Meals are important for families; they nurture not only the bodies but also the hearts. Mealtime is not only an opportunity to relax and eat a hot, filling dinner but also a time to be filled in on the stories that each family member can share for that day.

That is why no matter how busy or hectic schedules are, there should really be a time set for a proper dinner, done in the manner of really sitting down and gathering around the table. These days dining is an overlooked bonding opportunity. And yet, this experience could be enhanced even more with an adequate dining room table that will satisfy all the requirements of a terrific mealtime experience.

A dining table is not only an ordinary thick slab of wood on which plates of food are placed; its dimensions and construction can be made to match what a family’s specific needs are. Its aesthetic and design will greatly affect the mood of dinner or the entire home. Determine which style or kind of dining table is right for the family by becoming familiar with the shapes and materials usually used for these special furniture pieces:

Oval Tablecloth

Yes, a dining table does not necessarily need corners! Choose a table according to the size of the room or house, and also the number of people who would regularly be sitting down around it. After all, there are families that are no stranger to entertaining guests frequently. The dining table should be able to live up to that extra duty. Here’s a rundown of the ideal situations for each table shape:

Round Dining Table – Circular tables are popular in Asian aesthetic sensibilities because their shape promotes unity. Circular tables make a cramped room friendlier to the eye; the round shape flows pleasantly along the line of vision. Although the shape is usually applied to corner tables, a round dining table can also be ideal for homes that do not have actual dining rooms (where the dining table will be placed near the kitchen area or the living area).

Oval Dining Table – Large oval tables display an air of regality and elegance, so they are the best choice for houses with a large dining room, and an equally large family or a frequent number of guests. Heirloom or special tablecloths look attractive draped over a large oval table and can be held in place by a customized glass tabletop as an option.