Choosing the right type of furniture can make or break a communal space in your home. You may be looking for a good place to have breakfast, or you may be sprucing up that kitchen island area. Perhaps it is even the basement entertainment zone while you host friends or family. A good homeyfad bar table can do much more than fill a space – it brings people together.
The thing about using taller tables like this is that they are good decisions in contemporary homes. Regular dining tables take up so much real estate, and they feel so formal. The bar table is a different experience. You still get that laid-back feeling, but you save precious floor space. Great for that morning rush of coffee, to catch up with friends, or even an unexpected get together and everybody ends up moving around.
When you talk about a homeyfad round bar table, something else interesting happens. First, there are no sharp corners to navigate – always important, especially in tight spaces. Second, that circle has it’s own special thing. It naturally pulls people in closer. You suddenly find conversation flowing more easily, without someone stuck at the so-called “head” of the table.
Table of Contents
Understanding Your Space Requirements
Before you become too fond of any one style, you want to take some time to properly measure the space you have available. The size you choose is important, but size isn’t only about the diameter of the table, you must also take into account the clearance for chairs and space for walking and other usages, and for the proportion in your room.
For comfortable space, you should plan on at least 24 inches of space per person sitting around the table. A 36 inch diameter table will usually seat three to four comfortably, and a 42 inch table will seat four to five people. Don’t forget that you also need at least 36 inches of overall clearance around the table for chairs or moving.
You should also consider ceiling height if you are going to have a table in a kitchen with low hanging light fixtures or a basement with limited height from the ceiling. A standard counter height table is 36 inches tall, while bar-height tables are 42 inches tall and require a stool that is similarly sized.
Material Matters: Durability Meets Style
Your chosen material will make a big difference in both the life of the table, and its look. Each material has its benefits or downsides that match with different lifestyles and design ideas.
Although wood never goes out of style, and always offers natural beauty with great durability. You can choose oak, maple or walnut to have the visual of grain and wood can last for years and years of use. Wood table bases can, however, require some maintenance and have potential for damage from water spills, scratches, etc, and really will need a finish to protect them.
Metal bases with wood, glass or stone tops often provide a striking modern look and great stability. Steel and aluminum base options will have the benefits of durability, and value when compared to other materials, but may show fingerprints or water spots that may be noticeable when compared to other materials.
If you have a busy family, you may want to consider an engineered material such as high quality laminate or composite surface to avoid worries with stains, scratches, or damage from water spills, etc. Often engineered materials can look like wood and stone at a much lower price point.
Style Considerations for Every Home
Your table should complement your existing décor while reflecting your idea. Traditional settings are often found using intricate and traditional wood finishes with turned legs or pedestal bases, providing classic appeal that will fit different decorating styles.
Modern and contemporary settings typically prefer clean lines, minimal, and more creative uses of materials. For instance, think of sleek metal bases and clear glass tops, or solid surfaces in shocking colors to make more of a statement to your room without being too overbearing.
Industrial style homes utilized raw materials such as reclaimed wood and black iron bases, creating more of the warehouse feel. Farmhouse style looks for distressed finishes, vintage hardware and rustic wood textures to create a more trendy look.
And lastly don’t forget transitional styles that blend traditional and contemporary pieces; transitional styles that fit evolved spaces while using more of a decorative theme during your changes.
Height and Seating Compatibility
Selecting the appropriate height allows for dining comfort and ergonomics for the intended users. Counter height tables (36 inches) pair well with conventional counter height stools and are well suited for more casual dining experiences. Counter height tables look especially good in kitchen combined island and breakfast areas when a stronger visual connection is desired between the main kitchen activity and a comfortable dining experience.
Bar height tables (42 inches) are considered a bit more formal and tend to mimic a pub-like setting, adults typically prefer bar height accompanied by bar stools and footrests to help support sitting down and eating comfortably. Taller height tables can also be valuable in design to help define and differentiate spaces in open floor plans and serve to create visual interest through heights.
You should also consider the future intended use of the table based on who tends to use it most. For example, families with children are likely to prefer counter height because it allows for easier access for their children and adults alike. Adults only spaces can easily accommodate taller, bar height tables to create a more sophisticated dining experience.
Budget-Friendly Shopping Strategies
Quality doesn’t always require a huge budget, if you know where to look and what to prioritize in your budget. Prioritize your budget for sturdiness – the structure is the most important part of the table – the base and frame determine if the table is stable and will last. You can sometimes replace the surfaces later if your budget is tight in the beginning.
Shopping end-of-season, clearance of floor models, and discontinued styles can save you money on nice pieces. Many furniture stores are willing to discount the cost of display pieces that show little to no wear.
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of ownership – the cost of delivery, assembly, coordinating stools, and other accessories for your space. Sometimes spending a little more money for the complete set saves you money rather than buying pieces separately.
Don’t forget to consider looking for second-hand options or vintage pieces that you can refinish to match your decor. Many solid wood pieces of the past outmatch even the sturdiest pieces of today.
Maintenance and Longevity Tips
A little attention and care can dramatically extend your table’s life, not to mention, keep it looking great through years of use! Of course, each surface material has it’s own care considerations, which means you’ll want to know what your table needs the first day you use it.
If your table has a wood surface, use a microfiber cloth to regularly dust it. Like most wood surfaces, periodic conditioning with the appropriate products will preserve your wood’s protective finish. Be sure to use coasters and placemats routinely to help deter water rings and heat damage to the surface. And of course, like with any surface, if a spill occurs, you should clean it up right way. If you do that with your wood surface, you’ll prevent stains and warping.
For any metal parts, use products designed for cleaning metal that are safe for the piece’s finish and prevent rust. If your table has stainless steel, you’ll want to routinely polish it to maintain its shine, especially if the piece has a brushed finish. If any painted surfaces require cleaning, be sure to use a mild cleaner that does not require scrubbing, as that can make scratches most visible.
If your table has a glass top, you’ll need to clean it more frequently to maintain that clarity, however, glass surfaces are otherwise fairly minimal in terms of maintenance typically. For best results, use glass-specific cleaners without streaks and a soft cloth to avoid scratching any of the surface.
Making Your Final Decision
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, the next best step is getting down to your showrooms and test driving the furniture. Sit at the various tables to get an idea of how they will feel, stability of the furniture and the craftsmanship of the pieces. Take a closer look at the quality of the finishes, the joinery and overall details that cannot be seen through photographs.
Also consider long-term ownership and needs to accommodate a changing space. Good design is always in vogue and will be worth the investment over a trendy piece that rapidly looks dated and becomes unfashionable.
For home owners who want more than stylish furniture but furniture and home furnishings that are more practical, homeyfad offers a true selection of thoughtful furniture options in the collection that meets different tastes and budgets. Homeyfad ensures each and every one of pointed out pieces have options for every space and style, as well promising customer service that will help provide support and satisfaction in purchasing the right furniture for your home.
Are you ready to build your space of your dreams? Measure your space, recall your family and lifestyles needs, and consider the endless possibilities a table can bring and service as the foundation for unforgettable family gatherings with friends and family for many years to come. The ideal table to be the foundation for many unforgettable evenings with your family is waiting to be found.
