Picking the Right Dining Table Color (How to Decide, What to Avoid!)
Take a step back from your room. What color is it? If I were to tell you that you can have any color dining table here in the store, which would you choose?
The decision to buy a dining table isn’t just about the style you prefer. It’s also important to consider the color.
Let’s talk about a typical decision you have to make or at least should consider before making a full-on purchase of a dining room table that you will be stuck with for years to come. And if you’ve already made the decision on what type of color you already want, then at least consider glancing through all the options I’ve created in this article.
Your home, your room, and all the furniture in your home don’t have to be the same color. In fact, I would advise you not to buy the exact same color table or even try to match a color based on the wall painting.
Building up the scenery in your dining room and putting all the intricate pieces together, like dining tables, shelves, accessories, and even lamps is like telling a story.
Before we continue, I just want to say one thing. Remember, this article is created to help broaden your perspective and in absolutely no way, shape, or form designed to steer you in another direction. The hope I’m trying to get out of this is that you may find some sort of a second opinion on what to consider and even get a stronger feeling of confidence in the choice you already have.
Let’s begin.
What to consider when choosing a dining table color
When choosing a dining table color, there are a few key points to consider.
1. The color
First, think about the color of the table itself. Do you want it to blend in with your existing decor, or do you want it to be a statement piece? If you’re going for a cohesive look, choose a color that complements the rest of your room. If you want the table to stand out, choose a bold or contrasting color.
2. The color scheme of the room
Next, consider the color scheme of the room. If your room is mostly neutral colors, a table with bright colors can make it more interesting to look at. If you have a lot of bold colors in the room already, a neutral-colored table may help balance things out.
3. A light or dark table
Another thing to consider is whether you want a light or dark table. Light-colored tables can make a room feel more open and airy, while dark tables can add a sense of drama. However, keep in mind that light-colored tables may show stains and scratches more easily than dark ones.
4. The patterns on the table
Additionally, think about the style and pattern of the table. If you have a modern or minimalist aesthetic, a simple, clean-lined table may be the best choice. If you prefer a more traditional or ornate look, a table with more intricate details may be more to your liking.
5. What the table is made of
An important factor worth mentioning is the material of the table and how it will be used. If you have children or plan to entertain frequently, a more durable material like wood or metal may be a better choice. Also, if you have a small space, you may want to consider a smaller table or one that is expandable.
6. The table’s finish
Finally, consider the finish of the table. A gloss finish can add a touch of glamour, but it may also show fingerprints and scratches more readily than a matte finish. A distressed finish can add a rustic or vintage feel, but it may also look worn and age quickly.
Choosing a dining table color can be a balancing act between your personal tastes and the practicality of how it will look and function in your space. I recommend being mindful of the room’s overall design and the table’s durability. And don’t forget to pick the table with the finish that best suits your needs.
Infographic: Popular dining table pros and cons
How do I choose a dining table to complement my existing room decor?
To choose a dining table that goes with the rest of your room’s decor, you should think about the style of your room as a whole.
Choose a style and shape of the table that aligns with the design of your room.
If you have a modern or minimalist aesthetic, a simple, clean-lined table may be the best choice. If you prefer a more traditional or ornate look, a table with more intricate details may be more to your liking.
Next, consider the color of the table. Choose a color that complements the existing color scheme of your room.
If your room is mostly neutral, a table with bright colors can make it more interesting to look at. If you have a lot of bold colors in the room already, a neutral-colored table may help balance things out.
How to choose the right dining table for your home
Step 1: Measure your space
Before you start looking for a dining table, you should measure the space in which it will be placed. This will help you determine the maximum size of the table that will fit in the room.
Make sure to measure the length, width, and height of the space, and consider factors such as doorways, windows, and other furniture.
Step 2: Size of your dining table
Once you have a rough idea of the size of your space, you can start thinking about the size of your dining table.
Consider how many people you typically have over for dinner, and choose a table that will comfortably seat everyone. If you entertain frequently and have a lot of guests, consider a larger table.
If you have a small space, you may want to consider a smaller table or one that is expandable.
Step 3: Decide the style and shape of your dining table
The style and shape of your dining table will also affect your choice of color. If you have a modern or minimalist aesthetic, a simple and clean-lined table may be the best choice.
If you prefer a more traditional or ornate look, a table with more intricate details may be more to your liking. The shape of the table also affects the way the color is perceived.
A round table or a square table will look different in color than a rectangle or oval table.
Step 4: Choose the right color for your dining table
The color you choose for your dining table should complement the existing color scheme of your room. If you have a neutral color scheme, a brightly colored table can add some visual interest.
If you have a lot of bold colors in the room already, a neutral-colored table may help balance things out. Additionally, think about the style and pattern of the table. If you have a modern or minimalist aesthetic, a simple and clean-lined table may be the best choice.
If you prefer a more traditional or ornate look, a table with more intricate details may be more to your liking.
Step 5: Consider what your dining table is made of
The material of your dining table will also affect the color you choose. For example, a natural wood dining table will look different in color than a glass or metal one.
This can also affect the durability of the table, so you will want to consider the material’s maintenance and care when choosing the color.
Step 6: Decorate with the right decor style
Once you have chosen the right color for your dining table, you can start decorating it with the right decor style.
You can choose the right tablecloth, placemats, napkins, and other accessories that complement the color of the table and add a unique touch of style to your dining area.
The most popular dining table colors of today
The classic walnut color is an all-time favorite
Classic walnut is a timeless color that seems to fit well in both urban and traditional households. It rarely even matters what the color theme is in your room when it comes to picking classic walnut. Honestly, it goes well with almost anything.
There are many different tones of classic walnut, but for sake of popularity, let’s begin with the classic natural light walnut color. This golden color is perhaps the staple of modernization. It sets a bright tone, and so the room that it inhabits shines a bit more simple with its presence.
Another popular version of classic walnut is in the term “rustic.” Now, this is a darker more defined tone. It brings out a sort of aged traditional feeling that still has a modern touch to it. Rustic walnuts can be anywhere from yellowish to pale brown and all the way up to a chocolate color.
The fact of the matter is that with this darker tone, you are left with the marvel of the patterns and the grains that exist throughout the wood. If you’re interested in seeing a sample, check out the link below. It’s hard to tell if this is rustic walnut or not. It might even be geared closer to classic walnut, but the tone and color are accurate.
Check out this table on Amazon.
Mahogany gets better with light and age
Mahogany is a straight-grained pattern wood that’s usually a bit red and sometimes even brown. What’s interesting about mahogany is that it’s a type of wood that seems to darken over time giving almost a responsive feel to the home.
Light is the catalyst for its darkening.
But when light is shined on and reflects off of mahogany you begin to see a brilliant reddish trait.
Working with and maintaining its red luster requires the occasional polishing.
Mahogany offers the traditional feel and look of a room that most people love to come home to. The darkness of the tone may even enhance the food and the dishes placed on this dining table, which, in my opinion, is what matters when it comes to considering a dining table.
Here’s an example of one of the more popular Mohagany tables online.
Check out this table on Amazon.
Natural maple is a clean, simple and minimal
Maple is really just a flat creamy light yellow color. But this isn’t a bad thing. Maple is a common wood used in high-end furniture and flooring. So it’s already got the approval of most experts when asked if it would make a good dining room table.
The trick here is once again the aging issue of maple. While being held in direct sunlight, maple will eventually turn yellow. Fortunately, the change in color isn’t going to be dramatic per se.
Maple is arguably the least exciting on the list. Normally it doesn’t have all the detailed patterns or it doesn’t have as much as the others in this list. However, that doesn’t make it bad. It’s a clean wooden look and sometimes, that’s what people prefer.
With the right stain, maple wood tables can lightly mimic those of more expensive woods, but honestly, the natural color of maple in any tone is just mesmerizing. You can’t go wrong with this choice. If you’re interested in getting an idea of how this looks in table form, here’s what it looks like below.
Check out this table on Amazon.
Golden oak reflects light brilliantly
Golden oak is considered a lighter, more yellow color. The patterns found in Golden oak can be described as uniform lines
It’s the type of color that brings life to what would otherwise be ordinary. I found a really nice design of a brown oak table (shown below) that shows how the deeper shade of oak color can really look great in almost any home.
Check out this table on Amazon.
It’s considered quite popular and timeless, as well as safe and reliable. These types of tables will reflect light brilliantly.
Cherrywood is as traditional as it gets
When cut, this type of wood is somewhat pink and usually light brown. However, with enough age and light, this tabletop tone may very likely turn red-brown.
Cherry wood is a very popular wood for building high-end tables. Cherry wood is very much a traditional statement. If you are thinking of a modern setting, this might not be the best color for you.
However, if you want something with the cherry wood color but a nice minimalistic design, you might be able to work with something in the two-tone approach of dark wooden legs that complements a cherry wood top.
Something similar below.
Check out this table on Amazon.
Table: The pros and cons of wooden dining table colors
| Wood Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Walnut | Timeless color that fits well in both urban and traditional households. Goes well with most color themes. | Some people may find this color too traditional or too dark for certain design themes. |
| Rustic Walnut | Brings out a traditional feeling with a modern touch. Allows for the marvel of patterns and grains in the wood. | Some may find the darker tone too heavy for their design theme. It may also be more difficult to match with other furniture or decor. |
| Mahogany | Gets better with light and age. Enhances the food and dishes placed on the dining table. | Requires occasional polishing to maintain red luster. It is also known for being one of the most expensive woods, so it may not be affordable for everyone. |
| Natural Maple | Clean, simple, and minimal look. Commonly used in high-end furniture and flooring. | May turn yellow over time when held in direct sunlight. Additionally, this wood may not have as much character as some of the other options, such as detailed patterns or unique grains. |
| Golden Oak | Reflects light brilliantly. Popular and timeless. | Golden oak may be prone to dents and scratches more than some other woods. |
| Cherrywood | Traditional look. Popular for building high-end tables. | May turn red-brown with age and light. Cherrywood is known for its tendency to change color over time depending on exposure to light. Some people may not like this aspect of cherrywood as it will change the original look over time. |
Remember, picking the color of your dining table is personal
Ultimately, picking a color for your dining table is a personal decision. Whether you think you have the answer by looking at your dining room or by searching deep within your emotions, the choice you make shouldn’t be filled with regret.
When I say that this is a personal decision, I really mean it. Deciding the tone and color of your dining table often reflects a past experience.
Maybe you grew up in a home where your earliest memories were about you and your parents sitting and having dinner together on a cherry wood table. Or you remember how you would sit on your maple wood table in your kitchen while your parent was cooking dinner.
These things are emotional buys, and they’re very different for different people. Go with the color and tone that best represent who you are.
What color dining table should you avoid?
A colored dining table that does not complement your existing room decor is one to avoid.
Avoid choosing a color that clashes with the existing color scheme of your room. Brightly colored tables may not look good in a traditional or classic-style room.
Also, if you have a small space, avoid choosing a bold color, as it may make the space feel smaller.
Additionally, avoid choosing a color that is hard to maintain and clean, such as a light color that shows stains and scratches easily.
What are some tips for selecting the right dining chairs for my dining table?
When selecting dining chairs for your dining table, there are a few tips to keep in mind that we haven’t discussed so far:
Comfort
Make sure to select chairs that are comfortable to sit in for long periods of time. Consider the height of the chair, the shape of the seat, and the amount of padding. Also, consider the height of the dining table and choose chairs that match the height of the table.
Durability
Select chairs that are built to last and can withstand frequent use. Consider the materials used to make the chair, such as wood, metal, or plastic. Also, consider the weight capacity of the chair and choose one that can support the weight of the people who will be using it.
Functionality
Consider how you will use the dining chairs. If you entertain frequently, select chairs that are easy to move around and stackable. If you have limited space, consider chairs that can be tucked under the table when not in use.
Style and design
Select chairs that complement the style and design of your dining table. If you have a traditional dining table, select chairs with a classic design and style. If you have a modern dining table, select chairs with a contemporary design and style.
Upholstery
Consider the upholstery of the chair. If you have kids or pets, choose a durable and easy-to-clean fabric. If you entertain frequently, choose a fabric that is resistant to stains. If you want to add some color to your space, choose a chair with colorful or patterned fabric.
Quantity
Make sure to select enough chairs for your dining table. A general rule of thumb is to have one chair for every person that you typically seat at the table, plus one additional chair for guests.
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