The Best Dining Room Tables

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Whether it’s for a large gathering or a daily meal for your family, the dining room table can help enhance the dining experience. However, deciding which dining room table to purchase can be a bit overwhelming.

Consider the number of people who will usually sit at the table, and measure the available space to help determine the appropriate size. Shape, style, durability, and quality are also important considerations when choosing the table for you. Read on to learn more about the things to look for in the best dining room tables on the market and see our top picks.

BEST OVERALL: West Elm Anton Solid Wood Dining Table
BEST BUDGET: Better Homes and Gardens Autumn Lane Dining Table
BEST TRADITIONAL: Crate&Barrel Basque Grey Wash Dining Tables
BEST RUSTIC: Pottery Barn Benchwright Extending Dining Table
BEST FARMHOUSE: Pottery Barn Banks Extending Dining Table
BEST GLAM: Anthropologie Quillen Marquetry Dining Table
BEST GLASS: AllModern Hanines Glass Dining Table
BEST ROUND: Lark Manor Kinsler 48” Trestle Dining Table

The Best Dining Room Table Options — Photo: anthropologie.com

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Dining Room Table

The dining room table is a focal point in the home, both socially and aesthetically. Since you’ll likely use it every day, it makes sense to invest in a piece that is utilitarian, durable, and attractive. When shopping for a dining room table, consider the dining table’s style, material, size, shape, and any additional useful features.

Style

Dining room tables come in a range of designs, materials, and colors to fit all types of design aesthetics, from simple modern to flashy glam decor styles. Read on for some characteristics to consider to suit popular design styles:

Modern: Modern rooms are characterized by clean lines, neutral tones, and unadorned designs. When shopping for a modern dining table, look for options with an effortlessly simple silhouette (a rectangular dining table is a popular choice) in a neutral color.
Rustic: The rustic design style takes industrial touches and softens them with natural materials and cozy elements. For a rustic dining room, a solid wood table, or at least a table with natural wood elements, is an excellent choice. A weathered finish can add even more rustic charm.
Farmhouse: Farmhouse decor is cozy and bright, often using light colors, wood accents, and vintage elements to create a homey and whimsical feel. A wooden dining room table with a light finish and vintage-inspired accents is a good pick.
Traditional: Traditional dining rooms are elegant, warm, and inviting, usually incorporating classic design styles from historical periods. Tables made of dark woods and with intricate detailing are a good pick for traditional rooms.
Glam: Go glam with a luxurious dining room table. Glam interiors are all about opulence, an upscale feel, and high-contrast colors. When it comes to a dining room table, opt for something a bit more flashy for glam dining rooms. Glass or marble tabletops, metal or wood frames, and metallic accents add a refined flair to a dining setup.
Eclectic: The eclectic design style pulls inspiration from various design aesthetics to create a cohesive space that inspires delight. Pops of color, pattern, and texture can add personality. For eclectic dining rooms, consider whether you want the dining room to be the bold centerpiece or a neutral backdrop for fun decor, and choose the table with this decision in mind.

Material

Dining tables can be an expensive investment, so if you’re spending a good chunk of money, you’ll want one made of durable and easy-to-maintain materials. Common dining room table materials include wood, composite woods, metal, glass, stone, and plastic.

Wood is one of the most popular choices for dining room tables; it has a beautiful look and can last for many years when taken care of. Solid hardwoods, like walnut, maple, oak, and teak, are excellent long-lasting choices, although they may need occasional polish to keep their attractive look. To get the wood look for less, consider plywoods and MDF options, which tend to be more economical but less durable.

Metal, stone, and plastic materials are less common, but these materials are an excellent choice that can be shaped into a range of attractive designs. Any of these materials can be paired with tempered glass table tops, which are easy to clean and can make a room feel more open.

Consider the level of maintenance that your chosen material entails. For example, plastic and glass tabletops don’t require maintenance other than cleaning, while some wood tabletops will need occasional polishing, and marble tabletops tend to be fickle and need to be kept clean at all times.

Size and Height

Before shopping for a dining room table, start with measuring the size of the room. Exact measurements are especially important for smaller rooms, where it’s easy to accidentally choose a table too large for the space.

Keep in mind that there needs to be enough space to walk around the table as well as pull the chairs out for seating. It’s best to keep at least 3 feet of space between the edge of the table and any walls or large decor.

Most dining tables are within a standard height range of 28 to 30 inches tall. Paired with most standard dining chairs, this leaves space for knees to slide under and elbows to rest on the tabletop. If you have specific dining chairs in mind that are shorter or taller than average, look for a suitable table height to match.

Shape

Consider the shape and size of your space when choosing a dining table shape. Rectangular, square, circular, and oval dining room tables are all available.

Rectangular tables are an excellent choice for rectangular and large dining rooms; they fill up the space and can offer seating for several guests. Since they’re very common, rectangular tables have a classic dining room feel, but they can come in almost any design style to suit everything from modern to glam dining rooms.

For small rooms, a small dining table, especially a square or a circular table, is a good choice since it’s less likely to suffocate a space. Oval and other irregular shapes are less common, but they are a great choice for narrow rooms, if you like a nontraditional shape, or if you want your dining room table to stand out.

Legs and Base

A dining table’s legs or base can add just as much style and character as the tabletop. Consider how the table legs and base lend to your chosen style. For example, spindly, splayed dowel legs can offer a midcentury modern look, chunky and square legs can have a rustic appearance, and ornate carvings and decorations add embellishment to a traditional dining room. Also consider if the legs will get in the way of your seating. Instead of legs, some tables (usually round tables) have a central base for fully unrestricted seating.

Above all, the dining table base should be sturdy—no one wants a wobbly dining table. It’s best to stick with reputable manufacturers or try to test the table in person to ensure it has a stable and well-made build.

Additional Features

Dining room tables can include a range of features to make them even more usable. Consider features like included seating, extendable designs, and storage features.

Included seating: A dining room set usually includes a dining room table and dining room chairs. One of the main benefits of buying a set is there will be no question that the table and chairs will go together; it will have an exact color and material match.
Extendable: Extendable tables make it easy to add more seating space when entertaining guests. These tables often come with included leaves to add more space when it’s needed.
Storage: For rooms tight on space, consider a dining room table with storage features, like shelves or hidden consoles. These can be useful for holding cutlery, napkins, tablecloths, and other dining accessories. Some extendable tables even have a hidden compartment to store the table leaves.

Our Top Picks

It’s important to love your dining table; it’s often a gathering spot for family and friends, as well as the centerpiece of a dining room or a kitchen. A good dining room table is functional, sturdy, and attractive. Below are some of the best dining room tables to bring functional style to a dining area.

Best Overall

West Elm Anton Solid Wood Dining Table

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Simple designs, neutral colors, and clean lines give modern rooms their elevated look, and dining room tables should mimic this aesthetic to blend in. This solid wood dining table from West Elm is a contemporary table that can bring warmth to a dining room.

To suit modern spaces, this table features a graceful and minimal design, with a rectangular silhouette and two wide, pillar-style oval table legs. The table is crafted from sustainably sourced solid mango wood, which gives it a warm aesthetic that can add a welcome homey touch to stark modern rooms. Plus, this West Elm dining table is a contract-grade item, which means it’s built to last.

Product Specs

Material: Mango wood
Dimensions: Several (72, 86, or 120 inches long)
Weight: Unknown
Capacity: 6 to 10 people

Pros

Modern silhouette
Made of sustainable solid wood with a natural finish
Contract-grade

Cons

Legs may interfere with seating

Best Budget

Better Homes and Gardens Autumn Lane Dining Table

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Decorating a dining room can be expensive, and the dining room table is often the priciest piece in the room. For shoppers on a budget, there are plenty of affordable dining room tables available, including this pick from Better Homes and Gardens.

This farmhouse-inspired table is a traditional choice, crafted from solid wood with a stained tabletop and decorative turned legs. Its classic and simple design can fit in with traditional, rustic, or modern dining rooms. A two-tone finish (with a natural wood tabletop and painted black or white base) adds a bit of character to this table. Although affordable, this table is made of solid wood to last through everyday wear and tear.

Product Specs

Material: Oak wood
Dimensions: 35 by 58.5 by 29.4 inches
Weight: Unknown
Capacity: 6 people

Pros

Affordable
Made from solid wood
Classic design

Cons

Assembly required

Best Traditional

Crateu0026Barrel Basque Grey Wash Dining Tables

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For those looking to create an elegant but comfortable dining area, traditional decor is a timeless choice. This dining table from Crate & Barrel is inspired by European farmhouse style to bring a cozy feel to traditional dining rooms.

The table is handcrafted from solid mango wood, with hand-planed planks finished with peg detailing to capture an antique aesthetic. The wax gives this table a soft sheen that displays its open grain and naturally occuring knots, unique to each table.

This table is less ornate than some traditional furniture, but that means it can fit right into classic traditional and modern traditional dining rooms. With substantial square legs and a large rectangular tabletop, the design is simple but bold to make a subtle statement. It comes in three sizes and two finishes.

Product Specs

Material: Mango wood
Dimensions: Several (65, 82, or 104 inches long)
Weight: Unknown
Capacity: 6 to 10 people

Pros

Minimalist but bold design
Made from solid mango wood
Natural wood grain and knots add character

Cons

Prone to surface scratches

Best Rustic

Pottery Barn Benchwright Extending Dining Table

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Inspired by an early 20th-century worktable, this dining table from Pottery Barn has the perfect amount of rustic charm. It’s crafted from weathered hardwood, poplar veneers, and MDF to bring a natural element to rustic dining areas. The table is then hand-finished to create an excellent depth of color that brings out the wood’s natural tones. Turnbuckle hardware and oversize bolts add industrial accents.

With a thick table top and chunky square legs, this table has a grand appearance to match a striking dining room. It’s a good choice for the family and more; this table is easy to extend with the breadboard extension system and included drop-in leaves.

Product Specs

Material: Hardwood, poplar veneers, and MDF
Dimensions: Several (60, 74, 86, or 108 inches long)
Weight: 143 to 249 pounds
Capacity: 6 to 14 people

Pros

Extendable
Finish brings out depth of color and wood-grain appearance
Stylish industrial accents
Largest size seats 14 people

Cons

Tabletop is sensitive to damage

Best Farmhouse

Pottery Barn Banks Extending Dining Table

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Farmhouse dining rooms should capture the feeling of a comfortable country home, with light colors, wood accents, and a worn-in charm. A wooden dining room table is the perfect choice to bring that cozy but functional element to the room. This extendable dining table from Pottery Barn looks the part and is meant for gathering.

This table is made of durable kiln-dried solid poplar, MDF, and alder veneers, then hand-finished to create a deep, natural wood tone that looks even better over time. Instead of a simple modern silhouette, this table features a robust design, with a thick tabletop, dramatic baluster posts instead of legs, and a supporting stretcher that joins the two table legs.

When it’s time to entertain, this table is extendable with the built-in breadboard extension system and two included leaves.

Product Specs

Material: Poplar, MDF, and alder veneers
Dimensions: Two sizes (76 or 92 inches long)
Weight: 227 or 265 pounds
Capacity: 8 to 12 people

Pros

Extendable
Dramatic design
Hand-applied finish brings out wood tones

Cons

Pricey

Best Glam

Anthropologie Quillen Marquetry Dining Table

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Metal accents, sculptural lines, and geometric shapes help give glam dining rooms their upscale look, and this dining room table from Anthropologie has all the above.

This table is made from walnut veneer and engineered hardwood, with a deep natural brown finish that is sealed with a clear lacquer for protection. Ideal for smaller dining rooms, it has a circular tabletop that sits on top of a tapered geometric base.

A beautiful marquetry pattern and central star motif elevate this luxurious table. Both the tabletop and the base are trimmed with brushed brass banding to give an eye-catching metallic accent.

Product Specs

Material: Engineered hardwood and walnut veneer
Dimensions: 48 by 30 inches
Weight: Unknown
Capacity: 4 people

Pros

Marquetry design adds visual interest
Sealed with clear lacquer
Attractive brushed brass accents

Cons

Surface prone to scratches

Best Glass

AllModern Haines Glass Dining Table

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Glass dining room tables are often overlooked in favor of wood, but they’re a stylish choice for those looking for something a little different. Glass tabletops can make a room look more open and large, since the transparent glass doesn’t interrupt one’s line of vision. This tempered glass dining table from AllModern features a roomy tabletop to accommodate up to eight people while keeping an airy and chic look.

The large rectangular glass table top sits on a midcentury-inspired base, which features tapered, boomerang-style legs. The sturdy base is made from solid beech wood with a dark walnut finish, adding a bit of warmth while maintaining its elevated style.

Product Specs

Material: Tempered glass and beech wood
Dimensions: 71 by 35.5 by 29.5 inches
Weight: 106 pounds
Capacity: 8 people

Pros

Strong tempered glass tabletop
Attractive midcentury-inspired solid beech base
Reasonably affordable

Cons

Not scratch resistant

Best Round

Lark Manor Kinsler 48'' Trestle Dining Table

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A round dining table provides a more intimate-feeling setting for dinner with family and friends. This circular table from Lark Manor is an attractive setting for brunches and dinner parties. The dining table has a timeless trestle design that is contemporary with a retro touch. Four slanted legs and a thick round tabletop add a bit of style.

This table is made of MDF and wood veneer in an espresso finish, which is reasonably durable and keeps it at a cost-friendly price. The base includes an open storage shelf for placing dinnerware and napkins, or for decorating. This small table seats four and is an ideal size for a breakfast nook or a small dining area.

Product Specs

Material: MDF and wood veneer
Dimensions: 48 by 30 inches
Weight: 66 pounds
Capacity: 4 people

Pros

Cozy seating option ideal for smaller dining rooms
Built-in storage shelf
Lightweight and easy to move around

Cons

MDF tends to be less durable than solid wood

Our Verdict

Crafted from solid mango wood and in a minimal but warm design, the West Elm dining table is a beautiful choice for modern homes, but it can also find its place in rustic, contemporary, and farmhouse dining rooms. Those on a budget may want to consider the Better Homes and Gardens dining table, which features a solid wood build and a classic design, but for a much more affordable price.

How We Chose the Best Dining Room Tables

As with any major furniture piece, the best dining room table for your home will depend on your personal style preference. To suit a range of dining rooms, we chose tables inspired by popular decor styles like modern, traditional, and rustic. To switch up our selection and offer even better variety, we chose options with varying materials, shapes, and sizes so shoppers can find a table that will fit in their space.

Regardless of style, there are a few features to look for in a dining room table; it should have a sturdy construction and good stability and durability. We chose our top dining room tables from reputable retailers known for stocking well-made and reliable furniture. Plus, since almost everyone needs a dining room table, we included tables at a range of price points.

FAQs

A dining room table is a simple piece of furniture, but finding the perfect one for your home can feel overwhelming. There is a seemingly endless array of options available, but with a little bit of searching, there’s a right fit for any home and budget. If you’re still looking for the best dining room tables for your space, consider the frequently asked questions and answers below.

Q: How tall should a dining room table be?

For most homes, a standard dining room table height of between 28 and 30 inches is the best choice.

Q: What should be kept on a dining room table?

It’s up to you—you can keep your dining room table bare, set it with pretty plates and napkins, or add an eye-catching centerpiece or a runner.

Q: How far should a dining room table be from a fireplace?

Keep the dining room table at least 3 feet away from the fireplace, although even farther is better to improve fire safety and keep your table protected.

Q: Can I put a rug under a dining room table?

Yes, a rug under the dining room table is an affordable and easy way to update the look of your dining room. Look for a rug that is easy to clean, since crumbs and spills are bound to happen.