While it’s true that sharing a meal is a great way to get together with loved ones, the ideal dining room table isn’t the one used for just three meals a day. It’s stylish and versatile, perfect for play, study, and serious conversation, and we’ve rounded up 10 great options for every purpose.
The dining room table was designed for eating, of course. Like many other necessities, its origins can be traced back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians dined on stone pedestal tables, and if you go a few hundred years further, you’ll see that the ancient Greeks used compact tables that they slid under their mattresses.
What makes the ideal dining room table for you can vary from person to person, depending on factors like available space and personal taste. For that reason, there’s a wide range of design options here. In this collection, you’ll find everything from practical to fashionable. Please continue.
10 Best Dining Room Tables
1. Zinus Jen 47 Inch Wood Dining Table
While the Zinus name is probably best known (especially on Amazon) for its beds and inexpensive memory foam mattresses, the company also produces a variety of other furniture items.
Although it shares the design with the smiley table shown above, this smaller table made of real wood is much more affordable. Since it’s a small footprint, it can also be used as a makeshift table.
Reviews for the Zinus Jen consistently call it “the best dining table I’ve ever bought” or “one of the best purchases I’ve ever made on Amazon.”
2. Signature Design by Ashley Kimonte Rectangular Dining Table
Need something that’s easy on your wallet? Then take a look at the Kimonte table from Ashley Furniture.
This wooden dining table is rather small, but it’s perfect for a breakfast nook or an flat with limited space. Thanks to its timeless shape, it can be combined with a variety of dining chairs and still comfortably seats four people.
3. Walker Edison Modern Farmhouse Small Dining Table
Walker Edison’s minimalist dining table set is perfect for apartment dwellers with limited space. Measuring a compact 48 inches by 30 inches, this table easily seats four people.
The table has a sleek profile that can be used in a variety of settings, and is available in a variety of colors so you can choose the one that best suits your decor.
This minimalist rectangular table comes with four matching chairs, so you never have to worry about not having enough seating.
4. Modway Lippa Mid-Century Modern Dining Table
Tulip tables, like the Modway Lippa, are Hardin’s first choice when it comes to round tables. It’s perfect for a contemporary or modern space and can be jazzed up with woven wooden chairs and vintage art for a more formal occasion, she says.
This round table is the epitome of modern design with its rounded edges and curved profile. There are several variations in height and color, including a white-on-white design and others with contrasting bases.
5. Panana Modern Dining Table
Amazon is here to help you in a pinch. The 47-inch diameter Panana table is available for delivery throughout the United States in less than a week.
Even though it doesn’t come with white glove delivery for $149.99, it shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to assemble because everything you need is included in the package.
6. Rustic dining room tables
This pine table and bench set is the epitome of rustic charm, perfect for any country home. Assembly is simple. There are enough benches for six people to sit comfortably.
7. Zinus Becky Farmhouse Wood Dining Table
This rustic dining table set is perfect for serving warm, home-cooked meals to guests. The white painted legs and wood panels provide a clean, understated design. You can fit a lot in a small space.
8. DHP Fusion Metal Square Dining Table with Wood Table Top
This sturdy table was designed with limited space and funds in mind. It has a square top made of elm wood and four legs in gunmetal finish. It can seat four people.
9. Modern dining room tables
The simple silhouette of this dining table gives it a modern appeal. The honey-coloured wood veneer adds a warm touch to the contemporary design. It is spacious enough to seat six adults.
10. Milliard Round Dining Table
With just two chairs and a round table, you can create a cozy, modern space for two. The bright white table top seems to float between four splayed legs made of beech wood. The 31-inch diameter tabletop is ideal for homes and studios.
What Is A Dining Table?
A dining table is a special kind of table used for eating, and it is a necessary piece of furniture in every home. The most common shapes for dining tables are round, oval and rectangular. Wood is the most common material, but glass, metal and even stone are also possible.
Apart from the dimensions and layout of your dining room, your personal taste also plays a role in choosing the ideal table for your dinner parties. Since there are numerous shapes and sizes to choose from, you should carefully measure your dining area before buying.
There are dining tables that can seat only two people or up to 10 people, so it is important to choose a table that can seat the usual number of guests.
Types Of Dining Tables
There is a wide selection of dining tables, but choosing the right one can be a challenge. Below is an overview of some of the most common dining table designs to help make the choice easier.
Classic rectangular tables
This design is adaptable and suitable for both business and home use. Rectangular tables are ideal for accommodating many guests in a spacious dining area. However, a rectangular table can make a room seem more cramped than it actually is.
Round tables
For small gatherings, these tables are ideal because all participants have a good view of each other and can easily communicate with each other. They are more compact than regular rectangular tables, making them suitable for apartments and other small living spaces.
However, round tables may be more expensive than rectangular tables due to the additional resources needed to make them.
Square tables
If you want to give your dining area a more modern feel, these tables are a fantastic option. They fit well in compact settings and can seat four people. While round and oval tables are available in abundance, square tables may be hard to come by.
Remember that you and your loved ones will be spending a lot of time at the dining table, so it’s important that you feel comfortable at it. Opt for a table where everyone can relax and have fun while eating.
Do You Really Need A Dining Table?
A dining table can be considered the centerpiece of any room. It serves as a place to eat, but it also brings people together. Others claim that you can do just fine without a dining table, although many people think you need one. Ask yourself: do you actually use a dining table?
Consider the following when weighing your options.
How often you entertain guests
A dining table is a must if you regularly have large groups of people over for dinner. If you do not invite many guests for dinner or other social occasions, you may not need one.
The amount of space you have in your dining room
For those who live in a small space, a dining table can be an unnecessary extra. However, if you live in a large flat, a dining table can be a great way to utilise otherwise wasted space.
Your budget
Since they can be quite costly, those who have a limited budget should refrain from buying a dining table.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not to buy a dining table. Consider your preferences and choose the best choice for your household.
Why Dining Tables May Not Be Good For You?
The history of the dining table spans many centuries. There was a time when every household had to have such a table, but today many people consider it just an additional ballast. There are a number of disadvantages associated with the use of a dining table.
The most important of them are the following:
- They can be quite costly.
- These tables take up a lot of space and might be difficult to move.
- Dining tables may be pretty dangerous if not utilized properly.
- They can also be quite difficult to clean.
For these and other reasons, many people find dining tables to be less than ideal furniture.
How To Take Care Of A Dining Table?
The most important thing you can do for your dining table is to dust it regularly. This will prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on the table, which can quickly mar its appearance.
Wipe down the table with a soft cloth or feather duster, making sure to get into all the crevices.
Clean the table with a damp towel after each meal to remove food debris and other messes.
The dining room table also needs a thorough cleaning once or twice a year. Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the table after removing everything. The table could also benefit from a good furniture polish to make it shine again.
Proper care of a dining table is crucial, as it is essential to the daily functioning of any household. By following these simple steps, your dining room table will look great for years to come.
Is A Dining Table Worth It?
If you are still undecided with the purchase of a dining table, you do not need to reconsider your decision. It is not only a dining place, but also a social gathering place for your loved ones and acquaintances.
The versatility of a dining table makes it ideal for social gatherings and intimate family dinners.
Who Is A Dining Table For?
There is a wide range of table sizes, but who uses them for eating? That, of course, depends on the table. The small round table is ideal for a romantic dinner for two, while the huge rectangular table can accommodate a large group for a feast.
But it’s not just about size- a dining table can also set the tone for an entire dinner. Dinner parties or special occasions call for a formal dining table with matching chairs and an immaculate tablecloth.
On the other hand, an informal kitchen table is great for everyday family meals or casual gatherings with friends.
So there is a dining table to suit your needs, whether it is a formal dinner party or a more intimate dinner with your loved ones.
How To Shop For The Best Dining Room Table?
Finding the perfect dining room table can feel like an insurmountable challenge with today’s choices.
While the selection of tables may seem overwhelming, if you keep a few things in mind, you can easily narrow down your choices and find the perfect table for your home.
Consider the size of your dining room and the number of people you typically entertain
A smaller table is better suited for more intimate events, while a larger table is suitable for families or groups.
Think about the style of your home and your personal taste
For a more conventional setting, a wooden table with clean lines is a good choice. With a table made of glass or metal you look more modern.
Don’t forget your budget
A dining table can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Therefore, it is important to budget accordingly to achieve the desired look, feel and functionality.
Dining Room Tables FAQs
Which wood is best for a dining room table?
There are a variety of dining tables to choose from. However, when choosing the ideal wood for a dining table, there are a few things to consider.
- The style of your dining room: in a more formal setting, you can use a more conventional wood like cherry or mahogany. For a more relaxed atmosphere in the dining area, a lighter wood like oak or pine might be ideal.
- How heavily your dining table is used: If you host parties frequently, you’ll need a wood that can be used for years to come.
- The care required to keep your dining table looking its best: There are woods that need regular polishing and waxing, and others that don’t – so it’s important to know which wood you’re working with.
How heavy is a dining table?
There are plenty of dining tables to choose from, but how can you tell if it’s the right weight? After all, it would be rude to have your guests get up from their meal to move the table. Thirty to forty pounds is the typical weight of a dining table.
However, this is not always the case and can change with individual components. Consider the relative weight of a glass or metal table top compared to a wood top. It’s best to contact the helpful staff at your local furniture shop if you are interested in the weight of your table but do not know exactly what it is.
Make your guests feel comfortable by using the exact number they tell you.
Do round dining tables save space?
A round dining table has advantages over other shapes and sizes. The extra chairs at a rectangular table aren’t always worth the extra space they take up in a tight dining area.
However, the shape of a round table allows every inch of space to be used effectively. They help create the kind of closeness and camaraderie that’s often missing from a large dinner party.
So, a round dining table could be the best option for you if you want to save space and create a more pleasant dining area.
How thick should the dining table top be?
There are a wide variety of dining tables to choose from, but how can you determine which one is best for your needs? The thickness of the table top is a major factor you should consider.
A narrow tabletop may not be able to support the weight of dishes and cutlery. However, if it is too thick, it can overwhelm the space.
And how thick should a dining table top be? The standard recommendation is 1-1/2 inches to 2 inches. This thickness is ideal because it provides plenty of support without weighing down the table. It also leaves plenty of room for a sumptuous dinner.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to find a dining room table that suits you in terms of size, style and comfort.
You’ll find many great options on our list, but choosing the table that’s best for your home wants to be well thought out.
Don’t just choose a table because it looks nice, think about how many people will use it and what they’ll do at it.
