Dining Tables in Meath: Choose the Perfect Extending Table for Your Home

An extending dining table is the best choice for most Meath homes because it works as a compact everyday table and expands to seat 8 to 10 when guests arrive. If your dining space doubles as a family hub during the week and a party room at Christmas, nothing else flexes quite as well.

Here is how to pick one that fits your room and holds up for years.

Why choose an extending dining table?

Houses across Meath range from new-build semis in Dunboyne and Navan to farmhouse kitchens and period homes with generous rooms. Dining spaces vary just as much. A fixed table sized for twelve swallows a small room. A table sized for four leaves you stranded the moment relatives visit.

An extending table solves that. Closed, it takes up modest floor space. Open, it gives you the length for a proper Sunday dinner or a family occasion. You buy one table and use it two ways.

How big should your dining table be?

A simple rule: allow about 60 cm of width per person, and leave at least 90 cm clear around the table so chairs can be pulled out and people can walk past.

Rough guide for rectangular tables:

Measure the room, then measure it again with the table fully extended. Many people only check the closed size and discover too late that the open table blocks a door or radiator.

What types of extending dining tables are there?

The mechanism matters as much as the look, because you will use it often.

• Pull-out (end extension): the two ends slide apart and a leaf drops in or lifts out. Simple and sturdy. The Kenzo 160-240cm Gloss White Ceramic Pull-Out Extending Dining Table is priced at €1,799 and stretches a full 80 cm.
• Butterfly: the leaf folds out of the centre. The New Westin 180-220cm Grey Ceramic Butterfly Extending Dining Table is listed at €1,699.
• Auto-rise: the leaf rises into place as you open the table. The Vizarri 180-220cm Matte White Ceramic Auto-Rise Extending Dining Table is listed at €1,399.
• Ceramic top with extending base: the Vision Ceramic Extending Dining Table is listed at €2,299.

Prices are current at the time of writing and can change, so confirm on the product page.

Is a ceramic top a good idea?

For most families, yes. Ceramic resists heat, scratches and stains far better than most timber or glass. A hot dish, a spilled glass of red wine or a child's homework session will not mark it. It is easy to wipe clean and does not need oiling or polishing.

The trade-off is weight, so check that your floor and doorways can handle delivery. If you prefer a fixed ceramic table, the Basilico Ceramic Dining Table is worth a look.

Short on space? Consider a transformer table

If your room is tight, or the table needs to be a desk some days, look at a multi-function design. The Transformer Table range expands panel by panel, so you can go from coffee table to full dining table. You can see how it works here.

Don't forget the chairs

A good table can be let down by the wrong seating. Match seat height to the table (about 28 to 30 cm between seat and tabletop) and decide whether you want dining chairs or a bench on one side, which squeezes in extra guests. If your dining area opens onto a kitchen island, bar stools can add casual seating.

Where can you see dining tables near Meath?

Areiva's showroom is at Unit W9I, Ladytown Business Park, Newhall, Naas, Co. Kildare, so it is a manageable trip from much of Meath. Visits are by appointment, which means a design consultant sets out a selection for your space before you arrive. You can book an appointment online. If you want to browse first, the full dining tables collection and wider dining room furniture range are online. For delivery to your Meath address, check the shipping policy or contact the team.

Frequently asked questions

What size extending dining table do I need for six people?
A table that is 160 to 180 cm long when closed seats six comfortably. Choose one that extends to around 220 to 240 cm if you host larger groups.

Are extending dining tables sturdy?
A well-made one is. Look for a solid base and a smooth, firm mechanism. Test it in person if you can.

How much room do I need around an extending table?
Leave about 90 cm clear on each side, measured with the table fully open.

Which material lasts longest?
Ceramic and solid wood both last well. Ceramic is lower maintenance. Wood can be refinished.

The short version

Measure your room twice, choose a mechanism you will enjoy using, and think about how you host before you think about how the table looks. Get those right and an extending dining table will serve you for many years.