The dining table is more than just a surface to eat food. Delicious meals shared laughter with friends, and a lifetime of memories with family are associated with the dining table. Much of one’s life’s precious moments happen around the dining table.

That’s why finding and investing in the right table is worth due consideration. Here’s how finding the perfect wooden dining table can set the stage for you to start creating lasting memories, with furniture that will last for a lifetime, complement your style and elevate the dining experience in your home.

Elegant solid wooden dining table with contemporary metal base, paired with elegant cream leather chairs for a refined, modern look

Why Consider a Solid Wood Table

Not all wooden furniture is made equal. Different products are used to serve different purposes; and can make a significant impact on the longevity, available options, and stylistic impact. For instance, lumber, engineered wood and solid wood are the most commonly used materials due to their easy availability.

Solid wood is, as the name implies, made of solid wood cut and shaped to fit its purpose. On the other hand, both engineered wood and lumber are constructed from a wide variety of softer or cheaper timbers, adhesives and sometimes veneers before being fashioned into furniture.

A solid wood table sometimes referred to as a natural wood dining table, is made of the strongest part of the tree with no hollow points. Hence, the cut portion retains its natural beauty, durability and value.

A Closer View of modern oak finished solid wooden dining table with a sleek metal base

Advantages of Wood Over Other Materials

The natural beauty of wood, particularly solid wood, is a good choice because it can fit into almost any decor style. This type of versatility allows these pieces of furniture to withstand generations of dining, and you can keep the same table as you update and change the style of your home. Many become treasured family heirlooms passed down through generations.

Wooden furniture is one of the few furnishing styles which appreciate in value over time and could be considered a worthy long-term investment. As wooden furniture ages, it appears darker and the unique rings also become visible, thereby giving it a classical look which is prized in the furniture market.

Unlike glass, wooden tables are durable and can withstand stress easily. A skilled carpenter can repair a wooden table in case of any damage. And if you’re buying your table from a reliable brand or company, they will also provide good after-sales service.

Modern brown glossy dining table with cream leather chairs and wooden base in a luxury room.

How to Identify Good Quality Wood

Solid wood is the preferred material for dining tables because of its durability, resilience and aesthetic appeal. Maple, cherry and oak are some of the more popular hardwoods because of their higher density and hardness.

These attributes make them resilient to wear and tear. You should look for tighter grain patterns since it is a sign of strength and longevity. Hardwoods weigh more as well, and that is another indication of long-term resilience. Lastly, these hardwoods also offer consistent colour and retain it for years.

Many high-end brands like Cattelan Italia, Leolux or Potocco have been manufacturing solid wood tables from sustainably sourced materials of the highest quality. When you rely on such brands, you can rest assured that you’re investing in the best quality product.

A couple discussing the superior quality of a luxurious wooden dining table in a showroom.

Embracing Rustic Charm with Reclaimed Hardwood Tables

The impact of deforestation and the misuse of natural resources is a growing concern for many, however, it isn’t a reason to forgo wooden furniture completely.

Reclaimed wood is an environmentally friendly way to reuse wood and have quality furniture with character, charm and history. Reclaimed wood dining tables are often unapologetic about their age or the markings that have been made by previous use. Those same features give them a rugged charm and unfinished appearance making them a great addition to all types of decor.

But there is no limit to how a reclaimed dining table can be styled and used as the styling and decor possibilities are endless. And the right brands or luxury furniture designers are able to give a very modern look to any reclaimed wood table.

Reclaimed wooden dining table with modern brown chair, glass vessels, and pendant lights.

Light vs Dark Wooden Dining Tables

Light wooden dining tables made of naturally lighter woods like maple, ashwood, white oak and beechwood are popular choices for the modern aesthetic. Contributing to a light and airy feeling, balancing neutral decor and popular Scandinavian-inspired decor, it is equally well suited for classic farmhouse styles and cottage-core with a more old-world appeal.

Dark wooden tables have an air of glamour and classic beauty, thereby making a bolder statement than light varieties. Dark wood can be used to accentuate vintage-inspired decor and can bring balance to jewel-toned walls.The decision between these two finishes is more of a personal choice but certain factors also need to be kept in mind such as the colour of your flooring, the colour scheme of the room and the type of chairs you want to use with the table. The decision between these two finishes is more of a personal choice but certain factors also need to be kept in mind such as the colour of your flooring, the colour scheme of the room and the type of chairs you want to use with the table.

Close-up of white oak dining table with black velvet chairs in a modern kitchen setting.

Things to Consider Before You Make a Purchase

Buying a solid wood dining table is a long-term decision and should not be made lightly. To avoid buyer's remorse and make the most of your table there are some considerations you need to make.

Size and shape

Getting your dining area to fit your dining table is much harder than getting a dining table to fit your space. Consider the wide variety of tables available and the possibility of having a custom table made to suit your space and your needs. Extendable dining tables are an innovative option to save space in your room while still retaining the flexibility to seat more guests at your table when you need to.

The shape and size of your table should be suited to the dimensions of your dining area. Smaller four-seater dining tables are a great option for dining areas with limited space but may look deserted in a large dining room better suited to a six-seater table or larger. Rectangular tables are ideal for long, narrow rooms while round tables suit most rooms as long as they are of the right size. You can also consider custom shapes and sizes made specifically for your home.

Matching the table with existing decor

Wood isn’t just brown, it comes in different shades and tones. Due to staining, even tables made from the same three can be very different. Consider your style, decor and purpose for your dining area and choose the style that best suits you. While trends can make for great inspiration it is best to personalise your choice.

Maintenance

Maintenance of your wooden furniture depends primarily on the finish and how it is processed. While some finishes need to be maintained and reapplied more regularly, others have greater permanence. Most luxury furniture can be easily maintained with regular cleaning.

Sustainability

Environmental awareness is no longer a choice. Given the impact of our consumption on the environment, it should be a part of the conversation when choosing your furniture. Looking for ethical brands in the luxury furniture industry is quite easy. Cattelan Italia, for example, sources all its wood from the finest, ecologically sustainable forest plantations.

Understanding personal style preference

Your home is your personal space and enjoying that space should be a priority over trends that change seasonally. Paging through interior decor pages and visiting furniture showrooms can give you an idea of what you like. A consultation with an experienced interior designer can also help you put together a look based on the things you like as well as things you may not have even known you liked.

A couple standing near a stunning oak top wooden dining table in a luxury kitchen

Types of Wood Finishes and Tips on Choosing the Right One

The choice of the right wood finish is crucial for the protection and aesthetic enhancement of the wood. Here’s a look at some of the types of finishes you could consider. Each one is unique in its own way so it’s important to understand their differences and characteristics. Before making the final choice for your table’s finish, also consider how often you’ll be using the table and how durable you expect it to be.

Oil Finishes

Linseed or tung oil finishes are quite popular and help in showcasing the wood’s grain. That being said, these finishes may need re-application from time to time.

Wax Finishes

Wax finishes have been popular for centuries and they are known for offering a shine to the furniture. However, the wax finish is not particularly durable and hence, may not be ideal for a surface that is used regularly. Polyurethane finishes could be the alternative to wax finishes owing to their durability.

Shellac and Lacquer Finishes

Shellac delivers an attractive shine to the wooden surface. These finishes allow for fast repairs and drying, however are known for not being resistant to scratches. Lacquer offers resistance to moisture and provides a glossy appearance. However, lacquer finishes are generally preferred for cabinets.

Selection of wood finishes for the elegant dining tables

Our Favourites

Below is a list of some of our interior designers’ most recommended wooden dining tables:

Epsilon Dining Table by Arketipo

Epsilon Dining Table
by Arketipo

Planer Wood Fixing Dining Table by Cattelan Italia

Planer Wood Fixed Table
by Cattelan Italia

Motto Dining Table by Eichholtz

Motto Dining Table
by Eichholtz

Summing Up: How FCI London Can Help You Buy the Best Wood Dining Table

It’s not always easy to know what you like until you’ve seen what’s on offer. FCI London brings wooden dining tables from all over the world to one of the UK’s largest furniture and interior design showrooms. See our dining tables, feel the wood and feel free to ask our on-floor interior designers about the quality and durability of the table and how it would suit your home.

FCI London is the foremost lifestyle and furniture house in the United Kingdom, with almost four decades of experience. We have built our position by supplying high-grade bespoke furnishings, furniture, and lifestyle offerings and through our attention to detail, personal service, and customisation expertise. We urge all discerning customers to head to our establishment, check out our extensive offerings of wood dining tables, and have a meeting with our experts for a complete revamp of their residences.

It isn’t always obvious what kind of leather your sofa is made of or if the label of the sofas is correct so it’s best to have an expert's opinion on your choice.

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