What makes a successful dinner party? You might think of guests passing food around and chatting in an ambient glow, or laughing over drinks and appetizers. The defining factor is usually the sense of community that a great gathering can establish. An inviting dining room will naturally become a focal point in the home, and the key component that distinguishes one dining room from the next is its dining room table.
Just as friends and the fam will admire an attractive table and enjoy sitting around it during meals, they will also notice a cramped, mismatched, or clunky table that isn’t comfortable. You know it’s true, right? So, when you’re considering investing in a quality dining room table – that will last long into the future – here are some tips on how to choose the right furniture based on its size, shape, and color.
Size
Let’s say you found the most top-trending table, but it’s kinda big for your dining area. Do you get it anyway? Tasteful design or high-quality materials are definitely not enough to hide a dining room table that is sticking out like a sore thumb in your home. Before you think about entering a long-term relationship and “offering a rose” to a new dining table, measure the available space in your room.
What’s available space? Houzz suggests leaving between 42 and 48 inches between the walls and the edge of the table, or between any wall-lining furniture and the table. Leaving anything smaller means that your guests may feel cramped when trying to slide their chairs in and out. But on the other hand, leaving a much larger gap can make the table look like a tiny island in the middle of the room. That ship has sailed, dolls. Either option is no bueno! But, you can consider an extension table if you’ll be flip-flopping between hosting intimate dinners and larger groups. Keep that in mind while choosing a table.
Material
If you Google dining table materials, wood has been the popular choice over the years. Modern tables use wood, glass, plastic, and metal (think reclaimed or industrial) for a fresh take on a classic design. Since your options are open for material, what most represents your style? A dining room table is not an item that you purchase and replace after a few years. A sturdy, quality piece could (and should) stay with your family for years and even decades.
Tip: Look for quality hardwoods like mahogany, teak, walnut, oak and maple if you do decide to go the wood route. If you’re interested in a glass-topped table, but are worried about strength, know that most quality pieces today use safety glass that’s tough and resistant to wear-and-tear damage like scratches and dings. Or, for an earthy option, you can even swoon over a marble or stone top!
Shape
Besides the size and the material, the shape makes the biggest difference in how your table looks, feels, and functions. Here are a few shapes to consider on your quest for the perfect dining surface:
Rectangular. The default dining room table shape tends to be rectangular. It’s traditional, but it’s earned its keep over the years by facilitating easy conversation and food movement. Look for a table that’s at least 28 inches wide.
Oval. Oval offers most of the benefits of a rectangular table without the sharp corners. Consider pedestal legs for a more formal look, and use stools or benches for seating if space is an issue.
Round. A round table feels very cozy and personal, and is a good choice for a small room. To seat more than four people at once, look for a table that’s over 60 inches across. Stay above 48 inches in diameter or a round surface can quickly feel overcrowded.
Square. If you have the space, opting for a square surface can make the room feel very contemporary and fresh. This is a good opportunity to display a show-stopping centerpiece. Just keep in mind that you’ll need a lot of open space on either side to make this shape work.
Picking out the right dining table is an investment for the future. As your interests change and grow throughout the years, you’ll always have a place to host loved ones and serve delish dishes. Getting the material, shape, and size right means that you can keep this piece with you for years to come. Makes sense, right?
What style of dining room table is your DREAM table?
I used to work at a furniture store, so I bought mine to last as opposed to for looks. Mine isn’t the prettiest table out there, but it will last forever 🙂
My dream table is a farmhouse stained wood style that can fit atleast 10 people. My husband is a woodworker but seldom has time to make things for our family.
I love how you decorated your table. You have such great senses of style and eye for decor.
I think about weird things like dining room tables all of the time. I have a hand-me-down right now but it might be time for a new one. I always think about size.
I agree that you need to choose a table that represents your style. For me I think I would like a sleek minimalist one, maybe in white or pink. something really simple x
I’ve never given much thought about my dining table since I rarely entertain. I just picked the one that goes well in the room and that’s it. Now that I’ve read this though, it made me think if I got the right one.
These are all great considerations. Our current dining room table isn’t bad for a temporary solution, but I look forward to getting a nicer and larger one.
My current dining table definitely needs to change, from your blog post I have now made the decision to make the change.
I’ve always liked a darker dining room table color. I think that they are very pretty and eye-catching in a room.
It look very much the dining table my parents have in their home. Well it doesn’t have the gorgeous cat those. xx
My dream table has always been a farm table. I’ve wanted one for so long and finally got one during this big move! I love it! I could sit there all day 🙂
We currently have an oval dining room table and I like the look of it. I do want to upgrade to something a little nicer in the future though.
We just bought a new dining room table right before Christmas. Let me tell you it was something I thought about from before Thanksgiving! It was so hard to find just the right one!
Your dining table is so pretty! I’m moving out next year, so these tips were perfect since I’ll have to be shopping for some new furniture.
I seriously need a new dinning table lol… I want something that will last a long time but I also want something pretty. I mean you can always put some nice pieces to make it look nicer right! Love this post and your pictures are amazing 🙂
Leslie xoxo
Forever in love with a saarinen tulip table with matching chairs! Love your black top table with the white legs 🙂 I’m a big fan of the tuxedo kitchen cabinets, white upper/black lower!
We have had our dining room table for so long and I’d love something more up to date and modern. Ours in still in great shape though so I’d hate to get rid of it.
I would love a huge farm table, that would be my dream. Right now we have my in-laws old table, and it works just fine 🙂 It is a dark wood and heavy as anything, perfect for family meals.
These are great tips for size and shape. Even material like you said is something to consider!! I can’t get over how cute your cat is ! I want a ragdoll kitty so bad haha.
We currently need to purchase a new dining room table. We have a higher table now and with a two year old that has outgrown her highchair, we definitely need something different. As soon as I find something I like, I’m scooping it up!
I love a round table because then everyone is part of the conversation. But there is something about big, grand long dining room table. I’m definitely a fan of the dark wood and having comfy, yet sophisticated chairs.
These pics are gorgeous. Did you take them all? And yes, a perfect dining table is what we should go for.
Thanks so much! Yes – I took all of these myself and are examples of my tables in a few different rooms of the house!
There’s so much to consider when buying furniture! I can’t wait until I finish uni so I can start my own home 🙂
I currently have my grandparent’s old dining room table and hutch set. It will probably end up being the one I have forever. It seems like these older pieces were really built to last!
Thank you for these tips! We could really use a new dining room table. Our’s is a high table and doesn’t work for the kids.
Our dining table has seen some extreme wear and tear over the years. Might be due for a new one once I renovate the kitchen and dining room!
I love our dining room table. It is indestructible. We eat, paint, spill, climb on it, use it as a fort, rocket station, science lab …
I have actually been looking around for a new table. This definitely came in handy!