Classic Dining Tables: Colours, Materials and Shapes to Look For

Classic dining tables that stay stylish share a few traits: natural or deep neutral colours such as oak, walnut, soft black and ivory; honest materials like solid wood, fine veneers and marble; and familiar shapes including rectangles, round pedestals and ovals. In this guide we explain what makes a dining table classic without being old fashioned, and explore the colours that endure, from mid toned oak to pale grey veined marble. We compare solid wood, veneer, stone and glass, then look at shapes and bases, from tapered and turned legs to twin pedestals and extending designs. You will also find advice on pairing chairs with a classic table, furnishing the room around it with display storage and lighting, blending classic and contemporary pieces, and sizing a table for compact British dining rooms, so you can choose a design that lasts through many changes of home, taste and decorating style. We also share simple care advice....