10 of the Best Dining Tables for Relaxed Get-togethers
Even if you don’t have a dining room, every home needs a table where friends and family can gather. Browse these designs for inspiration
Lara Sargent
14 January 2015
Houzz UK contributor. Freelance interiors journalist with over 20 years' experience writing for national magazines, newspapers and websites.
Houzz UK contributor. Freelance interiors journalist with over 20 years' experience... More
Call me old fashioned, but I still love sitting down with family and friends at a dining table, be it a quick breakfast with the family before work or a long, drawn-out affair spent eating and drinking till the early hours of the morning. Life is busy, for sure, but taking time out to eat together around a table is precious and is a tradition we should hold onto.
What sort of dining table you choose will depend on your available space, how often you entertain and what style will fit in with your surrounding décor. Take inspiration from these 10 very different dining tables and let eating become the social event of the day.
What sort of dining table you choose will depend on your available space, how often you entertain and what style will fit in with your surrounding décor. Take inspiration from these 10 very different dining tables and let eating become the social event of the day.
Show your metal
I adore the modern industrial look for its gritty, wholesome spirit, and also for its eclectic and ever-changing charm. This wood and metal trestle table really is the centrepiece in this open-plan loft apartment – and the hotchpotch of workplace and old school chairs enhances the urban ambience.
I adore the modern industrial look for its gritty, wholesome spirit, and also for its eclectic and ever-changing charm. This wood and metal trestle table really is the centrepiece in this open-plan loft apartment – and the hotchpotch of workplace and old school chairs enhances the urban ambience.
Consider circular shapes
A compact round table offers the perfect spot for all sorts of get-togethers, be it a lazy brunch or a lively dinner party for four – the single leg post allowing everyone to tuck in comfortably. The curvaceous outline of this neat number is echoed by Hans J Wegner’s classic Wishbone chairs, showing how laid-back dining in a tight space can work very well.
See more ways to make a dining table work in a small space
A compact round table offers the perfect spot for all sorts of get-togethers, be it a lazy brunch or a lively dinner party for four – the single leg post allowing everyone to tuck in comfortably. The curvaceous outline of this neat number is echoed by Hans J Wegner’s classic Wishbone chairs, showing how laid-back dining in a tight space can work very well.
See more ways to make a dining table work in a small space
Stretch it out
You can’t go wrong with a huge, scrubbed timber table for big family gatherings. This salvaged carpenter’s bench is the star of this open-plan room and looks effortlessly stylish with the midcentury, galvanised steel chairs and rattan seating. There is nothing fancy or precious about this table – the reclaimed wood simply gets better and better with use – and the overhead pendant lamps allow the fun to carry on once evening draws in.
Be inspired by ideas for pendant lights
You can’t go wrong with a huge, scrubbed timber table for big family gatherings. This salvaged carpenter’s bench is the star of this open-plan room and looks effortlessly stylish with the midcentury, galvanised steel chairs and rattan seating. There is nothing fancy or precious about this table – the reclaimed wood simply gets better and better with use – and the overhead pendant lamps allow the fun to carry on once evening draws in.
Be inspired by ideas for pendant lights
Sprinkle with glitz
For a blast of unhindered opulence, why not splash out on a fabulous mirrored table so you can dine like a movie star every day? The Art Deco style looks sensational with crystal glasses, white china and linen napkins – and the pièce de résistance has to be the crushed velvet dining chairs for all-in-one comfort and luxury.
For a blast of unhindered opulence, why not splash out on a fabulous mirrored table so you can dine like a movie star every day? The Art Deco style looks sensational with crystal glasses, white china and linen napkins – and the pièce de résistance has to be the crushed velvet dining chairs for all-in-one comfort and luxury.
Have a bit of fun
Dining rooms aren’t starched, stuffy affairs these days, so why not have fun with a simple metal and wood table and a kaleidoscopic array of chairs, as in this room? Such a robust, fuss-free surface can also double up as a great working table for catching up on paperwork and homework.
Dining rooms aren’t starched, stuffy affairs these days, so why not have fun with a simple metal and wood table and a kaleidoscopic array of chairs, as in this room? Such a robust, fuss-free surface can also double up as a great working table for catching up on paperwork and homework.
Dabble with colour
In a lively palette of yellow, black and white, this dining room offers a fresh take on the modern coastal look. With not a hint of blue or ticking stripe in sight, the long white table is offset with comfy Kartell Sled chairs and a trio of metal pendants for the sunniest breakfast spot by the sea.
In a lively palette of yellow, black and white, this dining room offers a fresh take on the modern coastal look. With not a hint of blue or ticking stripe in sight, the long white table is offset with comfy Kartell Sled chairs and a trio of metal pendants for the sunniest breakfast spot by the sea.
Perch on a stool
As lifestyles change and space becomes more precious, there are times when a full dining set-up just isn’t required. Swap a traditional freestanding table and chairs for a smattering of high-level bar stools and let a breakfast bar or island unit become your tabletop. Such a casual perch is great for coffee and a quick snack or, with the lights dimmed, an intimate supper for two.
As lifestyles change and space becomes more precious, there are times when a full dining set-up just isn’t required. Swap a traditional freestanding table and chairs for a smattering of high-level bar stools and let a breakfast bar or island unit become your tabletop. Such a casual perch is great for coffee and a quick snack or, with the lights dimmed, an intimate supper for two.
Nestle down in comfort
Just as everyone’s wardrobe should feature a classic LBD or smart suit, so a well-built, wooden dining table is an investment piece that will last you years and years, and fit into any style of interior should you move. Here, the robust tabletop is offset by the soft, upholstered banquette and padded armchairs, making this a relaxing place to hang out.
Just as everyone’s wardrobe should feature a classic LBD or smart suit, so a well-built, wooden dining table is an investment piece that will last you years and years, and fit into any style of interior should you move. Here, the robust tabletop is offset by the soft, upholstered banquette and padded armchairs, making this a relaxing place to hang out.
Experiment with style
Don’t be afraid to mix and match colours, materials and styles of furniture for a dining room that’s packed with eclectic flair and personality. Transform a standard farmhouse table with a lick of dramatic navy paint and have the top covered in a sheet of hard-wearing steel. Pair with iconic Eames DSR chairs and you’ll have a look that will run and run…
Don’t be afraid to mix and match colours, materials and styles of furniture for a dining room that’s packed with eclectic flair and personality. Transform a standard farmhouse table with a lick of dramatic navy paint and have the top covered in a sheet of hard-wearing steel. Pair with iconic Eames DSR chairs and you’ll have a look that will run and run…
Take it outdoors
OK, I realise we are a few months away from any warm sunshine, but leaping ahead to summer, there is nothing better than eating alfresco. A solid teak table is a garden staple that should last a lifetime if treated regularly and covered or stored inside during the winter months. Seek out weatherproof, water-resistant fabrics to create comfy seating for those long, lazy summer lunches.
TELL US…
Where do your family and friends congregate for meals and get-togethers? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
OK, I realise we are a few months away from any warm sunshine, but leaping ahead to summer, there is nothing better than eating alfresco. A solid teak table is a garden staple that should last a lifetime if treated regularly and covered or stored inside during the winter months. Seek out weatherproof, water-resistant fabrics to create comfy seating for those long, lazy summer lunches.
TELL US…
Where do your family and friends congregate for meals and get-togethers? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
Related Stories
Lofts
Lofts: Aim High and Fall in Love With Your Attic
By Lara Sargent
We could all use an extra room, so why not look to your loft and transform the space in your roof into something fabulous?
Full Story
Utility Rooms
How to Stylishly Integrate a Laundry Space
By Jo Simmons
With their practical role, utility rooms are often designed with function rather than form in mind, but it doesn’t have to be that way...
Full Story
Utility Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Laundry Rooms on Houzz Right Now
Get decorating ideas for your laundry or utility room from these most-saved photos on Houzz
Full Story
Living Rooms
8 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Small Living Room
Swerve these common design errors to make a big impact in your compact sitting room
Full Story
Dining Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Dining Rooms on Houzz Right Now
By Kate Burt
Vintage furniture, great lighting and top tables – feast your eyes on dining room ideas collated from your own clicks
Full Story
Storage & Organisation
7 Ideas for Children’s Bookshelves
Need bookshelf or book storage ideas for your kid’s bedroom? Browse these stylish rooms for inspiration
Full Story
Utility Rooms
15 Richly Coloured Utility Rooms
The trend for strong, earthy tones has reached the utility room, with hues from plum to ochre to deep green adding depth
Full Story
Colour
8 Ways to Work a Rust Red and Blue Palette in the Bedroom
By Kate Burt
We’re seeing variations of this combination all over Houzz right now. Check out these tips for trying it yourself
Full Story
Lofts
How Do I Begin a Loft Conversion?
Wondering where to start when converting your loft? Ask yourself these questions to ensure you plan well
Full Story
Living Rooms
Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Living Room
By Cheryl F
It’s your main relaxation space, so what should you splurge or scrimp on in the living room?
Full Story
Agree entirely Lara. I have a pitch pine table in my kitchen and I wouldn't swap it for anything - except perhaps for another one!
For a relaxed get together, try a snooker dining table. Great fun, and space-saving!
These fantastic tables easily convert from dining table to games table, for fun family get togethers.
Antique snooker dining tables.