Living without a table? No way. Even if it is one of the furniture items with the soberest structure, no one can do without it.
That simple plank with four legs is thus declined in infinite variations: from the living room to the kitchen, from the dining room to the office… there is no room that does not have “its” table. And, beyond its function, this versatile furnishing accessory can be transformed into a true work of art: a design table.
The choice of table
There are so many models to choose from that you’re probably wondering where to start. Buying a table may require a significant investment. So, you need to make sure that it not only meets your needs in every way but also matches your style and the space around you.
Because no matter in which room it is placed, the design table will become the focal point around which different activities in your home will revolve. And if, in addition to being carefully designed in every detail, it is also sturdy, it will remain at your side for many, many years.
Best design tables
The supply on the market is practically boundless. But how to choose? In this short guide, we have collected the main features to look for to find the right guy for you.
- style
The advantage of a design model is that it can withstand the passage of time. It’s best not to opt for something bizarre, or, one day, you might look at your table in perplexity and say, “What was I thinking when I bought it?” The secret of a winning choice is in two words: simplicity and robustness.
Classic Tables
The more traditional classical style has its roots in the European sensibility. It is based on a rigorous symmetry aimed at creating an ordered aesthetic, which does not want to surprise but, on the contrary, aims to lead to tranquility. Classic tables are often made of dark wood, carefully finished, and their sinuous lines convey a sense of refined balance.
Born at a time when space was not yet seen as a potential problem and families were often large, they are generously sized and often have an oval shape, with a double pedestal. They can also have a tilting side to extend or shorten their length according to the needs of the moment.
999 €
Tavolo in legno di frassino Storm.
Tavolo rettangolare con gambe in legno di frassino massiccio, adatto per circa 6 persone.
Larghezza 180 cm Altezza 75 cm Profondità 90 cm
849 €
Tavolo rettangolare, adatto per circa 6 persone.
Larghezza 160 cm Altezza 76 cm Profondità 80 cm
Modern Tables
Created in the mid-1900s, modern tables are still more current than ever, and for good reason: their clean lines accommodate design solutions that make them practical, comfortable, and very versatile. They often used innovative material for the time: plywood.
The famous Tulip table by Eero Saarinen is a classic example of the iconic design from the last century. It is a round, no-frills model that has gone down in history for its essential look enhanced by the purest of colors: white.
- room of the house
Finding the right table location in the kitchen, living room, or office can be a real challenge. Regardless of the environment, in fact, it is a matter of achieving the best compromise in terms of practicality (must not hinder the passage), usability (must facilitate conversation), and of course aesthetics.
TIP
The size of the room determines how far you can move the table away from the walls. And even in a small room, it is advisable not to put the table against the wall: however small, that free space helps to make the room look bigger.
Living Room Tables
The design of your table will have a decisive influence on the overall appearance of your living room. It can be the distinctive piece that contrasts with the rest of the furniture or it can be the furniture component that blends in impeccably with its surroundings.
The classic arrangement is the slightly off-center living room table, under a wall lamp or on the floor: in this way, you can let your guests sit in a bright and cozy environment, for lunch, dinner, or simply to have a chat.
Kitchen Tables
Respectable kitchen tables are indestructible. They are designed for everyday use by all members of the family, so the choice should never be taken lightly. A kitchen table is a focal point on countless occasions throughout the day: not only during meals but also for doing small jobs, doing homework, and playing games.
The size of kitchen tables is closely linked to the composition of the family unit. For a minimalist environment, ultra-compact solutions can be found for two people, but in principle, the models on the market are suitable for four or six people.
Outdoor Tables
Whether it’s a terrace or garden, an outdoor table allows you to greatly expand the usable space of your home. Whether it’s a small table for an aperitif or a real dining table for the whole family, it should be chosen wisely.
Its structure must withstand the attacks of the weather, be it the UV rays of the sun or the pouring rain of a summer storm: not only must the surface be subjected to suitable protective treatment, but also the screws and bolts must be strictly anti-rust.
- Shape
The most traditional choice is rectangular tables, which offer greater flexibility in terms of seating arrangements. With such a model, you can combine different types of seating, from classic chairs to benches.
The round types are the favorite for small spaces because they facilitate the passage. Lovers of oval tables appreciate their soft edges, which evoke a warm and inviting atmosphere without excessive formality.
And let’s not forget square tables, which give the room a touch of symmetry and balance. Like round tables, 100×100 tables promote a more intimate experience as they allow everyone to sit at the same distance.
Extendable Tables
An extendable table is a perfect choice if you like to host your friends on a regular basis. Its structure has a retractable top that can be pulled out if necessary to offer a larger surface area.
If you have a limited budget, think about whether the investment you’re about to make is proportional to the times you will take advantage of this feature. Also consider that the environment should be climatically favorable: a room that is too humid or too dry risks deforming it, making your beautiful square extendable table unusable!
Round Tables
Legend has it that King Arthur created the famous round table when his knights began to discuss who deserved to sit in the most prestigious seats.
Round tables are perfect for small rooms, as they can accommodate more people than a same-sized model with corners.
In addition, since you can establish direct eye contact with everyone, it is much easier to have exciting conversations even with a large group of people.
- Material
A table can be made from a wide variety of materials, each of which enhances its unique characteristics and style. The tabletop is the part with which you interact directly and is the part that most affects its aesthetics. If you are satisfied with its appearance, you can dispense with covering it with a tablecloth (unless you want to protect it from intensive use). Some models have a different plane material than the frame structure, while others are made entirely of the same material.
Marble Tables
The marble top is not only used for kitchen shelves but is also used in luxury tables. It gives the structure an elegant and prestigious touch and meets the durability criteria that are indispensable for this type of furniture component. Keep in mind that, if not properly treated, it may be subject to stains and scratches.
Crystal Tables
A glass top is airy and refined and welcomes guests with a ray of light. The material gives it a sophisticated look and with a simple flower vase, you can create a regal-looking corner. On the other hand, you will often have to clean it as fingerprints and dust tend to leave their mark. Wood and metal are among the most used materials for its structure.
Wooden Tables
This is the most common option for countertops: it conveys a sense of welcome and warmth. If you choose this material, opt for hardwood such as mahogany, oak, maple, walnut, or cherry: the result will be elegant and you can rely on a long life. True, these tables are more expensive than their softwood counterparts. But the investment, seen from a time perspective, is definitely worth it.
Here we come to the end of this guide dedicated to design tables. If you are interested in learning more about trends, evolutions, and styles of furniture, come back and visit us: we are waiting for you!
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