Homemakers are opting for practical and low-maintenance dining tables over style, reports Furniture Village, which has uncovered the most searched-for dining table styles over the past year and seen how they differ from what customers ultimately buy.
Based on Google search data, homemakers initially search for styles, with round dining tables being the most popular at 33,100 monthly searches, states the retailer.
Wood dining tables are also popular, with 12,100 monthly searches, followed by marble dining tables and oval dining tables with 9,900 searches each. However, extending dining tables are also high in searches with 9,900, and make up 70% of dining table shape sales data, showing their rise in popularity.
Dining table shape is also popular with homemakers, as many begin their search journey with a preference for shape. Round dining tables had the most searches with an impressive 33,100, followed by oval dining tables at 9,900. However, round dining tables make up just 2% of sales for the dining table shape category.
An spokesperson at Furniture Village says: "Once users start to shop around, they realise that extending dining tables bring the best of both worlds – the silhouette of their dreams with a functional extension to fit all the family."
Extenders make up 70% of dining table shape sales for Furniture Village, and boast 9,900 monthly searches.
Material type is also a popular search for homemakers, particularly with natural options. Wood dining tables boast 12,100 searches, and marble dining tables have 9,900 monthly searches. Both offer an inimitable feel thanks to the unique and individual markings and craftsmanship of each piece, offering "a slice of luxury in any home", says the retailer.
Despite marble being in high demand, ceramic dining tables make up 54% of dining table material sales for Furniture Village and have a high search volume of 2,400. "This is because ceramic offers the same opulence and glamour as marble but requires much less maintenance due to the durability of the material," says Furniture Village. "Searchers are clearly opting for functionality, but still want the style that suits their home the best."
It is evident that searchers are looking for dining tables for the purpose of hosting. Many of them begin by searching for 2-seater dining tables, which have 590 monthly searches. However, according to Furniture Village sales data, 6-seater dining tables, with just 110 searches, make up 60% of its dining set size sales.
Comparing search data and sales data has shown that although users start by searching for dining table styles, they decide on practicality with extending dining tables, and durable materials. However, says Furniture Village, "it's clear that they don't have to compromise on style, nor space for hosting, with the vast range of alternative materials that provide less maintenance and functional options to maximise space available on the market".
