How do I… Choose a Dining Table?
Learn how to make the right decisions for this big-ticket item
Niki Bruce
4 June 2018
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my inner-homeowner run free!
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my... More
As a nation of food lovers, we are either eating out or having family and friends over for a meal. Hence, the right dining table is a must, from its shape and size to its material.
Tip: If you’re trying to work out how a particular dining table will fit your space, make life-size mock-up of tables you like and then lay them on your dining room floor. Use either sheets of newspaper or stick masking tape onto the floor to mark out the outline. This will give you a visual guide to how much walk space there is, the number of people you can seat, and whether the shape and size suit your dining space.
Square, round, oval or rectangle?
The classic round dining table with a lazy Susan is ideal for those into communal dining but most apartments don’t have the room for it.
So, what to choose then?
The classic round dining table with a lazy Susan is ideal for those into communal dining but most apartments don’t have the room for it.
So, what to choose then?
The rectangle
Rectangular tables are the most common shape for modern dining tables. They can seat a fair number of people and the shape fits into most dining rooms. However, in order to get enough chairs around them you may end up cramming them up against the wall.
Rectangular tables are the most common shape for modern dining tables. They can seat a fair number of people and the shape fits into most dining rooms. However, in order to get enough chairs around them you may end up cramming them up against the wall.
Get the look: This Bykato table by Danish Design will suit not only a Scandinavian interior scheme but also more minimalist looks.
The oval
Oval tables fit beautifully into odd shaped spaces creating usable space that might otherwise be wasted.
Oval tables fit beautifully into odd shaped spaces creating usable space that might otherwise be wasted.
The square
Square tables are perhaps the least space-effective. In order to seat nine like in this home, the homeowners need a large table. The sheer width of the table may make it harder to pass food around or to have intimate conversations with dinner companions opposite you.
Square tables are perhaps the least space-effective. In order to seat nine like in this home, the homeowners need a large table. The sheer width of the table may make it harder to pass food around or to have intimate conversations with dinner companions opposite you.
Get the look: This modern square table has a pedestal, bistro style leg for a casual look.
The round
Round tables may, like large square ones, end up with ‘wasted’ space in the middle but a lazy Susan solves that easily.
Round tables may, like large square ones, end up with ‘wasted’ space in the middle but a lazy Susan solves that easily.
This is just the right size for a couple and even up to four diners with the right type of chair.
Wood, metal, marble, concrete, glass or plastic?
Wood is the most common material for tabletops.
Wood is the most common material for tabletops.
According to Morgan Yeo of Roger & Sons, the best timber for dining tables are teak, oak and walnut. If these are too expensive, look for pine or MDF.
Image: Roger & Sons
Image: Roger & Sons
Get the look: A parquetry tabletop on sleek steel legs stands out and also matches the flooring.
How to choose and care for your wooden dining table
How to choose and care for your wooden dining table
grafunkt.com
Get the look: Lightweight metal tables are easy to move around and generally used outdoors on balconies, patios or verandahs.
Marble is an elegant option that suits different looks from country chic to modern.
10 marvellous ways with marble
10 marvellous ways with marble
A concrete dining table is an obvious choice for industrial style dining rooms.
The hard facts on using concrete to decorate
The hard facts on using concrete to decorate
Glass tabletops occupy less visual space making them ideal if you need a large table but don’t like the bulkiness.
Get the look: The sculptural timber legs here can be admired from all angles.
What about the dining chairs?
If you love decorating, it’s hard to resist furniture shopping. The good news is that the dining room is one place you can indulge in mismatched pieces so go ahead and pair that bench with a candy-coloured fibreglass chair or ceramic stools with moulded plywood chairs.
10 dining table and chair combinations
If you love decorating, it’s hard to resist furniture shopping. The good news is that the dining room is one place you can indulge in mismatched pieces so go ahead and pair that bench with a candy-coloured fibreglass chair or ceramic stools with moulded plywood chairs.
10 dining table and chair combinations
TELL US
What type of dining table do you have? Are you happy with it? Or are you looking to change? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
MORE
Dining Table Shape Sorted (or Capitalise on the One You’ve Got)
What type of dining table do you have? Are you happy with it? Or are you looking to change? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
MORE
Dining Table Shape Sorted (or Capitalise on the One You’ve Got)
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Hi, My house has an English/Victorian theme. The walls and flloor are white. I need advise on what kind of dining table i should get. It’s rather hard to find a dining table that suits my house, hence we still don’t have one after moving in here 4 years ago. Would a white marble dining table match the victorian theme?
Hi Zuraihan,
I wouldn't go with a white marble dining table for your room. The Victorian theme is more about dark polished timber. To get the right style, look for round or oval tables with a decorative carved central leg - or for rectangle and square timber tables, also look for some carved detailing on the legs.
It's best not to cover the table with a large tablecloth - you need to be able to see the details on the legs. :)
If you want to add white - you can get some reproduction Victorian style dining chairs and paint them white to contrast with the lovely timber table.
Here is an example of the type of table I'm talking about
If you really want to stick with white marble - look for a larger version of this type of table
Hope that helps!
Cheers
niki