Kitchen Table or Dining Table — What's the Difference?

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Do you need a kitchen table or a dining table? Most American families may not even know there is a difference between these two common eating accessories. But understanding what to look for in each situation will make your shopping and table choice easier and more successful. Here's what you need to know.

What to Look for in a Kitchen Table

As its name suggests, a kitchen table is one that is traditionally located within the confines of the kitchen. It may also be in a breakfast area or adjacent to (but visually connected to) the kitchen. This table is generally used by family members and just a few of their closest guests. 

The kitchen table is usually less formal than a dining room table. It's more casual and often more rustic or relaxed. This table should reflect the personality of the family who uses it and the style of the kitchen.

It's also nearly always smaller than a full dining table for two reasons. First, it only needs to accommodate the household members rather than all their occasional guests and dinner parties. Also, many kitchen tables are in a tight space — such as a nook or even within the kitchen's layout — so both the table and its chairs should be slim enough to allow good foot traffic. 

What to Look for in a Dining Table

A dining table is a more formal affair and usually sits in a dedicated room or zone of the public rooms. It is larger than kitchen tables and may need to be expandable to allow room for larger parties. While dining tables are traditionally classic and elegant, modern tables come in many shapes and sizes. The only limitations tend to be your budget and the size of the room it must occupy. 

If your dining table doesn't need to pull double duty (as a homework station or home office, for example), you might choose a table based more on looks and size rather than durability. However, if your house doesn't have space for a separate kitchen table or island, try to balance the appearance of the main dining table with a sturdy design and materials that will withstand life's knocks. 

Where to Start

Clearly, a lot can go into which table is right for your home and family. The best place to start is by discussing your home use and layout with a dining table store in your area. They will walk you through the many choices available to today's shoppers and the strengths of each style. Schedule a visit today to learn more. 

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22 March 2021

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