The Best Dining Tables

Buying Guide for Dining Tables

Why buy a dining table?

If you want to have an official spot in your home where people can gather for a bite to eat, then upgrading your setting with this essential furniture is an important next step. Plus, dining tables can also serve as a general gathering space or a spot for young ones to do their homework or play.

What should you look for when buying a dining table?

• Seating Room: Consider how many people will usually be sitting down for a meal as you shop for a dining table. At a minimum, your dining table should be able to accommodate the total number of regular occupants in your home. But if you frequently entertain, you might want to consider a model with removable panels that allow you to expand the available seating capacity.
• Stability: It’s no secret that sturdy furniture tends to last longer than worn or poorly designed alternatives. Look for a table that’s designed to support plenty of weight, especially if you’re the type who likes to create centerpieces or prefer to eat family-style with all-serving plates or bowls on the table throughout the meal.
• Style: There’s a lot to consider behind the style of your table, more than just design-wise. Your next dining table can either play into an established tone you’ve created in your home, or it could toe the line with a standout image.
• Seating: Not all dining tables come as sets. If you like the idea of a mix and match effect, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But if you want the path of least resistance, a dining set that comes with a dining table and an assortment of matching chairs (usually anywhere from two to six chairs), you’ll want to keep that in mind.
• Material: Like with other tables, you’re not limited to just one style or construction material. The most common types of dining tables are made from either wood, metal, glass, plastic, or a combination of the above. Depending on the design and the quality of the craftsmanship, pricing can vary widely.

Can you put a dining table in an eat-in kitchen?

In reality, you can put a dining table anywhere in your home. But if you have a larger kitchen that can accommodate an eating area, this might be a great way to free up space elsewhere in your home that could be used in other ways. As long as a dining table (and its accompanying chairs) can comfortably fit in your kitchen, there’s no reason not to consider placing it there.

Our Picks for the Best Dining Tables

Pros: If durability and longevity are your goals, you can’t go wrong with solid wood. This 72-inch table from Walker Edison is a fun option that pairs a solid wood rectangular tabletop with a streamlined frame for a modern approach that will work for a wide array of decor schemes. The tabletop can support up to 200 pounds and is designed to seat anywhere from six to eight people comfortably.

Cons: The legs are made from wood rather than a metal frame, impacting the overall durability as time progresses.

Bottom Line: If you refuse even to consider a manufactured wood dining table, this solid-wood option from Walker Edison is a strong contender and reasonably priced.

 

Pros: Hygge-influenced design has been having a moment for quite a while. While some people think it strictly refers to a feeling of coziness, it can also refer to comfortable surroundings. This modern yet understated solid wood table from GreenForest is a great example of hygge. Available in two tabletop finishes, it measures 47.2 inches in length and can comfortably seat four with space for six in total.

Cons: Although the brand claims the table can accommodate four to six people, it’s a tight fit.

Bottom Line: Minimalists will rejoice with this streamlined table that pairs natural wood with a synthetic tabletop surface.

 

Pros: There’s nothing sleeker than a glass-top dining table. This pick from Bacyion features a tempered glass tabletop that measures 47.2 inches in length and is paired with metal legs for added stability. Assembly is fairly easy and better still, considering this is all glass, it’s reasonably priced. Choose between natural wood-like legs or black legs.

Cons: If you have your heart set on a dining set, you can get it with this pick but at a real premium. Additionally, all variants ranging from table shape to chair colors are limited to the pricier upgrades.

Bottom Line: If you prefer a simple yet sleek dining table, this glass table is a great investment and reasonably priced.

 

Pros: This Queen Anne-inspired round table from East West Furniture is a solid choice for those who feel that traditional ways are the best. Available in 20 variations, this is a sturdy round table that can easily accommodate four and is made from solid wood. Better still, it comes with two nine-inch drop leaves to convert from a round to rectangular table in no time.

Cons: The delivery may leave much to be desired as it ships in multiple boxes, which may not arrive on the same day. So, be prepared to wait a day or two before you can begin assembling your table.

Bottom Line: The classic Queen Anne table is incredibly durable and can work in many homes. The drop eaves allow for convertibility which will work in a wider range of room sizes.

 

Pros: If your goal is to create an inviting decor scheme that looks like it came straight out of HGTV, this dining table is a step in the right direction. This 64-inch long table is designed to seat four to six people comfortably and comes with a faux-marble top design that looks luxe and pairs well with high-back upholstered chairs.

Cons: Even though the faux marble can reduce the overall cost, this is still a sticker shock piece of furniture that might not be realistic for every budget.

Bottom Line: Design-obsessed individuals will love the pairing of a sleek marble tabletop with a rich dark-wood frame. It comfortably accommodates four to six people, thanks to the 64-inch dimensions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re tired of that old dining table that’s seen better days, it’s time to give your dining area a much-needed refresh with these hot dining table picks. A dining table can serve as a central hub for gatherings in your home and also help to create a cohesive design flow. With multiple styles and materials, you’re bound to find a dining table that works in your living space.