10 dining table uses

Dining tables are a common fixture in most homes. Differing in design, size and style, they’re a practical furniture necessity we find ourselves at, at least once a day.

But aside from eating at them, what else can they be used for? Lots of things, keep reading for details of those other uses…

The history of dining tables  

Dining tables have a long history that can be traced back to the Ancient Egyptians, who are reportedly responsible for making tables, as basic as they were, to dine from.

Dining tables were also a popular furniture item among the Greeks and the Romans, who used them to host many a banquet from.

Initially large and rectangular, the ideal dimension and shape for dozens of family members to gather and socialise around, dining table design gradually became increasingly refined.

The Romans are believed to have introduced the concept of a circular table, meaning there were no longer heads sat at either end of tables, paving the way for more of a relaxed and informal dining experience.

With the Victoria era came more decorative designs, and the introduction of equipment, widespread material sources, such as glass, marble, metal and different types of wood, and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques that have led to dining room design continuing to evolve over the centuries.  

10 dining table uses  

Most of us are guilty of only associating dining tables with dining, but they’re also used for:

1. Working from

The pandemic resulted in most workers literally having to switch to home-working overnight. Some people were already fortunate to have some sort of office set-up at home, but those who didn’t, found that the dining table was the ideal spot to work from.

2. Completing homework

Move the table mats and fruit bowl to one side, and the dining table’s also a great place for the kids to get their head down and homework done before packing everything away and setting the table for tea.

3. Playing games 

Games consoles are all the rage, but there’s still a place in many people’s hearts for a good old board game.

Scrabble, Cluedo, Trivial Pursuits, or Black Jack or Chase the Ace card games; so many people have spent many an hour gathered round the dining table for games night.

4. Getting crafty

Certain arts and craft hobbies require plenty of space, so you can lay things out properly (e.g. fabric for curtain-making) or see everything clearly (e.g. beads and sequins for card-making or pictures, magazines and stickers for scrapbooking). Dining tables make the best backdrop for all sorts of arts and crafts activities.

5. Doing the ironing

That’s right. If your ironing board’s broken or you haven’t got one, dining tables make a great substitute ironing board. They’re nice and flat and, in most cases, large enough to fully spread your clothes out to iron them.

6. Enjoying some drinks 

In the style of the Romans, dining tables are great for hosting food-related gatherings. They’re also just as good for enjoying some drinks, whatever the occasion, with friends and family too.

7. Creating kids’ dens

Dining tables make the best hiding spots, especially if they’ve been covered with a blanket or two. Dining table dens are capable of providing hours’ worth of amusement without creating too much of a mess either!

8. Doing some baking

If you’ve got limited surface space and are struggling to find somewhere to roll out your dough or cut out your cookie shapes, why not use your dining table?

It’s flat and sturdy and will do the same job, you may just have to throw a table cloth over it to protect it. 

9. Reading the papers

Newspapers, especially the Sunday ones with all their supplements, need space to be opened up and read from cover-to-cover, which can easily be found at your dining table.

Pair them with a hot mug of freshly-poured coffee, and you’re all set for the next hour or so…

10. Remembering important tasks

When you’re always on the go, it’s easy for things to slip your mind. For instance, that letter you’ve got to read from your bank, form you’ve got to sign and post back to the council, key you need to return to your friend.

Putting these things out on your dining table will remind you that you need to complete these tasks every time you pass by.

What’s your dining room looking like right now? Are you happy with how it is or are you keen to make some tweaks here and there? If you fancy a bit of a change, this article will help, ‘Dining room design 101.’