Guide to Selecting the Right Glass Dining Table

While shopping for a dining table can be difficult, finding a good glass dining table can be even more so. Glass tables must be chosen with care, as they pose a certain hazard when broken. The table should be as safe as possible, while still remaining functional and blending in with your home’s environment.

Why choose a glass dining table?

Glass dining tables have numerous advantages. In addition to being relatively easy to maintain and clean, glass tables are also highly scratch resistant, more so even than metal or wood. Tables with a glass top are also the best match for many modern-style dining rooms, and can be charming in their own fashion. Some things to look for in a glass table are:

 

Safety Glass

Safety glass, or “tempered glass”, is glass made in a similar fashion to the glass in a car’s die and door windows. It is strong enough that it is unlikely to break, and if it does, it will break into many small, rounded pieces, instead of large fragments that can result in severe injury. This makes it substantially safer than ordinary glass. To find out if the table you are looking at is made from safety glass, ask the supplier, or look for a mark identifying it as safety glass. The ideal is 12mm grade of tempered safety glass with rounded corners.

 

Rounded Corners

Sharp corners on a glass dining table can result in minor injuries, even without the glass breaking. So it is a good idea to look for rounded corners on your glass dining table. Check to make sure that the corners are well rounded and not at sharp edges.

 

Metal Frame

Many glass dining tables come with metal frames, which are a major component of the table’s overall look. Stylized frames can accentuate certain aspects of a glass table, matching it with your existing dining room décor, in addition to securing the glass against damage.

 

Size

Choosing the proper size for your glass dining table is important for a number of reasons. First, a dining table that is too large may not fit well in your dining room with sufficient clearance. Second, a smaller table is less likely to be bumped into, reducing the chance of breakage. For general purposes, try to leave several feet of space between the table and the wall or other pieces of furniture.

 

Dining Chairs

Selecting the proper dining chairs for your table is almost as important as the table itself. One factor in choosing chairs for glass dining tables is height consideration. The chairs should slide comfortably under the table for storage, while still being tall enough to comfortably seat diners. Check to make sure that the chair legs will not bump into the table, as this can cause accidents.

Shopping for a table is time consuming, but something this important merits considerable thought and planning before purchase. Take these points into consideration, and soon you will find the dining table that is right for you.

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