How to Choose the Right Dining Table

The most common dining table shapes are rectangular, round, oval and square.

• Rectangular dining tables are the most popular table shape and come in a range of different dimensions. For large groups of diners, rectangular tables are narrower than round or square equivalents, saving space and allowing people across from each other to be much closer.
• Round dining tables are great for facilitating movement in the room and ensuring all guests can see each other and are more evenly spaced, making them a great choice for group conversations or banquets. This type of dining table is best suited for six people or less.
• Square dining tables, like round tables, allow guests to sit equally apart, but larger tables seating more than eight guests can be very space consuming and distance people from each other, so are less common. This type of dining table is best suited for four people or less.
• Oval dining tables are a great choice between rectangular and round tables. Their elongated shape makes them adapted to rectangular rooms, and their lack of corners makes them easier to move around and allows guests to be more evenly spaced.

Visually, co-ordinating the shape of the room with the table can prevent making the space look cluttered. If space is limited, oval and rectangular tables are generally suited to central placement in longer rooms, while square and round tables are better in wider rooms. Tables with a straight edge (folding, square or rectangular) can be positioned against a wall. For restaurants or cafés with a high turnover, small tables are a popular choice. While round tables are easier to move around, square or rectangular tables can be joined together, which is great for adapting to groups of different sizes.

ANGEL CERDA Round Dining Table

MODLOFT Square Dining Table

SKOVBY Rectangular Dining Table

FINN JUHL Folding Dining table

In order to choose the right size, there are a few steps that will simplify the task.

Measure the dimensions of your space to work out how much space you have available. Leave a border of 36-48” (90-120cm) from other furniture or the wall to leave enough room for the chairs and to move around.

Consider how many diners you expect to seat at the table. Allow 24” or 60cm between seats for a spacious dining experience and be sure to take into account the positioning of the table legs or base. Check the product description or ask the manufacturer for the recommended number of places. For professional projects, be sure to check local regulations for any spacing guidelines or requirements.

Consider whether a fixed or flexible solution is best. If your table will be used occasionally for large dinners, extending tables or folding tables can provide a practical solution. Just be sure that the table still fits the space when extended.

Choose your chairs wisely, as the design of the chairs will impact how many people can be seated comfortably. Using benches or stools instead of chairs can maximize the number of people who can be seated, but could compromise the comfort of guests.

Many modern table designs use a different material for the structure (base or legs) and the table top. The most common table top materials are solid wood, laminate, metal and glass. Make sure that you consider the quality of the finishing and the joints of the table so that they can withstand regular usage, especially if they will be moved or folded regularly. Outdoor dining tables are often made of weather resistant or treated materials such as powder coated metal.

LOLA GLAMOUR Glass table

• Solid wood is still a popular material choice as its natural grain can go well with a number of decorative styles. Wooden tables tend to be robust and can often be refinished with paint, oil or varnish. For an alternative to solid wood, consider designs using plywood and wood veneer.
• Laminate tables are available in a wider range of designs, colors and motifs such as wood look. Laminate tends to be cheaper and easier to maintain than solid wood, but the surface can be damaged over time. The durability will depend on the quality of the coating and the joining to the core material.
• Metal tables can be great for industrial design schemes, but be sure to go for quality as some models can scratch or dent.
• Glass tables are often transparent and slender, which can be an elegant and subtle addition to a room. However, fingerprints can leave marks on glass and glass can also chip or crack if exposed to shocks or high temperatures.

Consider how the table design and materials can have an impact on the visual weight of a space. While glass tabletops supported by thin metal legs can keep a room looking open and more spacious, a wooden table with wide legs can look voluminous and heavy.

The style of table you prefer will depend on your project decor, and whether you want the table to stand out or blend in.

The majority of classic or traditional dining tables are made of noble materials such as wood, veneer, stone or metal using more traditional woodworking or production methods. Details can go from simple to very ornate, depending on the period style and techniques used.

Contemporary dining tables are available in a much wider range of materials, colors and designs than traditional tables. If you are looking for a centrepiece that stands out, a table with an original design could be a good conversation starter.

Options include type of base, modularity and environmental certifications. For restaurants or compact dining spaces, tables that can easily be moved and stored may be important. Options include tables with casters or folding and stackable tables. For those looking for more environmentally friendly material options, there are a number of labels to look out for such as VOC-Free, PEFC or FSC-certified wood.