How to pick the perfect dining table

Having been born into a family of antique dealers, I’ve been surrounded by furniture all my life and have picked up a few tips here and there on choosing the perfect pieces for your home. Most of my childhood was spent scouring continental flea markets, dusty shops and old warehouses for the latest acquisitions. Here, I’ll show you some top tips for getting the best dining tables for your living or dining room.

Never be afraid to haggle

Don’t be scared to negotiate the price of a table you really want. The worst they can say is no. Smaller shops, or a sole trader, are more approachable to the practice than larger chains who might frown upon it. Talk to the manager or a senior member of a sales staff if you’re in a chain or department store and politely ask if they could take a few quid off. They may be able to do it at their discretion. You might be able to get a discount if you’re buying a dining table and set of chairs, too.

Look carefully

Always look very carefully at the furniture laid out on the showroom. There might be a great table in a corner that other customers might not have spotted. Talk to sales staff and see if there is any other stock in the storeroom. There may be the odd piece or two waiting for you to pick it up.

 

 

Think before buying

Always think before buying dining tables. Bear in mind the space available and any existing furniture in the room. Will it be cramped? The colour of the wood, too, is important. Aim to match not just other pieces, but the walls and carpet/floor. Take your time and don’t be pressured into buying the first thing you see.

Durability

Another important point to note is how durable the table is. A cheaply made dining table might not last very long in a busy household with small children, for instance. Be prepared to invest in solid wood rather than MDF if you want it to last. Don’t settle for the cheapest dining table on offer.