Out of all the rooms of your home, the dining space should be the most warm and inviting. It’s not just where you share meals with your loved ones — the dining table is often where you work on school assignments with your kids, play board games with your friends, and do puzzles on rainy days.
The right dining table can influence your home’s mood, creating a welcoming atmosphere for both you and your guests. For those who appreciate quality craftsmanship and timeless appeal, mission-style furniture is the ideal choice, offering classic aesthetics and versatility. But with so many design options available, how do you choose the perfect dining table for your home?
In this helpful guide, we’ll explore the difference between different styles of mission dining tables to help you make an informed decision about which would fit best in your home.
Understanding the Types of Mission Dining Tables
What sets the mission style apart in the world of wooden furniture is its functionality, simplicity, and handcrafted quality. Often featuring flat panels, straight lines, and minimal ornamentation, mission furniture pieces are not only beautiful but also practical and durable.
Within the mission style, there are many different types of dining tables to choose from. Here’s the unique structure and advantages of three of the most common types, along with some things to consider:
Trestle Tables
As one of the most traditional types of dining tables, trestle tables have been a staple in homes for centuries. They feature a tabletop supported by two or more trestles (vertical supports) connected by a horizontal stretcher beam. This sturdy design provides excellent stability and strength.
The advantages of trestle tables include:
- Space efficiency: With no legs to obstruct seating, they can accommodate more chairs.
- Versatility: Since they work well in both formal and casual settings, they’re a great choice for almost any dining room.
- Stability: The trestle design creates a stable surface, even when the table is extended with leaves.
Although trestle tables are known for their functionality and durability, they may appear bulkier due to the size of the supports. Before deciding on a trestle table, make sure your dining space has enough space to accommodate this style without feeling small or cramped.
Pedestal Tables
Rather than two supports like a trestle table, elegant pedestal tables have a single central column that supports the tabletop, which is often round or oval.
The benefits of pedestal tables include:
- Maximized seating: Since they don’t have legs at the corners, pedestal tables can comfortably seat more people.
- Streamlined appearance: The central pedestal takes up less room, creating a more open and airy feel perfect for smaller dining spaces.
- Flexibility: Because these tables are easier to move than other styles, they’re ideal for multipurpose spaces that require frequent rearranging.
While pedestal dining tables are a stylish and practical choice, they may not be as stable as other options, especially when the tabletop is large or heavily loaded. To avoid wobbling, choose a pedestal table with a robust, well-constructed base.
Legged Tables
As their name suggests, legged tables feature four legs — one at each corner. This classic, straightforward design offers timeless appeal and complements almost any interior design style, making it the most common type of dining table.
Some of the advantages of traditional legged dining tables are:
- Stability: Four-legged tables are exceptionally stable, providing a solid and balanced surface.
- Variety: With a wide variety of shapes and sizes available, these tables offer unmatched flexibility in terms of design and placement.
- Classic appeal: Thanks to their simplicity, legged tables can complement both modern and traditional interiors.
The downside of legged dining tables is that the legs limit the number of chairs you can comfortably fit around the table.
Choosing the Right Table for Your Space
As you shop for the perfect mission dining table, one of the most important factors to consider is size. Measure your dining area to make sure the table fits comfortably, leaving room for chairs and the ability to move around the table.
Style and functionality go hand-in-hand. Choose a dining table that both complements your existing decor and allows you to use the space how you want. Additionally, ensure the table is made from high-quality materials, such as solid wood, that will stand the test of time.
Find the Perfect Dining Table at Sugar House Furniture
Whether you prefer the classic versatility of a legged table or the elegance of a trestle table, Sugar House Furniture’s wide variety of dining tables ensures you’ll find the perfect piece for your space.
