Large is grand. Large is regal. Large is imposing. And large is hard to look away from. That’s how large luxury dining tables affect your culinary space or dining room. The presence of such a table will not only add that distinctive grand appearance to your dining space but also offer unique functionalities that aren’t provided by smaller tables. Hosting a black-tie dinner at your residence will be an event for the ages if the guests sit down for dinner at a grand hardwood dining table.
However, such tables are not only meant for hosting purposes, although that is a major attraction for many. Regardless of the size of the family, a large table will offer a comfortable and luxurious setting for your dinners. Additionally, it can also serve as the focal point of activities where the family can congregate at the end of the day to talk and socialise.
As a consequence, the trend is increasingly in favour of such tables at this point even though we live in the age of minimalism. At FCI London, we offer large dining tables from hundreds of premier European brands and have helped thousands of customers choose the perfect tables for their dining spaces. In this feature, we will look into some of the crucial things you need to look into so you can make sure your purchase is as satisfying years from now as on the day it’s delivered.
Having helped our clients adorn their homes with large luxury dining tables over the past decades, we have seen the evolution of choices and preferences quite closely. Such a table is going to be a significant new addition to your dining space and have a commanding presence. As a consequence, there are certain key factors you need to consider before you place an order. These factors will ultimately have a major impact on the long-term viability of your table in terms of style, functionality and aesthetics.
You may like a specific large table but having to figure out how to accommodate it can become an arduous task. This may seem obvious, but there is more to the task of measurement than simply having the dimensions of your dining room at your fingertips.
There needs to be ample space around the table to allow easy movement and the placement of other dining room furniture without any cramping. Our seasoned designers suggest keeping at least 90 cm of space between the chair edge and furniture or walls, to allow for free and comfortable movement around the table.
This rule of thumb will serve you well when considering any dining table. If you’re short on space of if you only need a big table occasionally, such as when hosting, consider going for large extendable dining tables as they’re space savers and can easily be extended to accommodate extra guests.
A large dining table makes a striking impression, and this effect is accentuated when the most suitable shape for a given space is used.
We offer tables in all the popular shapes including round, square, oval and rectangular, however, the ultimate choice will depend on the shape, access and appointment of your dining room.
You may want a large round dining table for your space, but if the space is too large and irregular in shape, it may appear out of place, even in a large square dining room.
Our designers suggest opting for oval and rectangular tables in rectangular rooms.
However, if the dining room is square, it’s best to fit a square dining table or a round table, provided it matches the size requirements mentioned above.
The Nizam of Hyderabad’s dining table at the Falaknuma Palace is the world’s longest dining table and seats 101 people.
It was meant for entertaining royal guests at sumptuous dinners.
While you may not be hosting as many, FCI can easily source a large bespoke table for any sized dining area.
In general, large tables comfortably seat at least 8 diners, but there really is no upper limit on how many guests you can host provided your space is large enough.
All this to say that once you determine the maximum number of guests that you envision hosting, you will get a better idea about the size of the table you might need and our consultants will provide sage advice on materials, designers and styles every step of the way.
While the choice of high-quality materials is essential for a luxurious appearance, such materials offer considerable practical benefits as well. For instance, dining tables made from hardwoods like oak, teak and mahogany not only raise the aesthetic quotient, but also offer resilience and durability.
These tables can last for generations with minimal maintenance. The appearance of the table can be further personalised with a wide choice of finishes.
Choose a matte finish for an understated look, but if the aim is to have more gloss then a natural shellac finish or well prepared raw wood may be more suitable. A marble top is another excellent option, as recommended by our in-house designers who are partial to Italian marble which has been a byword for luxury over the past centuries.
Luxury furniture is distinctive owing to the degree of highly skilled workmanship that goes into the manufacturing process. For instance, high-end inlay techniques and marquetry will provide the dining table with a unique flourish and appeal that is hard to replicate. Both these techniques are decorative and create eye-catching surfaces.
There are some other identifiers of highly skilled workmanship, including different and intricate forms of joinery. Look for mortise, corner blocks and dovetail joints, which usually are an indicator that wood furniture is made with care and built to last. Such workmanship creates a stunning table but also ensures that the table is a stable and resilient structure with significant durability. We work with some of the leading brands in the industry, who employ seasoned carpenters with an exemplary track record of bespoke workmanship.
Your choice of dining chairs is crucial to creating a complete and complementary arrangement. If you opt for a hardwood dining table, the best way to complement the look is by choosing a dining chair of the same material.
However, there are other things to consider. Ensure that the distance from the seat of the chair to the top of the table is in the 20 cm to 35 cm range.
That’s the scale you need to keep in mind. Large dining tables generally sit at a height of 75 cm, therefore the height of the seat should be 40 cm to 55 cm.
If you choose dining chairs with arms, then ensure that the arms are at a height that doesn’t meet the tabletop, or the seating may end up being frustrating to use.
A particular style of dining table may be in vogue at a particular time but it may not suit your personal style, sensibilities and preferences.
Avoid making an impulse purchase. For instance, you may be partial to minimalist sleek designs and purchase a dining table with intricate workmanship and elaborate decoration, which would not meld with the overall style of the room or your home at large.
Likely, the rest of your dining space would also be set up in a minimalist fashion, and a table that clashes may create visual dissonance.
At FCI London, we offer highly specialised furniture consultation services, so you can discover furniture that is perfectly suited to your style, and even if it doesn’t match exactly, is still complementary.
A piece of furniture can be grand, striking and imposing, however, it does not need to be overwhelming.
There’s a subtle difference between striking or imposing and overwhelming. For instance, a large hardwood table can appear overwhelming in a particular room if the shape of the table creates awkward movement through the space, or isn’t stylistically a match, which can make the room less likely to be used.
A large rectangular long dining table in a square space will have such an effect. Speak to our consultants when you head to FCI London and ensure that you can discover the most suitable large dining table for your space.
Our experts believe that if you keep these factors in mind as you browse our luxury showroom, then it’s a certainty that you walk out with the ideal large dining table for your dining room.
FCI London has more than 40 years in the luxury furniture and interior design industry, and we pride ourselves on being a trusted name creator of luxury interiors in London, both large and small.
Our longstanding relationships with the best craftsmen and designer brands from all over Europe are at your disposal, and we offer first-class delivery and installation of any product you purchase through us, ensuring that your experience is stress free and convenient..
Visit our 30,000 sq. ft. showroom, the largest luxury showroom in London, to discover, explore and experience a wide range of contemporary and traditional large dining tables, along with professional advice from a team of experienced and award-winning interior designers.
Utilise our complementary services like 3D Rendering, project planning, and enjoy our signature personalised service. We aim to make your design journey as seamless as possible, saving you time and effort wherever possible.
Book your appointment today!
Our professional team is available to help you with every step of your decor project. Book a personalised visit and let's get the ball rolling on your new dining room design.
Transparency's kind of our thing.
Here's what real customers have to say about us.
