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Which table is better to choose for the kitchen, depending on the shape, material

Which table is better to choose for the kitchen, depending on the shape, material

A variety of modern dining tables can baffle anyone. The sizes, models, workmanship, color, style are so different that making the right choice is quite difficult. How to find a convenient and practical table in the kitchen, which is better to choose a design - many consumers ask these questions. It should take into account the dimensions and configuration of the room, the style of interior design, color and material of the headset, the number of people living in the house.

Popular models

Distinguish between non-transformable (classic) and folding tables. The covers of the latter may be:

  • sliding - they diverge to the sides, an additional tab is inserted into the vacated space;
  • retractable - one edge of the countertop is mounted on two legs with rollers, when inoperative, the table is completely hidden in other furniture;
  • hinged or folding - the tabletop is attached with one edge to a vertical surface, when inoperative, the table is parallel to the wall and almost does not take up space.

The dining table with a sliding lid is the most popular model. This is a practical option, convenient both for daily use and for hosting a large company. There are several designs of sliding tables:

  1. Only the countertop extends, the frame does not change shape. This is a familiar option, in which parts of the lid are pushed to the sides, and additional elements are laid in free space. In the extended state, two more seats appear.
  2. The frame does not extend, additional elements extend out from below the main countertop. Depending on the number of spare parts, the number of seats increases by two (one tab) or four (two elements).
  3. The cover and frame slide apart. In such models, the number of additional seats depends on the number of insert elements. The maximum workload is three parts and six places.

The width of the additional tabs in sliding models cannot be less than the standard seat - 50-60 cm. For tables with a non-sliding frame, the weight of the extended parts of the countertop must be taken into account so that the entire structure does not lose stability.

Extendable and hinged transformer tables save space in a small kitchen, but the structures on the brackets are not too reliable, they should not be overloaded. Models of tables with one or two legs withstand heavy loads. The main drawback of retractable and hinged options is that they cannot be moved to another place. True, moving models for the kitchen have recently appeared, but they can only be moved along the wall along the rail.To receive a large number of guests, the above designs are unlikely to work.

Fixed classic tables, as a rule, are made of natural wood or wood materials. Dimensions most often do not exceed 100-120 cm, if the product is not made to order. Long and narrow countertops made as a bar counter are usually made non-sliding, but there are models that have retractable or suspended elements.

A hanging or sliding table, even at maximum sizes, can not accommodate more than 5-7 people. For a large family this is not the best option.

Untransformable
Sliding
Hinged
Mounted
Bar counter

Materials of manufacture

The choice of material for the dining table depends on the style of the kitchen and financial possibilities. It is also worth considering that approximately the same appearance models can be presented in different price categories. Their cost is directly affected by what they are made of.

Particleboard is the most common material. Pluses: reasonable price, durability, water resistance, ease in processing, holds fasteners well. Disadvantages: it is impossible to perform delicate work, in addition, the evaporation of formaldehyde, which is impregnated with particleboard, is hazardous to health. There are two types of plates: E1 and E2. The first is more environmentally friendly, the second is prohibited for children's furniture.

There are laminated particleboard (paper-resin mixture is pressed at high temperature) and laminated (lining with paper or plastic film). In appearance and price, they practically do not differ, but the first will last much longer.

MDF (fine dispersion fraction) is made from wood fibers (very small sawdust), pressed under high pressure. They bind with environmentally friendly paraffin and lignin. Advantages of the material: practically harmless, suitable for fine processing, durable, has all the qualities of natural wood, but much cheaper. There is only one drawback - the price is higher than that of chipboard.

Lightweight economical tables made of plastic are produced in a very wide range of colors and various styles. They are not afraid of water and aggressive detergents, but do not tolerate high temperatures - for hot dishes you will have to use coasters. Another drawback is that the surface is easy to scratch. For a stylish modern kitchen, it is better to choose a table made of better quality material.

Solid wood is another common material. Soft varieties (pine, birch, alder), medium (cherry, beech, oak) and hard (maple, merabu, other exotic species) are used. It is more convenient to work with the former, but it is very easy to damage them. Hard rocks are stronger, but more expensive. Tables made of solid wood, as a rule, are very heavy, do not tolerate high humidity, some varieties burn out in the sun.

Despite the apparent fragility, glass tables made of modern materials are very durable. They cannot be broken, scratched, they are not afraid of moisture, do not emit dangerous fumes, and do not cause allergies. Such a table is practical (any pollution can be washed), visually adds to the kitchen space and air. There is only one minus - traces of even small splashes of water remain on the transparent cover. But there is a way out - a table with a matte worktop.

The glass table in the kitchen should be made of tempered material with a thickness of at least 10 mm.

Of stone (marble, granite) make only countertops. They look elegant, stylish, but very heavy and not too practical: the material reacts to acid (juices, vinegar, wine), chips are formed at the ends, the surface is covered with scratches. The most durable is considered the modern version of the quartz countertop, in which polymer resins are present.

Metal is rarely used for a home dining table. Cold material is ideal only for industrial styles.Such options, as a rule, are made of stainless steel, and it does not tolerate certain types of household chemicals, it quickly becomes covered with scratches, dents. It is preferable to choose combination tables with a metal frame and wooden, plastic or glass countertops.

Recently, tables decorated with tiles or mosaics have appeared. Patterns can decorate only the center of the countertop, located at the edges or cover the entire furniture cover. There are sliding and non-sliding models. Tiled ornament looks very elegant and, depending on the pattern, can organically fit into almost all existing styles.

The rating of tables is headed by models made of particleboard, MDF or natural wood. Glass, metal, stone models are less popular, although they often bypass structures made of other materials for durability and practicality.

Chipboard
MDF
Plastic
Solid wood
Glass
Made of stone
Metal carcass
Mosaic
Tiled

Form classification

The rectangular rectangular dining table has long been a favorite in all kitchens. It is really convenient, practical, but modern designers offer other options. The only rule that is strictly observed is that all models have the correct geometric shape. How to choose dining tables depending on the configuration - many people ask this question. Design Tips:

  1. The rectangular shape will never go out of style. This is a slightly conservative option, but experts believe that such a countertop is ideal for convenient seating of a large number of guests or family members. The rectangular table is easy to fit into the kitchen of any size, it can be placed both next to the wall, and in the center of the room.
  2. A round table looks best in the center of the room, but this will require a fairly spacious kitchen. It’s not worth placing it near the wall - it will lose its individuality, and it’s not too convenient. Since the round table is in the center of attention, high demands are placed on its design.
  3. The oval shape of the table also requires a spacious room. It is desirable to put it in the center of the room, so the requirements for the design and design of such a model are usually a bit overpriced.
  4. A square table is easier to fit into the interior than a round or oval. It does not have to be placed in the center of the kitchen. Near the wall, the square model looks quite harmonious, but in a small room it may not be too convenient. Seating at such a table requires some attention, since there are no short "master" sides, as in the rectangular version.
  5. Sometimes designers offer triangular, polygonal, asymmetric models. It is stylish, but suitable for small designs that are used as a coffee table. For a large family or hospitable owners, such options are not suitable. In addition, to enter them into the interior is quite difficult.

To understand which table is more convenient, you can try overlaying a cut out of paper model of the selected model in a reduced form in a kitchen plan drawn on the same scale. Or it’s worth laying out the contour of future furniture on the floor of the room using some kind of cord.

Rectangular
Round
Oval
Square
Triangular
Asymmetric
Polygonal

Product Size

Before choosing a kitchen table, you need to determine its size and place in the interior. For a small kitchen, it’s more practical to choose the traditional rectangular or hanging and pull-out options. A more spacious room can accommodate round, oval or square models. The standard size of a seat for one person is 50-60 cm wide, 30-32 cm deep. This is enough to place dishes and appliances on one person. How to choose the right dining table depending on the number of family members or guests - approximate estimates are shown in the table.

Number of persons 1 2 4 6
Minimum table size (cm) 60x35 70x70 square or 80x90 rectangle 70x120 or 90x120 80x160

The general rule is only one - it does not matter what shape the table is, square, round or rectangular, the distance from the floor to the countertop should not exceed 70-80 cm. The ideal width for two is 80 cm. For four people, if there is space in the kitchen, it’s suitable a round table with a diameter of 90 cm, for six - 110-140 cm. Larger options are more appropriate for the dining room.

It is up to the owners to decide which table to choose, but it should be borne in mind that very small furniture is inconvenient for a large family: there is little space for people, dishes, chairs. The huge design is usually not fully utilized. As a result, some part of it is forced by various objects that are not related to the meal.

The maximum recommended diameter of a round countertop is 135 cm. With a larger size, it will be inconvenient to serve.

Number of legs

The number of legs at the dining table affects the comfort of those who will sit at it:

  1. One central leg is convenient in that there is a lot of free space. Such a support must be reliable and durable. Most often, round models are made with one leg.
  2. Two legs - an original, but rather inconvenient option. They are located on the short sides of the table in such a way that it is difficult, if not impossible, to use these seats.
  3. On three legs, round or triangular countertops are most often made. This is a very stable design, but it is not suitable for a rectangular or square shape.
  4. A traditional rectangular, square or oval table usually has 4 legs, but large models can have one or two additional supports in the center. This is the most familiar, convenient and stable option.

There are models of transforming tables with no legs at all or with one or two that extend when unfolding, with elements mounted on brackets. The less occupied the space under the furniture, the more convenient it is to use. But we must not forget about the stability of the entire structure. It does not matter how many legs support the countertop - the main thing is that it stands firmly.

One central leg
Two legs
On three legs
Four legs
Table transformer

Design design

A wooden table is suitable for a rustic kitchen (country, Provence), fits well into classics or eclecticism, even in a cold, strict high-tech models of a laconic form will be quite appropriate. Metal furniture is difficult to fit into any design, with the exception of industrial. Glass countertops are suitable for modern urban styles, Art Nouveau, eclecticism. Fashionable novelties with mosaics or tiles are appropriate for ethnic design, even in the loft you can enter a table decorated with a suitable pattern in a restrained color scheme. For classics and the "palace" interior, natural polished or polished wood is preferable.

The choice of color depends on the overall design of the kitchen:

  • For a light provence or Mediterranean style, light pastel shades are suitable;
  • hi-tech or loft require concise forms, contrasting colors;
  • for luxurious classics, the texture of natural wood is preferable;
  • Art Nouveau “loves” neutral, natural, dusted shades;
  • eco is characterized by all natural colors (earth, sea, sand, greenery, wood bark).

High-tech or loft often have an open plan, where the division into zones is carried out due to interior design. For this design, the bar counter is an excellent option. Plastic products are made in any style, color, shape. These are very easy and convenient options, but they make the interior “cheap”. It is better to leave plastic for a terrace in the country house or in a country house.

Bright, acidic details are inappropriate in most styles. It is preferable to choose a discreet, neutral color of the table, and leave saturated colors for decorative accessories.

Country
Provence
High tech
Loft
Classic
Modern
Eco style

Posting Rules

For a spacious kitchen, a round or square table is installed in the center of the room. It is believed that the first option is the most “democratic” - it does not have “main”, host places. But for such a model, free space is required so that the table can be approached from all sides. For modest kitchens of typical apartments with an area of ​​less than 12 square meters. m is not the best choice.

In a small kitchen, the table is set so that it does not interfere with moving, using a stove, refrigerator, cabinets. One option is to put it at the window. It can be a regular table or a bar along the entire wall. Plus of this option is always good lighting, minus - the window sill will have to be maintained in perfect order. If the wall with the window is too narrow, you can expand the countertop with the front side.

When installing the table, you should consider the view that opens from the window. If there is an endless construction site, rows of garbage containers or a busy track, then this is not the best idea.

A rectangular table can be placed in a corner. In this case, it is more convenient to use the L-shaped kitchen sofa instead of chairs. Plus of this option - it saves space, the disadvantage is suitable only for a small family of 2-3 people. If you place such a table along the wall, it fits well into the kitchen of any size. Advantages: does not interfere with movement, you can place up to 6 people, depending on its size. Disadvantage - only three sides are used.

When the table is placed in the center of the room, make sure that at least 75 cm to the nearest wall. That is how much space is needed in order to freely move the chair, stand up or sit down. If there is a doorway behind a sitting person, then this distance increases to 80-110 cm.

When placing the table, consider the location of the wall cabinets, which may interfere with sitting. The recommended distance from the countertop to the bottom of such furniture is 65-70 cm.

In a spacious room, set a table in the center of the room
In a small kitchen, the table should not interfere with moving
A rectangular table will fit into any kitchen, if you place it along the wall

The main recommendations for choosing a kitchen table

Table selection begins not in the mall, but in the kitchen. It should be determined:

  • place for installation;
  • its design;
  • the size of the dining area;
  • desired number of seats.

The dimensions of the hanging, sliding, extendable tables-transformers are evaluated in the unfolded state. We must not forget that you will need a place not only for the countertops, but also for chairs or stools, so that family members and guests can sit comfortably in the kitchen. When issues with dimensions and design are resolved, you can move on to appearance. How to choose a kitchen table in accordance with the interior of the kitchen - recommendations:

  1. It is advisable to leave the purchase to the final stage of repair, when the style and color features of the kitchen are already looming, a set has been purchased.
  2. Color and style depend on the overall design of the kitchen. For example, an artificially aged, shabby wooden table is suitable for country or ethno, but is completely inappropriate in modernity or classic.
  3. Not only color should be considered, but also the material of which existing furniture is made. For example, a kitchen set made of wood or veneered can be combined with glass and stone. The metal worktop is suitable for household appliances made of stainless steel and furniture of strict geometric shapes.
  4. The rating of kitchen tables is headed by light or white models of the correct geometric shape. They harmoniously fit into most interiors.

The table, first of all, should be convenient and reliable. Intricate design designs can be spectacular, but completely unsuitable for real life.

Before choosing a table for the kitchen, you should ask about the quality of the material from which it is made. For example, some types of wood may be too soft or unstable to moisture.They require a topcoat to protect against water and accidental mechanical damage. Glass parts should not have scratches, inclusions, swelling, the ends of the countertops are perfectly polished. It is good if the corners of square or rectangular glass tables are covered with plastic or wooden linings to protect against injury. Do not rely on the integrity of manufacturers. When choosing, you need to remove the components of the structure from the packaging, carefully inspect them so that there is no damage, check for fasteners, ask for an explanation of the installation scheme (if self-assembly is supposed).

Leave the purchase to the final stage of repair
Color and style depend on the overall design of the kitchen.
Combine with other furniture in the kitchen
Choose models of the correct geometric shape

Top manufacturers

If the question arose, which is better to choose a table in the kitchen, you should familiarize yourself with the main manufacturers. Italian furniture is rightfully in demand. A large number of companies compete with each other, keeping at the highest quality and design of their products. In the product lines of Italian brands there are both exquisite options for luxury apartments, as well as affordable mid-range models. And the flight of imagination of furniture designers is able to impress an inexperienced person.

Germany has always been famous for its meticulousness and reliability. Tables manufactured by German furniture companies are distinguished by high quality material and processing, strength fasteners, convenience, and thoughtful designs. The design is closer to the calm classic models.

Poland successfully adopts all European novelties, copies design and constructions from popular manufacturers. Due to cheaper materials and labor, the production of furniture factories is kept in the middle price category, but it does not lose much in quality. It is a mistake to think that “Chinese” means “cheap”. There are tables of their production with the original design, made of very high quality materials. Only frank, low-quality fakes will be really cheap.

Over the past couple of decades, Russian companies have successfully squeezed Western manufacturers. The advantage of domestic furniture makers is in knowing the realities of life. They correlate the size and design of their tables with the dimensions and layout of standard city apartments, thereby conquering a significant part of the market.

Italy
Germany
Poland
Russia

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