Choosing a dining table is a big decision. It is where everyday meals, late-night chats, and holiday gatherings all happen. The right table anchors your space and looks good from breakfast to birthdays.
If you are comparing options and want a clear dining table buying guide, you are in the right place. We’ll walk you through size, style, and materials in plain language, then share five curated picks you can shop today.
Considerations When Buying a Dining Table
Size and seating capacity
Before falling in love with a look, measure your space. Leave at least 36 inches of clearance from the table edge to walls (or furniture) so people can slide chairs back comfortably. If you have a rug, plan for the carpet to extend 24 inches or more beyond the table on all sides so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out.
Quick size-to-seating guide:
- Dining table seating for 4: Round 36-44 inches or rectangular 48-52 by 30-36 inches
- Dining table seating for 6: Round 54-60 inches or rectangular 72 by 36-40 inches
- Dining table seating for 8: Round 70-72 inches or rectangular 84-96 by 40-44 inches
- Dining table seating for 10: Rectangular 96-108 by 42-44 inches (or larger)
If you only host occasionally, consider an extendable dining table so you save space day to day but can open it up for guests. For tighter layouts, pedestal dining table bases are great because they free up legroom and make it easier to tuck in an extra chair.
Materials to choose from: wood, stone, marble
- Wood is timeless, and great for family spaces. It can also be refinished over time.
- Stone is substantial and durable. Stone tops bring cool texture and a grounded feel.
- Marble in a dining table is a luxury choice with high-end appeal. Marble has distinctive veining and an elegant finish.
Style Guide: Round, Rectangular, Pedestal, Extendable
Form follows function, but it also follows the room shape.
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A round dining table is best for heart-to-heart conversations and small to medium rooms. A round dining table for six at 60 inches feels lavish without overwhelming.
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Rectangular dining table: The classic for long rooms. Easiest for larger parties and flexible seating counts.
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Pedestal dining table: Great for tighter spaces or for a clean, sculptural look. The base supports the top without corner legs getting in the way.
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An extendable dining table is ideal if you host seasonally. Keep it compact for everyday meals, add leaves for holidays.
Almeria Dining Table
Look at the Almeria in more detail here.
This table is both rustic and modern. The top uses sustainably harvested Mexican guanacaste wood veneers blended with naturally oxidized steel. The solid wood base keeps the look grounded and sturdy. Each piece shows unique grain and patina, so no two tops are the same. If you want organic warmth with a touch of industrial, this one stands out.
Best for: Large dining rooms and nature-inspired interiors.
Notable features:
- Guanacaste wood veneers.
- Naturally oxidized steel panels.
- Hand-applied finishes, each piece unique.
- Substantial top thickness for presence.
Pola Round Dining Table
Shop: Pola Round Dining Table
This round dining table nails form and function. Crafted from reclaimed Mexican ash, the top is cut and arranged into a striking pattern. The reactive stain brings rich, natural tones to life, and the oxidized steel base adds definite contrast. Two diameters are available, both seating up to 6, with ample clearance and a solid 2.25-inch top. If you want easy conversation and a softer silhouette, this round is a winner.
Best for: Medium dining rooms and open concept spaces.
Notable features:
- Eye-catching patterns.
- Protective lacquer.
- Oxidized steel base.
- Seats 6 comfortably at 60 or 70 inches.
Sann Gervais Stone Dining Table
We say match the Sann Gervais Stone Dining Table with upholstered chairs
A sculptural luxury dining table that reads as art. The Launette base supports a stone top available in Carrara marble, cream marble, or espresso brown stone. Each top has natural veining and variation, so no two are the same. Multiple lengths are listed, ranging from 72 to 108 inches, all at a comfortable 30-inch height.
Best for: Modern or transitional rooms, upscale entertaining.
Notable features:
- Stone dining table.
- Distinctive sculptural base with metallic finishes.
- Wide range of sizes.
Langdon Expandable Dining Table
Shop: Langdon Expandable Dining Table
Hosting is easier when your table adapts. Our Langdon puts a pedestal silhouette together with handcrafted oak and extendable functionality so that you can scale from family weeknights to big celebrations.
Best for: Holiday hosting, classic-meets-modern style.
Notable features:
- Extendable dining table for flexible seating.
- Handcrafted oak.
- Ideal dining table seating for 6 to 10, depending on extension.
Measure your room with and without the leaves to confirm the flow when fully extended.
Fennly Dining Table
Shop: Fennly Dining Table
A modern blend that gives you both texture and polish. The Fennly table brings together pine and stone with subtle brass detailing, and the mix of materials sets a modern dining table design tone that is easy to style up or down.
Best for: Contemporary homes and mixed-material interiors.
Notable features:
- Pine and stone combination.
- Modern look.
- Versatile.
Styling Tips for Your Dining Room
- Should you choose a round dining table, a round rug copies the shape.
- Hang a chandelier so the bottom sits about 30-34 inches above the tabletop.
- For long rectangular tables, a linear chandelier or two medium fixtures will add nice balance.
- For pedestal dining tables, armless chairs are a good choice as they slide in easily.
- Mix natural textures, like linen and wood, for a layered look.
- Use felt pads under chair legs to protect wood or stone surfaces. It’s also quieter.
Conclusion
The best dining table is one that fits your space and your people. Start with how big you’d like the table and how many people you seat regularly. Then, choose wood, stone or marble and a style that suits your room's shape.
Keep this dining table buying guide handy, and remember that the perfect table is the one that gets used and is loved.
Ready to see more options? Dining Tables Collection
Dining Table Buying Guide: Size, Style & Materials
Choosing a dining table is a big decision. It is where everyday meals, late-night chats, and holiday gatherings all happen. The right table anchors your space and looks good from breakfast to birthdays.
If you are comparing options and want a clear dining table buying guide, you are in the right place. We’ll walk you through size, style, and materials in plain language, then share five curated picks you can shop today.
Considerations When Buying a Dining Table
Size and seating capacity
Before falling in love with a look, measure your space. Leave at least 36 inches of clearance from the table edge to walls (or furniture) so people can slide chairs back comfortably. If you have a rug, plan for the carpet to extend 24 inches or more beyond the table on all sides so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out.
Quick size-to-seating guide:
If you only host occasionally, consider an extendable dining table so you save space day to day but can open it up for guests. For tighter layouts, pedestal dining table bases are great because they free up legroom and make it easier to tuck in an extra chair.
Materials to choose from: wood, stone, marble
Style Guide: Round, Rectangular, Pedestal, Extendable
Form follows function, but it also follows the room shape.
Almeria Dining Table
Look at the Almeria in more detail here.
This table is both rustic and modern. The top uses sustainably harvested Mexican guanacaste wood veneers blended with naturally oxidized steel. The solid wood base keeps the look grounded and sturdy. Each piece shows unique grain and patina, so no two tops are the same. If you want organic warmth with a touch of industrial, this one stands out.
Best for: Large dining rooms and nature-inspired interiors.
Notable features:
Pola Round Dining Table
Shop: Pola Round Dining Table
This round dining table nails form and function. Crafted from reclaimed Mexican ash, the top is cut and arranged into a striking pattern. The reactive stain brings rich, natural tones to life, and the oxidized steel base adds definite contrast. Two diameters are available, both seating up to 6, with ample clearance and a solid 2.25-inch top. If you want easy conversation and a softer silhouette, this round is a winner.
Best for: Medium dining rooms and open concept spaces.
Notable features:
Sann Gervais Stone Dining Table
We say match the Sann Gervais Stone Dining Table with upholstered chairs
A sculptural luxury dining table that reads as art. The Launette base supports a stone top available in Carrara marble, cream marble, or espresso brown stone. Each top has natural veining and variation, so no two are the same. Multiple lengths are listed, ranging from 72 to 108 inches, all at a comfortable 30-inch height.
Best for: Modern or transitional rooms, upscale entertaining.
Notable features:
Langdon Expandable Dining Table
Shop: Langdon Expandable Dining Table
Hosting is easier when your table adapts. Our Langdon puts a pedestal silhouette together with handcrafted oak and extendable functionality so that you can scale from family weeknights to big celebrations.
Best for: Holiday hosting, classic-meets-modern style.
Notable features:
Measure your room with and without the leaves to confirm the flow when fully extended.
Fennly Dining Table
Shop: Fennly Dining Table
A modern blend that gives you both texture and polish. The Fennly table brings together pine and stone with subtle brass detailing, and the mix of materials sets a modern dining table design tone that is easy to style up or down.
Best for: Contemporary homes and mixed-material interiors.
Notable features:
Styling Tips for Your Dining Room
Conclusion
The best dining table is one that fits your space and your people. Start with how big you’d like the table and how many people you seat regularly. Then, choose wood, stone or marble and a style that suits your room's shape.
Keep this dining table buying guide handy, and remember that the perfect table is the one that gets used and is loved.
Ready to see more options? Dining Tables Collection