T
he dining table is the social hub of the home: it’s where the family gathers to enjoy time together, catching up over breakfast rolls, coffee breaks, weekend brunches, lovely lunches and everything in between.
The best dining tables will provide a stylish backdrop for all those clan get-togethers, whether it’s homework club, super-chic dinner parties, or a short-term work space. Substance is just as important as style, with sustainable furniture at the forefront of our mind as we head into the new decade. Dining tables are an investment that should be built to last, so eco-friendly and high-quality materials are a great starting point.
With kitchen and dining tables being woven into the fabric of our family foundations, it pays to do your research before splurging. Here are a few questions you may want to ponder before making that all-important purchase.
How much should I spend?
It’s a good idea to pick a budget and stick to it. However, remember that a good-quality dining table should last for many years so can be seen as an investment if you do want to spend more.
What style should I go for?
Have a look at your house and see what you think will fit best with the decor. If you like a rustic or modern country look, a salvaged or reclaimed wood dining table may be perfect for you. If you’re a vintage or retro fan, a mid-century modern piece should fit in nicely. Industrial design lovers should look out for steel frames and zinc tops, while contemporary-chic admirers should go for glamorous modern materials like marble, brass, or fibreglass. Nordic or Scandi enthusiasts should stick to clean lines and a pared-back blond oak style.
What shape should I choose?
The shape of your kitchen or dining table is down to personal taste, but can also be informed by the size of your house and shape of your rooms. A round table is a really sociable style to choose, and works well in smaller spaces. An oval kitchen or dining table is ideal for narrower areas, while a rectangular table is great for larger rooms and open plan kitchens.
How big should it be?
The size of your kitchen or dining table really depends on how much room you have and how big your family is. If you love hosting friends but you’ve also got a big family and not a huge space, an extending table might be the perfect solution; something that has the ability to host large groups but that can be made smaller for day-to-day life.
Looking at different styles, price ranges, shapes and sizes, we’ve served up a selection of some of our favourite kitchen and dining tables below.
Next Brooklyn Reclaimed Pine 6 to 8 Seater Extending Dining Table
Style: Industrial cool
Seats: 4 to 8 people
What happens when you mix a chunky reclaimed top with black steel? A rustic-industrial dining table extravaganza, of course. Throw in a really palatable price and you’ve got a brilliant buy. Next is really upping the style stakes recently and has a host of excellent - and on-trend - table choices. This funky option would make a cool addition to any modern kitchen or dining room, and won’t eat too much into the rest of your decorating budget.
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Habitat Drio Extending Oak 4-10 Seat Dining Table
Style: Pleasingly accommodating
Seats: up to 10
Ideal for small households with a large extended family or group of friends, this robust, solid oak table morphs from a four-seater to one you can get 10 people around. Also available in walnut wood, the clean lines and classic shape means it won't age making it a true investment piece to take from home to home. The only thing you'll need to consider is space when the two extension leaves are added - it'll span 240cm when fully open.
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MADE Edelweiss 6-8 Seat Oval Extending Dining Table, Walnut and Black
Style: Modern Scandi
Seats: 6 to 8
No need to budge up and squeeze in with this ultra-stylish extending table from MADE. The walnut wood gives a nod to midcentury style, as do the tapered legs and clean lines.The black trim adds a contemporary design element, and looks great paired with matching dinnerware. Understated, clean-lined and uncomplicated, it would fit in with any dining room decor scheme.
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Swoon Editions Bjorn Extendable Dining Table, Acacia
Style: Old school cool
Seats: 6 - 8 people
Make your kitchen or dining room feel Bjorn again (sorry) with this robust yet elegant extendable dining table from Swoon Editions. Each piece has been crafted separately, so while there might be some discolouration, the brand says this all adds to its beauty - and we're inclined to agree.
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Heal’s Madrid Dining Table
Style: Contemporary chic
Seats: From six people at the smallest size
Looking for a table with a contemporary edge? This Heal’s option offers a high-quality solid oak or walnut wood top with an injection of modern industrial chic, thanks to the steel splayed legs.
Part of the Designed by You range, you can choose from seven different lengths, two widths, three different edge profiles, and six different wood finishes to tailor the finish to your specific requirements, or match to a particular decor scheme. Whether you are working with a compact space or have room for a large statement table, all choices are covered. Versatile and very handsome? A winning combination.
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IKEA Lisabo table
Style: Back to black
Seats: Up to six
Renting or on a tight budget? There’s many reasons why you might not want to splash out on an expensive dining table. And, don’t worry, there’s still a host of stylish options out there to choose from. Ikea is always a safe go-to for affordable furniture, and this matte-black wood dining table is a sleek, stylish offering ((although white is also available). Perfect for any modern apartment or home, it’s pleasing on the eye - and your purse.
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west elm Silhouette Marble 4 Seater Pedestal Dining Table, Bronze
Style: Showstopping statement
Size: four diners
Got your heart set on a statement piece to pin your dining room together? Made from solid Indian marble and a dramatic gold-coloured base, friends and family will soon be fighting for a spot on your next dinner party invite list. It barely needs dressing (although some flowers and nice tableware would up the ante) making every meal feel like a luxury.
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Cult Furniture Maria round marble and brass dining table
Style: Art Deco decadence
Seats: Up to 4 people
A marble and brass combination is an instant game-changer for upping the glamour stakes. This compact piece adds opulence to any space but remains inviting and warm. A statement, eye-catching dining table that would look at home in modern or vintage decor schemes. Also comes in a two-seater size for cosy-chic date nights in smaller spaces.
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Barker & Stonehouse Ercol Corso dining table
Style: Mid-century modern
Seats: 6 to 8 people
Calling all design-led retro fans! This classic Ercol dining table, inspired by the iconic Plank table, is an elegant piece that’s been given a modern feel, sizing up for every day family use. Its simple, flowing lines and soft grain create a sophisticated piece that’s also robust, making the perfect understated yet statement talking-point table that will play a central role in memory-making fun with family and friends for years to come.
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Graham & Green Fay Parquetry Dining Table
Style: Timeless glamour
Size: 8 of your favourite faces
The art of parquetry isn't just for floors - why not bring the texture up a level to your dining table? Graham & Green's generous Faye table shows how to do it in style, with the table top sitting on iron legs with brass finish for extra elegance. Add colour coordinating chairs or G&G's matching bench to complete the look. An investment you won’t regret.
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Loaf Parquet Pie Kitchen Table
Style: Blonde beauty
Seats: 4 to 6
Pale, minimalist wood is having a moment and it’s not hard to see why with this little looker. A round table by day and oval by night when those extra guests arrive, it’s a handy piece that will see you through everything from the breakfast rush to sophisticated evening soirees. Ideal for the kitchen or more compact dining rooms. Now, who’s popping the kettle on?
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Verdict
We’re sitting up (or should we say down?) and taking notice of Next’s burgeoning choice of stylish kitchen and dining tables. The Brooklyn extending dining table adds a bit of NY-worthy loft-style cool to any home and, not only is it rather handsome, it’s also versatile and practical; whether you want a low-key family tea time or a dinner party to end all dinner parties, it’s got all bases covered.
FAQs
What type of dining tables are in trend? ›
Round tables are coming in hot
Round tables can turn a nook into a dining space due to their typically small size and ability to fit in places where a square or rectangle table won't. The other joy of a round table is that everyone can see everyone else and conversation can flow.
Hands down, the most popular color for kitchen tables is in the green or blue family. These hues give a calm shade to the kitchen and coordinate well with other styles, and hardwood flooring. This first table is painted in a chalk paint color, Olive.
What type of dining table is most durable? ›Solid wood and quartz are two of the most durable materials to use when it comes to tabletops. Solid wood tables are renowned for their durability with Oak and Maple being extremely hard-wearing when looked after correctly.
What is the most popular size dining table? ›Rectangular is the most common table shape, and the dimensions vary depending on how many people you'd like to seat. Most rectangular tables are between 36" and 40" wide. A table that seats four should be about 48" long. To seat four to six people, look for a table that is at least 60" long.
What color dining table should I get? ›If you're looking for a dining table that will match anything and everything, the best color to choose is white. As with clothes, the color white will match with everything. Additionally, if you wish, you can add a runner of any color to your table, and it will always look great.
What are some major trends in modern day dining rooms? ›- Make the most of multifunctionality. (Image credit: Robert Stilin) ...
- Seating that's comfortable enough for WFH. ...
- Oversized lighting. ...
- Feature walls that feature nature. ...
- Casual tablescaping. ...
- Freshen up traditional pieces. ...
- The broken-plan kitchen diner.
The ideal shape of dining table and chairs for small spaces are round and square (in terms of table), and with a low back and no arms (in terms of chairs). The chairs will look least unobtrusive this way and won't dominate the room.
What is the best kind of dining table? ›If you want a table to last through years of dinner party wear and tear, choose a table made from a hardwood, such as mahogany, walnut, maple, oak and teak.
Which is better round or rectangular dining table? ›A round dining table is perfect if you prefer a smaller, more intimate feel as it allows your guests to easily converse with everyone at the table and share a "family-style" meal together. For larger parties, a rectangular table is best.
Which table top is the best? ›...
Prices mentioned here does not include the cost of installation.
- Granite table top. ...
- Marble countertop. ...
- Quartz stone table top. ...
- Concrete countertop. ...
- Laminate countertop. ...
- Stainless steel countertop.
What is the best kitchen table top? ›
- Quartz. Pros: It mimics the look of stone but requires less maintenance. ...
- Granite. Pros: Each slab of this natural material is unique; rare colors and veining cost more. ...
- Soapstone, Limestone, and Marble. ...
- Laminate. ...
- Solid Surfacing. ...
- Recycled Glass. ...
- Butcher Block.
- Always go bigger than you think is necessary. ...
- Leave three feet of clearance space. ...
- Choose a round table if you're short on space. ...
- Get a glass table if you have a dark apartment. ...
- Don't be afraid of metallics.
A 60” to 72” long rectangular table can seat up to 6 adults. An 84” to 96” long rectangular table can seat up to 8 adults. A 108” to 120” long rectangular table can seat up to 10 adults.
How wide should a dining room table be? ›The standard width is 36-40 inches while standard height is 29-31 inches. The length varies depending on how many people the table sits. The seating number varies due to the differences in leg layout of the table and chair sizes.
What color table goes with light wood floors? ›Neutral colors like black, white, and beige are always a safe choice and will create a cohesive look in the room. Contemporary colors like dark gray and deep red can provide a stylish and modern look to the room.
What table goes with white kitchen cabinets? ›White is a neutral color that can work with almost any color imaginable, so virtually any color kitchen table you choose will work well with white cabinets.
Do chair legs have to match table? ›First things first, keep in mind that your chairs don't have to match your table. They don't even have to match each other as long as each one sits comfortably under your dining table.
How do I make my dining room more functional? ›- Create a flexible home office. ...
- Get creative with a music room. ...
- Become a host with the most with a guest room. ...
- Level up with a study space. ...
- Tidy up with storage. ...
- Give yourself a second living room. ...
- Make memories with a playroom. ...
- Relax in your own library.
The answer is 'yes'. Fussy and overly formal parties are out of style today. So, there's no point investing in a banquet style dining room and instead you may consider moving to a child-safe space with personal and creative touches in the design.
What is the trend in dining room chairs? ›Natural Fiber Chairs
The natural fiber chair trend is a great way to add texture to the kitchen or dining room. We're seeing all manner of fibers being embraced, from raffia to bamboo to cane. The look is especially dramatic when you use chairs that could easily pass for woven lounge chairs in the living room.
What takes up more space round or rectangle table? ›
If you have a small house or dining room, bear in mind that round tables take up less space. They have a smaller surface area than their rectangular counterparts so will fit into tighter spaces much more easily.
Why are round tables better than square? ›Because there are no corners, a round dining table generally has a smaller footprint than a square or rectangle making it suitable for smaller spaces. They also tend to fit more people around when you have additional guests.
What shape dining table is best for a square room? ›Square-shaped rooms look best with a square dining table. Square dining tables are also a good solution if you do not have a large group to seat most of the time.
How much is a good dining table? ›Mid Range: $1500 – $4000
A table at this price point is often good-quality, well-sized, and made of solid wood. They are also usually up-to-date with current home decor trends. Further, dining room tables in the mid-price range are often customizable in design.
Tempered glass is perfect for dining tables because they are long-lasting, resistant to heat, and don't scratch easily. For the dining table, you can either have a table made from glass and place that over a table stand or you can have a glass top made for an existing table.
What type of wood is best for table top? ›Oak is considered the best wood for dining tables. However, hard maple is another good choice, especially when working on formal dining room sets, as oak can be expensive.
What shape table is best for a small kitchen? ›What shape table is best for a small kitchen? Generally speaking the best shape table for a small kitchen table is round from a visual perspective – because the soft edges feel less structured and therefore less intrusive on the small space.
Where do round tables fit best? ›A round table works well in small rooms and smaller square shaped rooms. It creates a cozy and intimate setting, so it's the best shape for a small group of people. A large round table, however, can make guests feel very far away from each other.
Are round glass tables in style? ›Round glass tables are very much in style today. With a large variety of options in color, style, and mixed materials, these tables will naturally become the centerpiece in homes and lobbies for people to gather around and make lasting memories.
Do people still use dining rooms? ›Experts agree that the dining room is, in fact, making a comeback. But much like all comebacks, it is coming back in a reinvented form. This is happening for two reasons: the first is that over the past few years people have returned to valuing simple events like sharing a meal together.
What colors go with a black table? ›
A black dining table can be used in combination with chairs of a different color. This will establish an eye-catching relationship between them, allowing these elements to complement each other. Use a black table in combination with green, red or yellow chairs for a striking contrast.
Which glass is best for dining table? ›Tempered glass is perfect for dining tables because they are long-lasting, resistant to heat, and don't scratch easily. For the dining table, you can either have a table made from glass and place that over a table stand or you can have a glass top made for an existing table.
Are glass tables trendy? ›Believe it or not, the trend of having a glass dining room table is not anything new. In fact, interior designers have always praised glass tables for their simple, yet diverse style and looks.
Are glass top tables safe? ›A glass dining room table can be a safety hazard for children and pets if it breaks. Sharp edges can injure passers-by, so, for safety reasons, it is best to invest in oval or round tables without sharp edges. A tempered glass top is the safest option as it is the least likely to break and cause accidents.
Where should a dining room be located in a house? ›Where Should A Dining Room Be Located In A House? Dining rooms are, traditionally, in a space adjacent to the kitchen. Having a separate room for dining with its own doors allows the homeowners to entertain guests at dinner without any interruption, distraction, or noise from the kitchen.
Should dining table be set all the time? ›The main reason you do not want to keep your dining room table set for dinner all the time, especially if you have kids in the house, is in reality it'll serve as a place to dump stuff. You can try and resist all you like but when not in use, it's a huge flat surface for putting things temporarily.
What kind of coffee tables are in style 2022? ›Coffee table trends for 2022 include materials such as marble, unfinished wood, metal and glass. We are still seeing minimalist and simplistic designs but there are a few less angles than seen in the best coffee table trends of 2021 where triangular tables were a popular choice!
Are glass coffee tables out of style 2022? ›As far as materials go, tables made from glass, unfinished wood, marble, or metals will be the trend for 2022.
What type of coffee table is best? ›A rectangular or oval coffee table works well for smaller rooms. Squares or round coffee tables are good for large seating configurations, such as large sectionals or a large sofa and a love seat. Round or oval tables are useful around children because of the absence of sharp corners.
Why black is the best color? ›It camouflages any stains. It can be layered endlessly. It flatters every skin tone. It can make anyone look mature.