Design 101

How To Choose the Right Dining Table for Your Space

October 17, 2024

For many people, the dining table is the heart of the home. It provides a space for loved ones to gather for delicious food and intimate conversation. This versatile furniture also allows you to assemble puzzles, crafts, and other big projects. 

Furniture retailers offer thousands of dining tables in different colors, sizes, and styles. This huge selection means there’s a perfect dining table for everyone. Our handy dining tables buying guide will help you pick the right furniture for your home. 

1. What Size Dining Table Do You Need?

When selecting the perfect size dining room table for your space, it's important to balance comfort and functionality. Begin by measuring your dining room's length and width. Ideally, there should be at least 3 feet (or about 90 cm) of clearance on all sides of the table to comfortably pull out chairs and walk around, even when it's occupied. For a standard 10 x 12-foot room, a table measuring between 36-44 inches wide and 60-72 inches long fits well. If your room is larger, say 12 x 15 feet, you might consider a table that extends up to 96 inches in length. Remember to keep at least 24 inches of clear walkway around the dining area to ensure easy movement. Choosing the right table size not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your dining room but also boosts its usability, making it perfect for both daily meals and special gatherings.

Standard dining tables come in a broad range of sizes, including:

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60”: A 60” rectangular dining table can seat four to six people. By contrast, a 60” round dining table seats up to eight. 

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72”:  A rectangular dining table seats six to eight, while a round one seats eight to 10. 

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96”: This extra-large size typically comes in a rectangular shape and seats up to eight people. 

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Many dining tables come with table leaves that increase their surface area. You can add these extensions when entertaining large groups and remove them when you want to conserve space. 

2. What Dining Table Shapes Are Available?

Dining tables are available in a variety of shapes, each suited to different room layouts and dining needs. The most popular shape is the rectangular table, perfect for traditional dining rooms and accommodating large groups of guests. Square tables are ideal for smaller or square-shaped rooms, promoting easy conversation with an equidistant seating arrangement. Round tables are excellent for compact spaces, enhancing and conversation without any sharp corners, making them a safe choice for families with young children. Oval tables offer a stylish alternative, combining the linear arrangement of rectangular tables with the soft edges of round tables, fitting well in narrower rooms. For those who entertain often but have limited space, extendable tables are perfect; they can change size according to need and come in various shapes, adding versatility to your dining area. When selecting a table, consider your room’s size, your functional needs, and the aesthetic you wish to achieve to ensure it complements your home decor seamlessly.

Rectangular: This is the most popular table shape and fits well in most dining rooms. Rectangular tables are ideal for accommodating a large number of guests and easily fill a room with traditional dimensions.

Square: Square tables are great for smaller spaces or rooms that are square in shape. They facilitate easy conversation, as everyone is equidistant apart. However, larger square tables can make it difficult for guests to reach the center.

Round: Round tables work well in compact or uniquely shaped rooms. They help create a more intimate setting and enhance conversation among diners. There are no sharp corners, which makes them a good choice for families with young children.

Oval: Oval tables combine the linear layout of a rectangular table with the lack of sharp corners of a round table, offering a stylish alternative. They work well in narrower rooms and are excellent for facilitating conversation while accommodating a good number of people.

Extendable: Extendable tables come in various shapes but are noteworthy for their versatility. They feature leaves (panels) that can be inserted or removed to adjust the table size according to your needs, making them perfect for those who entertain guests regularly but have limited space.

3. The Best Dining Table Materials

Furniture manufacturers use a broad range of materials to build dining tables. When selecting the best material for a dining table, it's essential to consider durability, aesthetics, and maintenance. Here are some of the top materials used in dining tables, each with its unique benefits:

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Wood

Traditional dining tables are made from solid birch, oak, and other hardwoods. The color of these woods tends to deepen over time into a charming and warm patina.

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Glass

A shiny glass table is a contemporary addition to your dining room. However, you’ll need to clean the surface regularly to remove dust and smudges. 

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Metal

These dining tables are typically made from aluminum or steel. A sleek metal dining table can fit an industrial or modern style. Durable metal also resists fading and water, making this material ideal for an outdoor dining setup. 

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Stone

Like metal, stone is often used for outdoor dining tables due to its durability. This natural material adds a sophisticated touch to your dining area. However, stone dining tables are heavy and can heat up in the sunlight. 

4. How To Select a Dining Table Style ?

When selecting a dining table, the style you choose can dramatically influence the ambiance of your dining space. From sleek, contemporary looks to charming traditional designs, understanding what best suits your aesthetic and lifestyle is key.

When choosing a dining table, it’s important to consider not only your personal taste but also the function and feel of your space. A modern table can transform a room into a sleek, modern retreat, while a traditional or farmhouse table can invite a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Matching your table to the vibe of your home is the key to a dining area that feels both stylish and welcoming.

Here's a breakdown of popular dining table styles to help you decide:

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Modern dining tables

If you prefer clean lines, minimalist design, and innovative materials like glass or metal, a modern dining table may be perfect for you. These tables often embrace simplicity, making them a great choice for small spaces or open-concept homes where an airy, uncluttered look is desired.

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Mid century modern dining tables

Characterized by organic shapes, tapered legs, and wood materials, mid-century modern tables bring a retro flair that feels both timeless and trendy. This style works well in a variety of settings, offering a blend of warmth and sophistication, making it versatile enough to complement a range of decor.

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Traditional

If you lean toward classic elegance, a traditional dining table may be what you’re looking for. These tables often feature ornate details, rich wood finishes like mahogany or cherry, and larger frames. Perfect for formal dining rooms or spaces where you want to make a grand impression, traditional tables evoke a sense of timeless grandeur.

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Farmhouse/Cottagecore

For a cozy, lived-in feel, rustic or farmhouse-style tables are ideal. Made from sturdy, natural wood with distressed finishes, these tables emphasize durability and a welcoming, homey atmosphere. They're great for families or anyone who values warmth and character in their home.

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5. Styling Your Dining Table 

There are many ways to style your dining table to fit your tastes. Here are our top styling tips:

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Choose complementary chairs

Pick dining chairs that share a common element with your table, such as the same color or design style. You could also select chairs with legs made from the same material as your table. For example, if you have a mahogany dining table, look for upholstered chairs made with matching hardwood. 

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Select a rug

Select a rug large enough to accommodate the table and chairs, ensuring that chairs remain on the rug even when pulled out. For modern tables, opt for solid colors or geometric patterns, while traditional or rustic tables pair well with ornate or textured rugs. Be sure to choose durable, easy-to-clean materials like wool or synthetic fibers to handle dining room spills and foot traffic.

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Incorperate lighting

Select a chandelier that complements the style and scale of your dining table. Ensure the chandelier is appropriately sized—typically, it should be about 1/2 to 2/3 the width of the table and hung 30-36 inches above it for the right balance of lighting and visual impact. Dimmable options are ideal for adjusting the ambiance.

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Add Storage

Incorporating a sideboard into your dining space adds both functionality and style. Choose a sideboard that complements your dining table's style—sleek and minimalist for modern spaces, or wood and detailed for traditional or rustic settings. A sideboard provides extra storage for dining essentials like tableware, linens, and serving dishes, while also offering a surface for decorative items or a buffet setup during gatherings. Be mindful of size, ensuring it fits well within the space without overcrowding the room.

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Dine in Comfort 

A stylish yet functional dining table allows you to comfortably dine and entertain. Start your search by browsing dining room sets, or continue your research with our inspiration directory.

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