How to choose a Dining table: Ultimate Dining Table Buying Guide

A dining table is the centerpiece of the dining room and the key design element. However, finding the ideal table is challenging, given the wide range of materials, styles, and sizes. 

Here, we’ll share how to choose a dining table that works for you and creates an inviting atmosphere, whether planning intimate meals or big special occasions.

Want some inspiration before diving into the details?

First, decide the tone you want, then choose a shape and a base type. 

Casual Dining Tables vs. Formal Dining Tables

Do you want to create a cozy atmosphere for family gatherings and minimize worry over scratches and dings? If so, you’ll want a casual dining table.

Is your dining table only for special occasions or elegant meals, or is your dining room style refined? If so, you’ll want a formal dining table.

Dining Table Shapes — Which Is Better?

There are four standard dining table shapes and several types of bases.

• Rectangular dining tables. Rectangular tables are the most common. They are best for seating flexibility, as you can easily mix armchairs, side chairs, and benches 
• Square dining tables. Square tables are great for seating fewer people or if your dining room is square, as they create an intimate feel 
• Round dining tables. Because they lack corners, round tables help save space and are ideal for small gatherings, as everyone can easily see one another. A round furniture design also balances hard lines elsewhere in the space 
• Oval dining tables. With its rounded edges, an oval dining table takes up less visual space than a rectangular table. It is the best for a narrow or compact room, as it has less surface area

Dining Table Base Types

• 4-legged tables. This design offers stability and support, making it a practical choice for various dining settings. However, the placement of the legs can limit seating flexibility, as chairs cannot be pushed in as far at the corners, potentially reducing the number of people who can sit comfortably
• Single pedestal tables. A single pedestal table has one support column in the center, allowing chairs to be tucked in farther and providing more legroom than a table with a few legs 
• Double-pedestal tables. A double pedestal base comprises two support columns, usually one at each end. It may be difficult to tuck in dining chairs at the ends, but double pedestal tables look cleaner than leg tables
• Trestle tables. Classic and timeless, trestle tables have a horizontal beam connecting legs at the table ends for sturdiness 
• Tulip tables. A tulip table has a single, central platform base shaped like an upside-down tulip, which flows seamlessly into a round or oval tabletop. It has a sleek look without legs — an iconic midcentury modern design
• Waterfall tables. Made with either three pieces or a single slab, a waterfall dining table resembles an inverted, squared-off “U”

Other Dining Table Types

• Drop-leaf tables. These tables have hinges that allow you to fold both sides or one side down to save space in breakfast nooks and other small dining spaces
• Butterfly-leaf tables. A butterfly-leaf table has a center section that pops up when the table sides are pulled apart. This dining table design can help save space
• Extendable dining room tables. Perfect for when you occasionally host larger groups but don’t want a larger table all the time. Close the table back up and stow the extension out of sight when unnecessary
• Dining room tables with storage. When space is at a premium, a table with one or more shelves can be a saver
• Tripod tables. A tripod table has a single central support column or shaft with three radiating legs or feet or three legs radiating from a center point
• Live-edge tables. These tables are handcrafted of solid wood, with an edge unaltered from its original form, for a rustic, organic look  
• Pub tables/bar tables. These tables are 40 to 42 inches high — the tallest dining table option, convenient for a small group
• Refectory tables. These extra-long rectangular gathering tables have a rich history of use in monasteries and castles, as they can seat large groups

Tips for Small Dining Rooms

You can find many dining tables in all shapes to fit small rooms. Keep these tips in mind:

• A round or oval table has less surface area and can help a space feel more open
• A table with a clear top, such as a glass-top table, helps keep sightlines open and has less visual weight than a solid, opaque surface
• A drop-leaf table can be folded down when not in use to save space
• A dining table with storage, such as a shelf, can come in handy
• An extendable table allows you to move from a smaller dining space to an adjacent living space in an open plan when needed

The size of your dining table depends on two main factors: the dining space, which is the dedicated floor area without other furniture, and the number of people you want to seat. Let's explore these factors in detail.

Based on the Dining Space Size

For tables of all shapes, allow 42 to 48 inches between the table edges and walls or other furniture, with a minimum of 36 inches. You’ll need 18 to 24 inches of clearance minimum to pull chairs out, and you want additional room to walk behind. Also, allow 48 inches between the table and any doorways for easy room entry and exit.

The general rule to determine the size of your dining table is simple and practical. Measure the length and width of your space (not including other furniture), subtract 6 feet from each measurement (to allow 3 feet of clearance on all sides), and then multiply each number by 12 to get the table length and width in inches. This method ensures you have enough space for comfortable dining, giving you the confidence that you've made the right choice. 

Recommended rectangular dining table size (length) and round dining table size (diameter) by room size:

Smaller than 8x10 feet (e.g., breakfast nook):

• Rectangular: Minimum 42 inches long and 24 inches wide
• Round: 24 inch

8 x 10 feet

• Rectangular: 24 x 48 inches
• Round: 24 to 36 inches

9 x 10 feet

• Rectangular: 36 x 48 inches
• Round: 36 to 48 inches

10 x 10 feet

• Rectangular: 42 to 44 x 48 inches
• Round: 48 inches

10 x 12 feet

• Rectangular: 48 x 72 inches
• Round: 48 to 72 inches

12 x 12 feet

• Rectangular: 40 to 60 x 72 inches
• Round: 72 inches

Larger than 12 x 12 feet

• Rectangular: Minimum 72 inches long or wide
• Round: Minimum 72 inches

Based on the Number of People to Seat

Each person will need a minimum of 24 inches at the table for comfortable seating

Recommended rectangular dining table size (length) and round dining table size (diameter) by number of people to seat:

2 people:

• Rectangular: 36 to 48 inches 
• Round: 24 inches

3 people:

• Rectangular: 42 to 54 inches 
• Round: 24 to 30 inches

4 people:

• Rectangular: 48 to 60
• Round: 36 to 42 inches

6 people:

• Rectangular: 60 to 72 inches
• Round: 48 to 54 inches

8 people:

• Rectangular: 80 to 90 inches
• Round: 60 inches

10 people:

• Rectangular: 90 to 110 inches 
• Round: 72 inches

12 people:

• Rectangular: 120 inches
• Round: 84 inches

• Standard dining table height: 28 to 30 inches. For chairs, stools, or benches that are 18 to 23 inches high
• Counter-height dining tables: 34 to 36 inches. For chairs, stools, or benches that are 24 to 26 inches high
• ADA dining table height: 28 to 34 inches, with at least 27 inches of knee clearance between the floor and the underside
• Adjustable-height dining tables: 28 to 42 inches is a standard height range, but the exact range depends on the specific model

Latest Trends

If you are looking for a stylish dining table, keep in mind some of the latest trends for 2024:

• Sustainable and eco-conscious materials: Renewable, natural materials such as bamboo, woods certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, reclaimed wood, recycled and upcycled materials
• Organic shapes: Live-edge and freeform tables, linear tables with curvilinear bases
• Rich wood color: Whether naturally dark, such as ebony, or lighter wood stained a darker hue
• Statement-making designs: Custom creations that create a dramatic focal point

Popular Styles

Modern: Modern dining tables are minimalistic, with no added ornamentation. While they focus on functionality, modern designs are known for their simple beauty.

Contemporary: Unlike modern dining table styles, with a consistent look, contemporary design is ever-evolving and favors geometric shapes. Glass-top tables and tables with polished metal parts are popular types of contemporary dining tables. 

Farmhouse and rustic: Known for their casual, timeless charm, farmhouse tables are often made of solid natural wood (especially reclaimed wood), and many have a trestle or turned-leg base. Rustic tables also focus on natural materials, often with a distressed finish or a live edge. Farmhouse style creates a cozy atmosphere, while rustic dining tables remind of the great outdoors.

Mid-century modern: Similar to modern tables in their clean lines, mid-century tables focus more on organic shapes with slender multiple legs or a single wide or stem pedestal base.

Traditional: Often made of rich wood, such as mahogany, and with ornate detailing, traditional dining tables have an heirloom quality. They have an elegant, formal flair and a timeless beauty.

Other dining table styles you might encounter are transitional dining tables, which blend traditional with modern or contemporary, and industrial-style dining tables, which recall a factory setting with dark metals such as iron and, similar to a farmhouse table, distressed woods. Unlike farmhouse dining tables, industrial tables are known more for functionality than cozy charm. If you love glam style, consider a mirror-top table; remember that fingerprints may appear easily.

Most dining tables are in neutral colors to work with various room palettes and floor colors. When determining the color for your new dining table, consider the following:

• Darker colors tend to feel more formal, and lighter colors more casual.
• Whether you want a contrasting focal point or a cohesive design. 
• Darker colors will show less stains than lighter colors.

Dining Room Table by Floor Color

For dark wood floors: To avoid an overly heavy feel while keeping the material palette consistent, choose a light wood table such as birch or pine or a medium-tone wood such as oak or maple. For a high-contrast look, choose a white table.

For light wood floors: Go for an airy look with a white, beige, or light wood table, high contrast with a black or dark wood table, or a fun, eclectic look with a colorful table. Turquoise tables, for example, are an excellent fit for beachy dining spaces with bleached wood flooring.

For gray floors: A black-and-white dining table is the perfect counterpoint for the gray middle ground. An all-white or all-black table would fit beautifully, or go for a splash of color with a bright red table. Choose a gray stone, gray-veined marble, or cement table for a consistent gray palette.
For oak floors: Oak varies from light brown to deep reddish brown, so consider your floor’s tone. For lighter tones, keep the look going with a white, beige, or light wood table, or add contrast with a black or dark wood table. A colorful table adds a playful note. For darker oak floors, choose a light wood table such as birch or pine, or go for a stronger contrast with a white table.

The best material for your dining table depends on how you will be using it and how much maintenance you want to do. Below are some pros and cons of popular materials.

Popular Wood Types

Walnut. A classic hardwood renowned for its rich color, density, and durability, making it ideal for daily use. However, it can be expensive.

Oak. One of the most popular types of wood for tables due to its durability, family-friendliness, minimal maintenance, and lower cost than some other wood types.

Acacia. Known for its beautiful grain, acacia is highly durable and suitable for heavy use. Maintenance involves simple cleaning and occasional oiling. 

Mahogany. Rich, elegant, and timeless mahogany dining tables are frequently found in traditional dining rooms. Mahogany has fewer knots than other types of wood, creating a smoother appearance. However, it is more expensive.

Mango. Mango wood requires only simple cleaning because of its sustainability and unique grain patterns. However, it is less durable than other woods and not ideal for daily use.

Rubberwood. Rubberwood is durable enough for daily table use when treated as a medium-density light-colored hardwood that is considered cost-effective and environmentally friendly when properly harvested. However, treatment often involves chemicals, and rubberwood may trigger latex allergies in some people.

Other Popular Dining Table Materials

Marble. Elegant marble is one of the most popular dining table materials. As a stone, it is highly durable overall. However, marble is heavy and expensive and can stain easily, chip, or crack.

Metal. Metal is one of the most practical dining table materials, given its durability and low maintenance, and it can fit any design style. For example, dark and distressed metal finishes suit the industrial style, polished finishes suit the contemporary style, and dark and smooth metals suit the traditional style. 

Glass. Tempered glass tables resist breakage, keep sightlines open, and fit a range of styles. However, glass tends to show fingerprints readily.

Stone. Every type of stone is unique, and it can last a lifetime. However, it is more expensive and heavier, than many other materials, and can be fragile, so ensure the appropriate room and care when selecting this type of material. Use only suitable for natural stone cleaners.

Best Materials for

• Easy maintenance: Metal and most hardwoods.
• A luxury look: Marble, granite, and other stones; mahogany, ebony, cherry, and walnut woods.
• Longevity: Metal, hardwood, stone, cement.