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Oval Dining Tables: The Ultimate Guide for Modern Homes
Are you looking for a custom dining table that can fit in any space, suit any purpose, and enhance any style? If so, you might want to consider an oval dining table. Oval dining tables are versatile, functional, and aesthetic pieces of furniture that can transform your dining room into a cozy, stylish, and elegant space.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about oval dining tables, from their history and evolution, to their benefits and styles, to their tips and tricks. Whether you are planning to buy a new oval dining table, or just want to learn more about this fascinating furniture, you will find this guide useful and informative.
Here are the key takeaways from this article:
| Topic | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| History and evolution of oval dining tables | Oval dining tables have been around since ancient times, but they became more popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in Europe and America. They have evolved from simple wooden tables to modern solid wood tables with diverse materials and designs. |
| Benefits of oval dining tables | Oval dining tables have many benefits, such as:
|
| Styles of oval dining tables | Oval dining tables come in various styles, such as:
|
| Tips of choosing and styling oval dining tables | Oval dining tables require some careful consideration, such as:
|
History and Evolution of Oval Dining Tables
Oval dining tables have a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. The earliest oval dining tables were made of stone or marble, and were used by the Greeks and Romans for banquets and feasts. These tables were often decorated with carvings and sculptures, and were surrounded by couches and cushions for the guests to recline on.
In the Middle Ages, oval dining tables were made of wood, and were used by the nobility and the clergy for formal and ceremonial occasions. These tables were often covered with tablecloths and tapestries, and were adorned with candles and flowers. The guests would sit on chairs or benches, and would use knives and spoons to eat.
In the Renaissance, oval dining tables were made of more refined and exotic materials, such as ebony, ivory, and silver. They were used by the royalty and the aristocracy for lavish and extravagant parties. These tables were often inlaid with precious stones and metals, and were accompanied by fine china and crystal. The guests would use forks and napkins to eat, and would enjoy music and entertainment.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, oval dining tables became more popular and widespread, especially in Europe and America. They were used by the middle and upper classes for social and family gatherings. These tables were often made of mahogany, walnut, or oak, and were designed with elegant curves and legs. The guests would use plates and glasses to eat, and would engage in polite and lively conversation.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, oval dining tables have evolved into modern and contemporary pieces of furniture, with diverse materials and designs. They are used by people of all backgrounds and lifestyles, for various purposes and occasions. These tables are often made of solid wood, glass, or metal, and are styled with minimalist or eclectic features. The guests can use any utensils and dishes to eat, and can enjoy any media and technology.
Benefits of Oval Dining Tables
Oval dining tables have many benefits that make them a great choice for modern homes. Here are some of the main benefits of oval dining tables:
- One of the biggest advantages of oval dining tables is that they can fit in any space, regardless of the size and shape of the room. Unlike rectangular or square tables, which can look too big or too small, or too narrow or too wide, oval dining tables can adapt to any dimensions and proportions. They can also fit in any corners or angles, without wasting any space or creating any awkward gaps.
- Another benefit of oval dining tables is that they can accommodate different numbers of people, from a cozy dinner for two to a large party for ten. Unlike round or square tables, which can limit the seating capacity, or extendable tables, which can be cumbersome and unstable, oval dining tables can offer a flexible and comfortable seating arrangement. They can also allow everyone to see and hear each other, without any obstructions or interruptions.
- A third benefit of oval dining tables is that they can create a smooth flow of movement and conversation, with their curved edges and spacious surface. Unlike sharp or pointed tables, which can pose a hazard or a nuisance, or cluttered or crowded tables, which can hinder the access or the interaction, oval dining tables can facilitate the movement and the communication of the guests. They can also encourage a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with their inviting and welcoming shape.
- A fourth benefit of oval dining tables is that they can suit various purposes, such as dining, working, playing, and entertaining. Unlike specialized or dedicated tables, which can restrict the functionality, or multipurpose or convertible tables, which can compromise the quality, oval dining tables can offer a versatile and adaptable functionality. They can also support various activities and hobbies, such as reading, writing, drawing, gaming, and crafting.
- A fifth benefit of oval dining tables is that they can enhance the style and mood of the room, with their elegant curves, smooth surfaces, and diverse materials. Unlike bland or boring tables, which can detract from the aesthetic, or flashy or fancy tables, which can clash with the decor, oval dining tables can complement and accentuate the style and the mood of the room. They can also reflect and express the personality and the taste of the owner, with their unique and distinctive features.
Styles of Oval Dining Tables
Oval dining tables come in various styles, ranging from classic to modern, from rustic to chic, from simple to elaborate. Here are some of the most popular and common styles of oval dining tables:
Scandinavian
Scandinavian style is characterized by light wood, natural colors, and simple lines. It is inspired by the Nordic countries, where the climate is cold and the daylight is scarce. Scandinavian oval dining tables are usually made of pine, birch, or ash, and are painted in white, beige, or gray. They have sleek and slender legs, and minimal or no ornamentation. They create a cozy, warm, and bright ambiance in the room.
Mid-century modern
Mid-century modern style is characterized by dark wood, warm colors, and retro shapes. It is inspired by the 1950s and 1960s, when the design was influenced by the post-war optimism and the space age. Mid-century modern oval dining tables are usually made of walnut, teak, or rosewood, and are stained in brown, orange, or red. They have curved and tapered legs, and geometric or organic forms. They create a stylish, nostalgic, and fun ambiance in the room.
Industrial
Industrial style is characterized by metal, concrete, and rustic elements. It is inspired by the factories, warehouses, and lofts of the 19th and 20th centuries, when the industrial revolution and the urbanization changed the landscape. Industrial oval dining tables are usually made of iron, steel, or copper, and are coated in black, silver, or bronze. They have sturdy and robust legs and sometimes have wheels or casters. They have rough and textured tops, and sometimes have drawers or shelves. They create a rugged, urban, and edgy ambiance in the room.
Minimalist
Minimalist style is characterized by white, black, and geometric forms. It is inspired by the 20th and 21st centuries, when the design was influenced by the Bauhaus, the Japanese Zen, and the Scandinavian aesthetics. Minimalist oval dining tables are usually made of glass, metal, or plastic, and are painted in white or black. They have sleek and straight legs, and simple or no ornamentation. They create a clean, spacious, and serene ambiance in the room.
Tips of Choosing and Styling Oval Dining Tables
Oval dining tables require some careful consideration, both before and after buying them. Here are some of the main tips of choosing and styling oval dining tables:
The size and shape of the table
The first tip of choosing an oval dining table is to measure the available space and determine the optimal size and shape of the table, considering the number of people, the layout of the room, and the clearance around the table. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- The table should be large enough to seat the desired number of people, but not too large to overwhelm the space. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 60 cm (24 inches) of table length per person, and at least 90 cm (36 inches) of table width for the plates and utensils.
- The table should be proportionate to the shape of the room, but not too similar to create a monotonous look. A good rule of thumb is to choose a table that contrasts with the room shape, such as an oval table for a rectangular room, or a rectangular table for an oval room.
- The table should have enough clearance around it to allow the guests to move and sit comfortably, but not too much to create a disconnected look. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 90 cm (36 inches) of space between the table and the walls or other furniture, and at least 120 cm (48 inches) of space for the walkways and doorways.
The placement of the table
The second tip of choosing an oval dining table is to place the table in the room, considering the focal point, the symmetry, and the balance of the space. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- The table should be placed in a way that draws attention to the most attractive or important feature of the room, such as a window, a fireplace, a painting, or a chandelier. A good rule of thumb is to align the table with the focal point, or to center the table under the focal point.
- The table should be placed in a way that creates a harmonious and pleasing look, with the other furniture and decor elements in the room. A good rule of thumb is to arrange the table and the chairs symmetrically, or to use matching or complementary colors and patterns.
- The table should be placed in a way that distributes the weight and the volume of the furniture and decor elements evenly, without creating a lopsided or crowded look. A good rule of thumb is to balance the table and the chairs with other items, such as a rug, a sideboard, a console, or a bookcase.
The accessories and lighting of the table
The third tip of choosing an oval dining table is to accessorize and light up the table, considering the theme, the season, and the occasion of the room. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- The table should be accessorized with items that enhance the style and the mood of the room, such as tableware, centerpieces, tablecloths, runners, placemats, napkins, candles, and flowers. A good rule of thumb is to use items that match or contrast with the table color and material, or to use items that reflect or express the theme, the season, or the occasion of the room.
- The table should be lighted with lamps that illuminate the table and the guests, without creating a glare or a shadow. A good rule of thumb is to use lamps that hang above the table, such as a pendant, a chandelier, or a cluster of lights, or to use lamps that stand beside the table, such as a floor lamp, a table lamp, or a sconce.
Conclusion
Oval dining tables are versatile, functional, and aesthetic pieces of furniture that can fit in any space, suit any purpose, and enhance any style. They have a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times, and have evolved into modern and contemporary pieces, with diverse materials and designs. They have many benefits, such as fitting in any space, accommodating different numbers of people, creating a smooth flow of movement and conversation, suiting various purposes, and enhancing the style and mood of the room. They come in various styles, such as Scandinavian, mid-century modern, industrial, and minimalist, and require some careful consideration, such as the size and shape of the table, the placement of the table, and the accessories and lighting of the table.
If you are looking for a dining table that can transform your dining room into a cozy, stylish, and elegant space, you might want to consider an oval dining table. However, not all oval dining tables are created equal, and you might want to find the best one for your needs and preferences. That is why we recommend you to visit taitlinstudio.com, a custom handcrafted furniture company that specializes in modern solid wood tables and other wooden furniture.
Taitlin Studio is the best choice for oval dining tables, because they offer unparalleled customization, masterful craftsmanship, and personalized service. You can choose from a variety of wood types, colors, textures, and finishes, and customize the size, shape, and design of your oval dining table, according to your space, style, and taste. You can also enjoy the quality and durability of their solid wood tables, which are made by skilled and experienced woodworkers, using the finest materials and techniques. You can also benefit from their friendly and professional service, which includes free consultation, delivery in the Edmonton & Area, installation, and a comprehensive warranty.
Don’t take our word for it, take a look at some of the testimonials and reviews from their satisfied customers:
- “We recently had the pleasure of commissioning a custom dining table from Taitlin, and cannot express how thrilled we are with the final result. Jorey’s professionalism and excellent communication throughout the entire process made the experience a breeze. Also, Jorey’s attention to detail and dedication created a table that not only met but exceeded our expectations.” – Jennifer, Edmonton
- “Jorey was amazing to work with he listened to my vision and brought it to life. He made my family a beautiful oversized farmhouse table.the quality is beyond anything you can buy in the stores. He was so helpful when I was so unsure about the stain color he met me right away to figure it out at the got the exact color I was looking for! I would totally recommend and Taitlin Studio to my family and friends and look forward to one day getting more quality custom pieces made!” – Alyson, Edmonton
If you want to learn more about Taitlin Studio, or to order your own custom oval dining table, contact them today. You won’t regret it!