balcony and taken out when guests arrive. Another option is folding chairs.
There are various designs mechanisms of transforming tables. When purchasing, if possible, be sure to check how the one that comes with the model you like works. Make sure that it is comfortable and in full working order, that it unfolds and folds back easily and without failure.
Folding table
The edges or one of the edges of the tabletop of such a table, if necessary, are folded into a vertical position.
There is another design: the side panels extend from under the central panel.
This design is simple and at the same time very convenient and functional. When the table is folded, it will not interfere with your movement around the kitchen, and two or three people can sit behind it.
At any time it can be unfolded with one movement of the hand, and four or five people or even more can have breakfast, lunch or dinner at it.
Folding table
The folding table is located against the wall. It most often has a rectangular or semicircular shape. When the table is not needed, the tabletop can be folded and placed close to the wall.
If necessary, it is placed on a leg or on a spacer - and a full-fledged dining place for one or several people is ready.
This table will allow you to move freely around a small kitchen while cooking without sacrificing comfortable seating while eating.
Mobile table
A mobile table is a small sized table that can be easily moved from one part of the kitchen to another. The simplest design option is a regular table with wheels.
If necessary, it is retracted into a corner or against a wall, but it can be moved to the center of the kitchen so that several people can comfortably sit behind it.
Another option for a mobile table involves attaching it to kitchen cabinet special guide. One of the sides of the table is fixed in this guide and moves in it, as if on a rail, the other rests on legs with wheels. This design can be moved from one corner to another.
Bar counter
The bar counter is narrow and long, in large kitchens it can be placed directly in the center, but in small ones it is often located along one of the walls.
In this case, it practically does not create any interference or difficulties, while 4–5 or more people can be seated at the counter at the same time. In this way you can create a complete and very compact dining area.
As a rule, a bar counter looks much better if it is located at the same height as the rest of the kitchen furniture.
Even for the smallest and cramped kitchen you can choose a convenient and beautiful table. It will not take up much space, and all family members and even guests can sit behind it.
When choosing a table for a small kitchen, first of all, decide on your goals and objectives in order to understand what size structure you need. Then choose the appropriate type of table, as well as the color and style - and you are guaranteed a compact, but at the same time comfortable dining place.
Table for a small kitchen real photos
- an integral attribute of the interior of a modern dining room. In addition to his practical application, the aesthetic and functional design of these pieces of furniture are indicators of the excellent taste and individuality of the owner.
Choosing tables for any kitchen is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. This process should be approached especially carefully, because the right choice depends on whether it will be possible to create cozy atmosphere hospitality and trust in the dining room.
What to look for when choosing a kitchen table
Any kitchen table should have a nearby certain qualities, which should be taken into account when purchasing.
- You should choose a table for the kitchen from a waterproof material, because it will have to be washed or wiped with a damp cloth often.
- The material used for the production of such furniture must be different environmental safety. Along with food harmful substances should not enter the human body.
- Reliability of the item – no less important quality. The dining table should last a long time and not lose its appearance.
- To create coziness and warmth, you need to choose tables for your kitchen with pleasant external aesthetic features. This can be done based on photos in catalogs.
Choosing the right shape for the dining table
Manufacturer kitchen furniture most often focuses on standards. Depending on geometric shape, distinguish:
- square
- round
- oval
- rectangular tables.
The desire of every housewife to stand out with a special kitchen interior often leads to a dilemma when choosing dining table. On the one hand, I want to surprise guests with the unusual design of this piece of furniture. But on the other hand, you need to take into account that the table and chairs fit harmoniously into the overall dining room interior.
Owners of a spacious kitchen have unlimited choice. Large furniture can be installed here. Oval or oval dining tables are perfect round shape. Their undoubted advantage is the absence of corners, which cause a lot of inconvenience in everyday life.
But square or rectangular options look better in small kitchens. To optimize an already cramped space, as practice and photos on the Internet show, it is best to install such an item near a wall.
Choosing a kitchen table based on the material of the product
Classifying dining tables according to the materials from which they are made, several types can be distinguished.
Glass dining table.
Stylish and elegant glass table is gaining more and more popularity among housewives. Its design must be chosen in such a way that it not only fits perfectly into general interior kitchen, but could also make life as easy as possible for the hostess.
The glass option has a number of advantages:
- By reflecting light, it visually increases the space in the kitchen;
- Reliable, durable and safe, as it is made of tempered glass;
- The countertops perfectly withstand humidity, wet rags and temperature changes;
- Kitchen dirt does not eat into the glass table and chairs;
- Glass is an environmentally friendly material;
- Seeing such a glass object in the photo, you involuntarily fall in love with it.
However, for many housewives, such models cause a feeling of cold and lack of comfort. In addition, a glass table, especially its tabletops, require careful care, since not only traces of plates, but also fingerprints are clearly visible on them.
An undeniable advantage is the fact that a glass dining table can fit perfectly into any interior; the main thing is to choose the right model. And the chairs must match the overall style of the interior.
Kitchen table with ceramic top
Kitchen tables with ceramic tops look great in the interior of a modern dining room, as can be seen in numerous photos on the Internet. The main advantage is practicality, functionality and long term services. You can safely place hot objects on such tiles, and all kinds of dirt can be easily removed from the surface of the countertop. Such a stylish dining table and chairs for it will not be cheap.
Plastic
Plastic tables and chairs have a number of advantages:
- Plastic tabletops in the photos in catalogs are presented in a wide variety, which allows you to create optimal solution for any kitchen.
- It is easy to care for; any dirt can be easily removed with a wet towel.
- The tabletops are relatively durable and can withstand mild mechanical stress.
- This piece of furniture is durable, resistant to high temperatures and is the cheapest option for the kitchen.
But all the benefits plastic tables crosses one out significant drawback– possible toxicity.
Advice! When purchasing such a product, you must ask the seller for a certificate of conformity of the product to consumer standards.
Hardware
Tabletops made of metal are distinguished by enviable durability and convenience. In addition, a simple piece of furniture will fit perfectly into kitchen decorated in high-tech style. A significant drawback, which cannot be determined from the photo, is that such a dining table is constantly cold, and this causes a feeling of discomfort. It’s easy to fix the situation; just hide the table under the tablecloth.
Natural wood options
Kitchen tables and chairs made of wood are beyond any competition. Despite the fact that the quality of such products directly depends on the properties of wood, they are durable and do not require special care. This is a great option for a kitchen decorated in a classic style or country style, this is clearly visible in the photo on the Internet. But also in other interiors wooden tables can fit in well if you play them correctly.
Tables made of chipboard and MDF
Countertops made of chipboard are not strong and durable. In addition, the wood substitute can absorb moisture and become damp, and this significantly reduces its service life. But, perhaps, the main disadvantage is the presence of harmful resins. Relatively low price Such a model does not justify all the risks to human health when purchasing such a product.
Oval and round kitchen tables have the following advantages:
- Complete absence of corners, which guarantees safety.
- The rounded tabletop looks formal and elegant.
- All dishes are placed in the center and are equidistant from everyone sitting at the table.
- Round surfaces unite, bring together and create comfort in communication.
- Variety of materials and decors, the ability to choose an option that is appropriate in the interior of any style.
Countertop materials
So, there are round and oval kitchen tables:
- Glass. Glass is a wonderful material. It does not absorb odors and is resistant to temperature and moisture. However, such a countertop requires double care, because traces from dishes or greasy hands will be visible. But difficulties in care do not stop those who value the elegance, transparency and lightness of glass - such a table looks great and, in addition, reflects light, which means it contributes to the visual expansion of space.
- Wooden. Of all the natural wood species, ash, oak or beech are most often used. Each of these options will look perfect in or country style. You can even find models suitable for - it all depends on the specific decor chosen. The splendor of the natural texture is limited in use by only one drawback - low wear resistance, so the wood must be coated with special protective compounds. In addition, it is one of the most expensive materials.
- Veneered chipboard/MDF- a common material due to its practicality, lightness, and relative cheapness. Externally, a veneered tabletop cannot be distinguished from a wooden one. The photo below shows popular models from IKEA of the Bjursta series with a countertop made of chipboard and veneer.
- Laminated chipboard or MDF. Among the advantages are budget and variability color solutions. If the tabletop is made of laminated chipboard, it must be protected with a tablecloth or coasters. The same can be said about laminated MDF. But MDF wins in strength and durability, but is therefore more expensive than laminated chipboard.
- Natural stone– original and very beautiful, but expensive and heavy, reacting to acids and temperature changes. Some types of stone, such as marble, also absorb grease and dirt.
- Artificial stone. Lighter than natural material, cheaper, more practical and even more reliable.
- Verzalit is a material made from pressed wood fibers with a binder of polymer resins. Outwardly similar to laminated chipboard, but performance characteristics close to artificial stone. Easy to use, UV resistant and mechanical stress, therefore most often used for the manufacture of street and restaurant furniture.
Legs are most often made of metal, wood or polymer.
Choosing the right color and design
A round dining table should be combined with the design of the furniture set, and this is an axiom. Both style and color must match - even if not completely coincide with each other, but coexist harmoniously.
Leg design plays a big role in appearance table.
In a kitchen in a classic style, Provençal, or a table on “balusters”, carved or curved legs as in the photo below is appropriate. The legs can be forged or even rattan.
IN modern interior A round table on metal chrome legs or wooden legs of a simple shape will fit seamlessly.
There are from 1 to 4 legs for a round and oval table. The most convenient tables are those with one massive support - it will be more convenient to sit down and stand up at it.
Round and oval tables simply created for decoration. There should be a lot of them - everyday, ceremonial, under different curtains and even seasons. This way you will never get tired of your dining area.
Capacity of oval and round table models
An oval-shaped table will fit perfectly into a rectangular room. It will be compact, but at the same time functional - even a small model can easily accommodate 5-6 people.
We will look at photographs of living rooms in the interior of which there is a dining set, and talk about what techniques help to separate the dining area from the corner with upholstered furniture.
A table in the living room most often appears in cases where our small-sized housing does not allow us to place it in the kitchen. I wrote in the topic about how to choose a suitable-sized table that can accommodate the whole family, and calculate how much space needs to be allocated for it in a small room. We’ll assume that you’ve already sorted out these questions, so let’s move on immediately to how to harmoniously integrate a dining room set into your interior design. 
As is known, the most effective way dividing the living room into zones - various kinds of partitions. This is a good option for a large area, but not always successful for small rooms, because... compresses space even more. In our case, to achieve the desired effect, it is better to use interior items, such as screens, racks, big flower in a floor pot, etc. 
Often in a small living room there are only two zones - a corner with upholstered furniture and a dining table with a set. To separate them, sometimes it is enough to place a sofa, armchairs and a TV stand so that they form a closed rectangle. The rug will further enhance the island effect in the room. Everything that is outside his zone will be perceived as not belonging to him, and in the interior of the living room it will look natural. 
To separate the dining area from others, you can use visual techniques- painting (or wallpapering) the wall near which the table or buffet is located in a color contrasting with the rest of the decor, decorating it with large posters, paintings, using different floor coverings(by color, material or texture). 
A good result can be achieved with the help of artificial lighting. Use two ceiling lamp: one above the table, the second in the area with the sofa. Additionally, install sconces or floor lamps. When, during a family dinner or party with guests, there is overhead lighting dining area, and the lower sofa and armchairs, the room turns into a hospitable dining room. Switching the light to reverse order, will come to the fore cozy corner with upholstered furniture, and the table will fade into the background. 
In conclusion, a few more general advice which will help give the interior of a small living room with a dining table a harmonious look. All zones must be balanced with each other and only one of them must have bright accent, catchy look.
Traditionally, for living rooms, the center of the interior is a soft corner with a TV; you can attract the attention of those entering the room to it with the help of a carpet or a large picture above the sofa. As for the dining set, its role in the design of the living room is secondary, which means that it should not stand out in style and color from the overall harmony. Tables for it are usually chosen with shiny wooden or glass surface, they are not covered with a tablecloth - this is done only for serving. The rest of the time there may be vases with neutral colors on the table. flower arrangements and fruits. Bread bins, salt shakers, napkin holders, and cutlery are not allowed.
Under the influence of bright textiles, shine metal appliances, dishes and glass, the set table should draw attention from the soft corner to itself. So, correctly placed accents will help you turn one small room into two: a spacious dining room for eating and a cozy living room for relaxing.
