Small tables for two people are all the rage now because they look so minimalist, and large farmhouse tables look so impressive and mansion-like, so ‘good old times-like.’ So what are you supposed to choose? Well, you need to choose what is practical and looks right to you, that’s the rule. This table will preside over your kitchen or an open-space plan, so it’s up to you to decide.
But if we could give you a friendly nudge of expert table-makers, consider this: a table should comfortably host a family plus a couple of guests. If you don’t plan to replace your furniture soon, a roomy yet compact table is the best choice. And a table for 6 seaters is a perfect solution for most situations.
Why A 6-Seater Table And How To Find The Right One?
Imagine, now you are a happy couple, and suddenly sometime later you become a cozy family of 3 or 4. When you sit down to dinner, 4 places are already occupied. Now add friends or your in-laws to an equation. 6 seating places accommodate all people comfortably, and you don’t have to think about what to put next to the table to make it longer. Or you just continue to live as a happy couple and have friends come over to dinner and probably to a table-top game. A 6-seater is still a must, but it needs to be of a fancier type to match the laid-back and sleek vibe of your home.
For such big events as Christmas or Thanksgiving, we usually go to our parents’ house, and there, a long heirloom table occupies an honorable place in the dining room (it is the time when those grand long farmhouse or colonial tables really shine). But except for these grand occasions, a 6-seater table is an optimal table type for your daily life.
Now that you know why a 6-seater is right for you, how to choose one? You should consider its measurements, materials, and shape. When all three parameters unite into a perfect mix, your dream table is created (or found). Then throw in your idea of design for a good measure, and see what’s on offer.
Measurements and Shapes
The most convenient and practical shapes of 6-seater tables are rectangular and round shapes. An oval table is theoretically possible, but this has to be a very particular shape of an oval. Ends need to be very gently rounded, practically like a square with rounded corners. Otherwise, the sharp end curves will provide very little space for sitting and dining, and people will have to sit along the sides of the oval only. It’s not a very reasonable use of space, so an oval table should be purchased after serious consideration only.
As said, rectangular and round tables are the best in terms of space use and styling effect. They both look contemporary but without the extra edgy feel, and they can easily be laid and decorated for more or less formal dining occasions.
In terms of measurements, a rectangular 6-seater table should be between 60 and 70 inches long and 40 inches wide, if we are talking about a 6-seater table proper. Sometimes, the recommended table length can be between 70 and 96 inches, but that’s for the case when 6 people can be seated along the sides of the table, and the ends of the table remain unoccupied. But this last version is actually an 8-seater table.
For a round table, the diameter of 60 inches is a perfect solution, since it allows placing 6 people comfortably around without that crowded feeling. Plus, a round table gives an effect of greater intimacy and ease, so to speak. It’s easier to communicate with everyone at a round table and to share food and laughter. The legendary King Arthur knew what he was doing when he ordered that special Round Table, so why not follow the royal example?
One more tip on how to choose a suitable shape? Consider the shape of the room. If the room or a section of the room where you want to place it is square, opt for a round table. It will look more natural in a given environment and will ensure smooth traffic around it.
If a room is long, it’s better to choose a rectangular table to fit the proportions of the room. The table will fill the space and still leave a place for moving around, even if the width of the room is rather limited.
Materials
That’s when your vision of the overall room design comes to light. You can freely follow trends and buy hot new arrivals from furniture stores, but again, hear us out.
If you don’t want to replace a table every year because you are tired of it or it does not match a new bit of decor you brought home, opt for more reserved and timeless materials and designs. We don’t say that you need to get a boring table that lacks individuality and interest. Rather, we advise that you choose quality and style over flashy microtrends that come and go in the blink of an eye.
As long-practicing woodworkers and designers with a knack for sustainability in everything, we always recommend getting a table made of good wood with a minimal finish that just lets the wood show its beauty. But that’s not all.
The sleek and highly stylish combination of materials today is wood plus epoxy. The naturalness of wood nicely contrasts with bright and transparent inlays, whether naturally flowing or organized in intricate patterns. Every slab is unique, and so every table turns out unique, and decorative yet feeling solid and natural.
So, yes, we strongly encourage you to opt for this variety of 6-seater tables because they are sturdy like wood, reliable, and comfortable to sit at, and they don’t need much dressing up for a big event. Just put some flowers, and matching or contrasting placemats, and your party or dinner can get started.
Tabletops of solid wood and epoxy look equally great when put on industrial iron legs or more classic-looking wooden legs or trestles. Every time the visual effect will be stunning and the reliability and sturdiness will be excellent.
What Wood And Design To Choose?
You can choose anything you want, from oak, maple, and walnut to more exotic types of wood. They are all heavy-duty and will age gracefully.
One more pro tip: rectangular tables are the best to order with a so-called ‘epoxy river,’ a smooth-flowing pattern that resembles a mighty river streaming between wooden banks.
You can order a tabletop with a river for a round table as well, but this shape is best made with a center-focused design, a mosaic, or a swirling flower cast in semi-transparent epoxy.
Live edge tables also look great, but make sure that the curvature of the edge does not interfere with comfortable dining.
Safety Considerations
A dining table needs to be extra safe because you put food on it and people sit at it to enjoy their meals. So the design should be super-safe, and finishes need to be natural.
At Maxiwoods, we fully understand your concerns and use only natural oils and stains for the finish, plus top-class sealants that protect the wood and are safe for surfaces that contact with food. Epoxy used for inlays is also top-grade, approved for kitchen surfaces.
You can ask for the stain color of your choice or get the natural look of the wood enhanced by oils or wax only. Your preferences lead our work.
Maintenance Tips
To protect the beauty of your cool 6-seater table, follow a couple of simple tips.
First, don’t put anything extremely hot on the table surface, use heat-resistant mats or pot holders. Both wood and epoxy would get damaged by heat, so it’s better to avoid the risk. But most probably, you know it yourself.
One more tip is purely professional. All good wooden furniture needs a bit of maintenance. So if the wood gets slightly scratched over time, or epoxy could use a little polishing, hire a professional to assist with that. A bit of polishing and reapplying the wood finish and a thin new coat of epoxy will restore the table to its initial glory. And it will serve you well for many years to come.
Conclusion
As you see, a 6-seater table is a perfect choice for many people who can use it for different purposes. The table is big enough but uses the space optimally, so you have where to seat people and save space in the room.
At Maxiwoods, you can buy a ready-made table or order a custom one, made with your ideas and your home interior in mind. We can guarantee the quality of wood, the quality of finishes, and the quality of work. So when you purchase our table, you buy more than furniture – you buy long-standing expertise, traditions of skilled handiwork, and the timeless style that will bring you joy at all times.
