How to Choose a Stylish and Practical Dining Room Table

Your dining room table will likely be many things to many people over the years – the scene of memorable get-togethers and holiday feasts, midnight snacks over desperate study sessions, that marathon Risk game that turned your brother and uncle into sworn enemies (and the sequel that reconciled them), and of course the thousands of everyday mealtime conversations that add to what life is all about for you and yours.

When you’re looking to buy a dining table, you want one that’s going to be versatile enough to fit whatever context and purpose you see your household using it for. You want a quality piece that’s going to last through many different seasons as your family grows. And, of course, you want to find the right style, size, and shape that’s going to blend into your space and look like it really belongs there.

A lot to ask from one piece of furniture? Maybe. But rest assured, with so many options on the table, the perfect one is bound to be out there. These simple guidelines will help you tick all the boxes and find your way to choosing a dining table that will complete your dining space with the character, purpose, and style it deserves.

Dining Table Dimensions

When you’re considering your dining area, it’s a good idea to think about ideal table dimensions in terms of shape and size together. As well as determining how many people you can seat, the size and shape of the table will also influence the mood and level of intimacy or formality you want to have in your dining room.

Shape

Rectangular If you think of a big feast, you’ll likely be imagining a rectangular table. They’re simply the most practical for bigger groups, and large rooms. Unlike with square or circular tables, you can increase the size without losing a sense of connection between your guests, as well as proximity to food in the centre of the table. You’ll also be able to keep enough room for walking around the table. With rectangular tables being the most popular, you’ll be spoiled for choice in terms of styles, materials and sizes, including extendable versions.

Square

If you’ve got a square dining area, it makes a lot of visual sense to go with a square table. As there is no ‘head’ of the table, square tables create a sense of equality and greater intimacy than rectangular tables, and work really well for medium to smaller scale dining areas. By the same token, they are limiting in terms of size and number of guests. You wouldn’t want to go bigger than an 8 seater at most, because once the table gets too big, your guests will start to feel estranged from each other – and the food!

Round

Round tables provide an even more social and relaxed setting than square or rectangular tables. While you also want to avoid going to big with a round table to avoid everyone getting too far removed, the round shape is a more efficient use of space, and allows you to squeeze in some extra chairs, especially since most round tables tend to have pedestal bases.

As long as the space isn’t too big for it, a round table will look good in any shape room, and can bring a nice balance to square spaces. If you’re looking for a really versatile smaller scale table that could work in an open plan living-dining area, an eat-in kitchen or breakfast nook, a round table is a great way to go.

Size

The space where you want to use the table and the number of people you want to seat on any given Sunday will naturally be the main factors in choosing the perfect size table. Deciding based on seat numbers can be a bit of a balancing act – ideally you want to be able to accommodate a few extra guests from time to time, but you don’t want a table that feels oversized and awkward for day to day family dining.

That’s where the size of your dining space tends to have greater bearing on the decision – but again it’s about finding the right balance. On the one hand, you want to have enough space around your table and chairs for comfortable seating and movement around the table. (Given the total size of your dining area, you’ll want to allow a 90cm wide corridor between the table and any nearby walls, doors or furniture so you and your guests will have ample room to move around.)

On the other hand, you don’t want to have a table that’s too small and gets dwarfed by the space. No matter how many extra bits of furniture you add, the table’s still going to look out of sorts. To get a feel for how much space a particular table will take up, it’s worth doing a trial run with marker tape and a few chairs.

Ultimately, the table size you choose should feel right for your dining space, and as a rule of thumb, be big enough to seat your usual mealtime gatherings plus an extra two guests. If you’re short on space but want to accommodate more guests from time to time, here are a few options to make it work:

• Go for a round table where you can squeeze in a few extra chairs in a pinch

• Buy a table with extendable leaves.

• Buy two smaller square tables that you can keep in separate areas but push together for a larger dining table when needed

Material

Aside from shape, the material you choose will be your dining table’s most defining feature. While you may be in love with a particular look, it’s best to have a few favourites on your list, then make a final decision based on what will be most practical for your needs and lifestyle. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of popular table materials.

Wood

Wood is a timeless classic that offers charm, versatility and in most cases, great durability. For day-to-day use, you may want to steer away from cheaper, softer woods like pine which tend to dent, stain and wear more easily, but even these can be repaired and refinished with relative ease. Wood that develops a weathered look will also fit perfectly with a more rustic family home.

If you’re looking for something more affordable than solid hardwood, wood veneers (usually combined with plywood or another kind of wood core) will give you the stylish looks you’re after, and a well-constructed piece will give you many years of use.

Reclaimed wood is another alternative that’s friendlier on the wallet and the environment. It’ll add some unique charm to your dining space, plus you won’t feel too paranoid about the kids adding their own charm to it.

Glass

Glass table tops are versatile enough to work with any décor style and will lend an open, bright and airy feel to your space. Naturally, glass can be prone to chips and scratches, but with many tables these days constructed from hard-wearing tempered glass, it’s much less of a concern. Glass will show fingerprints, though, so if you’ve got little minions leaving their marks everywhere, be prepared for frequent cleaning (as if you weren’t already).

Stone & Marble

Marble, cast stone, slate and quartz composite tabletops give stylistic weight to a room, offering a unique blend of modern and classical elegance – serve some grapes and you’ll feel like you’re dining in ancient Greece. Just be careful not to spill the wine on a stone table as these tend to be very porous and prone to stains. Although sturdy and durable, these tables will be tough to repair if they chip or crack, and are obviously not the easiest to move around.

Metal

You likely won’t find an all-metal dining table, but table legs or supports made from stainless steel, silver, brass, zinc, iron, and anything in between, make a stylish complement to glass and wooden table tops in particular. Metal is versatile and generally more affordable than wood, stone or marble, and blends well with urban, modern or contemporary home design.

You can buy metal with complete peace of mind that it will go with any colour scheme and pattern if you decide to change up your décor – plus, it always adds a nice textural contrast. Just bear in mind that fingerprints show up easily on polished metal, while painted metals can be tricky to maintain.

Style & Colour

With an idea of your ideal dimensions and favourite materials for your dining table, you can start shopping around and honing in on the finer details, like style and colour.

When you’re looking at different options, one of the important aspects to consider is how different designs and colours affect the ‘visual weight’ of a piece and how it will feel in your home space. Imagine a thick-set, dark wooden table, versus a glass top table with thin metal legs. Both tables may technically fill the same amount of space, but the former will seem to take up more space than the latter, visually.

Darker, heavier furniture has an anchoring effect that naturally draws the eye, making it a very effective centrepiece. Lighter wood tones are less imposing and offer a warmer, welcoming, and even nostalgic feel. Light wicker and whitewashed tables provide a very casual option and fit in perfectly with beach house or farmhouse decor.

In terms of style, it’s all down to personal taste – and how much you’re willing to shop around. If you’re going for an urban or minimalist look, stick to clean lines and sleek metals, glass or modern materials like MDF.

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For a more traditional or classical feel, look for rounded edges, turned tables legs, or ornate detailing. Metal and wood combinations are very popular these days and fit in well with contemporary, modern, and industrial style spaces. The rustic modern style has also found a niche in recent times, featuring rough-hewn, rustic materials like wood or stone, combined with a streamlined, modern design.

Remember that table style isn’t just about looks, but how the table is put together. You should also be looking at practical design factors that may impact comfort, usability, and durability:

• For starters, a quality table will feel solid and sturdy, with no wobbly or creaky joints.

• Carefully consider the table legs or supports and make sure they’ll allow enough leg room for your desired number of guests.

• Pedestal base tables generally provide the most space, but be wary with larger tables, as they can be less sturdy on a pedestal base.

• Look at the size of the table’s apron (the part that supports the table top) – a wider apron can limit your room to maneuver or cross your legs when seated at the table, so be sure to factor this in when pairing your chairs with your table.

For more on the dining table & chair matchup, read our detailed guide on Chairs to Dine For. 
Wherever you are in your dining journey, you can rely on Cielo to help inspire your space. View our stylish selection of quality crafted dining tables and chairs, available online or in-store today.