Large Coffee Table Plans

How to Create a Functional and Visually Striking Plan for a King Sized Dining Room Table

Furnishing a king sized table is a daunting task, owing to its inherent size. Table fixtures and decor should not feel cluttered and visually crowded. At the same time, one must ensure that the table and its surroundings are functional and conducive to the intended use of the space. Here is a guide to help you create a table plan for your king sized table: ### 1. Determine the Table's Placement: - How best to install a king sized table depends on the available space and the usual number of occupants. - Ensure the table is positioned so that there is sufficient space for people to move comfortably around it. - If the table is large enough, it may be used as a divider between two rooms, or it can be placed in the center of the room. - For rectangular tables, follow the general rule of leaving approximately 24 inches of space between the table edge and the wall, and 36 inches of space between table ends and the opposite wall. For round or square table, there should be 48 to 60 inches on all sides. ### 2. Choosing Chairs: - Chairs should be the right size for the table. The seat should be about 10 to 12 inches below the table's bottom edge. Armless, stackable or foldable designs make it easy to adjust the number of available seating positions at a moment's notice. - Upholstered or padded seat cushions aid in the overall comfort of the user and also serve to break the visual monotony of an otherwise uniform table setting. ### 3. Tableware Placement: - Plates, silverware, and other tableware should be placed at least an inch away from the edge of the table, to prevent them from being knocked over accidentally. - Plates should be placed in the center of each person's place setting, with the silverware to the right of the plate and the napkin to the left. - For special events, such as celebrations or welcoming parties, one can include table runners, centerpieces, and candles. Such decorations should not obstruct the view of other occupants at the table. ### 4. Central Arrangements: - Centerpieces can help make a large table feel more intimate. - Opt for low-lying centerpieces that don't obstruct conversation between people seated opposite one another. - Some popular options to use as centerpieces are flat serving trays, bowl-style planters, or a series of small vases. ### 5. Table Lighting: - Good table illumination can help create a warm and inviting atmosphere, especially during evening gatherings. - Opt for dimmable lights to easily set the desired ambiance. - Some popular options include chandeliers, pendent lamps, and wall-mounted fixtures. ### 6. Table Expansions: - If the table is used to accommodate a variable number of occupants, it is advisable to design the table with built-in leaf inserts that allow for expansion when needed. - Hidden support structure can be built into the table itself, to dispense with the need for additional support members when the table is fully extended. ### 7. Periodic Table Realignment: - Monotony of using a table predominantly in only one configuration can be broken by experimenting with new table layouts. Some popular options include: - Shifting the table's position to change its focal point in the room. - Flipping the table's head-to-head direction. - Rotating the table by 90 degrees. - Changing the style of seating (facing each other, L-shape, or U-shape) to achieve a different overall effect. Carefully planning a seating and decorative scheme can help ensure that a large table is well-integrated into the overall room decor and is used in a functional and convenient manner.