It would definitely be very easy to just go with the usual designs when choosing a dining table but that doesn’t really say a lot about your own style. It’s better to take your time and consider all the options. It would help to make a list of all the criteria and all the things you want to check on a table before you’re completely happy with it. It’s always good to measure furniture before you purchase it to make sure it fits and to take into consideration details such as the shape, color, material and style.
View in galleryBoth rectangular and round tables are considered classical and are quite versatileView in galleryA live-edge dining table, on the other hand, is a whole different story and is often considered modernView in galleryOval tables are also modern and can look really beautiful in contemporary dining roomsView in galleryAnother sign of a modern look is the choice of materials and finishesView in galleryRectangular dining tables are best for large crowds because they can sit a lot of people comfortablyView in galleryAfter selecting the table, focus on the chandelier or pendant lamp you want to display above itView in galleryThe size and shape of the dining table are dictated by the size of the room and the existing decorView in galleryAn oval dining table would be perfect for a dining nook such as this oneView in galleryAlthough often considered traditional or classical, rectangular tables can fit really well in modern spacesView in galleryChoose a glass-top dining table if you want to ensure an open look throughout the roomView in galleryThe shape and design of the table is often chosen in accordance with the characteristics of the decorView in galleryIt’s important to measure the space before purchasing the tableView in galleryUsually it’s OK to leave between 42” and 48” between the table and the wallsView in galleryIf there’s furniture in the room, then measure the space from the edge of the furniture instead of the wallView in galleryIf the table is simple, make the room stand out with some interesting chairsView in galleryA simple design can also look very interesting if the combination of materials is unusual or unexpectedView in galleryA narrow dining table is a good option for a dining room that’s also long and narrowView in galleryA design with rounded corners can turn out to be ideal for a small spaceView in galleryTo save space, another option is to replace the usual chairs with benches which can be stored under the table when not used
There are many things to take into consideration before purchasing a table or even narrowing it down to a few designs that you feel particularly attached to. As always, measurements are important. Before anything else, measure the room you want to place the table in. This will help you decide how big or small the table needs to be. Make sure you take into consideration the doors and all the furniture present in the room.
View in galleryDining tables with live edge tops are particularly beautiful thanks to their sculptural and unique natureView in galleryThere are more options than you think when it comes to the material a dining table is made ofView in galleryWood is the most common. It’s also sometimes the sign of a traditional designView in galleryComplement a rectangular table with an area rug that shares the same sizeView in galleryReal wood has knots and other imperfections and these give the table a lot of character and authenticityView in galleryFor a small dining room, choose a table with a round topView in galleryPedestal bases are most common for table with round tops, although it’s not a general ruleView in galleryThe ideal dining table should have a design that balances looks and functionView in gallerySome dining tables form sets together with matching or complementary chairsView in galleryIn this case, the metal base of the table matches the frames of the chairsView in galleryInstead of a glass top, a more interesting option is a table with a glass baseView in galleryDining tables made of distressed or worn woods and with chunky constructions are usually country-chicView in galleryTo determine the right size for a dining table, measure the room, the doorway and the furniture present thereView in galleryBefore choosing a size, consider the number of persons that will use it most of the timeView in galleryOn average, a person needs around two feet of space to sit comfortably at a tableView in galleryMake a small table stand out by complementing it with an eye-catching light fixtureView in galleryPedestal tables are more practical because they offer more legroomView in galleryRectangular tables are ideal and very practical in long and narrow rooms
After measuring the room and getting an idea of what type of dining tables to look for, it’s time to pick a style. It’s OK to like multiple styles. Eclectic decors can be really charming and beautiful. If you prefer simple things, consider a modern or a contemporary design. There are tons of exquisite dining room tables to choose from so get comfy and start browsing.
View in galleryRound tables, on the other hand, are better for small and cozy spaces, creating a more intimate ambianceView in galleryUse red chairs to make a small dining table stand out. For a cohesive look, match the chairs to the area rugView in galleryComplementing a simple dining table with colorful chairs is a very interesting and fresh ideaView in galleryIf a simple, warm and inviting look is preferred, opt for a table with a wooden top and a natural finishView in galleryPair a rectangular table with a round pendant lamp for a nice contrastView in gallerySometimes the most interesting element about a dining table is the chandelier hanging above itView in galleryThe simplicity of the table can be balanced out by a set of sculptural pendant lampsView in galleryWood is not the only elegant and versatile material when it comes to dining tablessView in galleryMarble can also be an interesting option. Other similar materials are also appreciated for their eleganceView in galleryThe shape of the table can be based on the shape of the roomView in galleryOval or octagonal tables are not as common or versatile as round or rectangular tablesView in galleryA square dining room would actually look very beautiful if it had a square table at the centerView in gallerySquare tables or those with rectangular tops that be turned into squares are both interesting optionsView in galleryA room looks and feels more intimate and inviting if there’s an equal distance between the table and the wallsView in galleryMarble dining tables don’t really follow a particular style. They can look nice in just about any settingView in gallerySome designs have interesting details or built-in features such as accent lightingView in galleryThe glass panels that support this table make it look as if the top is floatingView in galleryWhen selecting a table, think of its function to better decide on size and everything elseView in galleryLarge dining tables with round tops are not very user-friendly, making it difficult to reach the food at the centerView in galleryThe accessories you choose for the table have a big impact on its final lookView in galleryThe right dining room centerpiece can completely transform the decot and the atmosphereView in galleryWhen measuring the space around the table, take into consideration the size and shape of the chairsView in galleryFor large gatherings, long rectangular tables are the best, especially if they’re expandableView in galleryAn expandable dining table is a good option for situations when you need to accommodate more persons than usualView in galleryIf the dining table is expandable and has leaves, include those in your measurements to make sure they fitView in galleryFor an intimate or romantic ambiance, opt for a table lamp instead of a large chandelierView in galleryUse chairs with different shapes and designs or different colors for a cheerful and playful look
The shape of the table is also very important. It has a lot to do with its function. Round dining tables are nice if you prefer an intimate ambiance or if you have a small dining room. They’re also nice because they allow the users to interact with each other more easily and because they create a warm and welcoming look in the room.
View in galleryThere are several types of expandable tables, each with its own pros and consView in galleryRound tables are not usually expandable although there are a few very interesting exceptionsView in galleryA dining table that’s eye-catching on its own does’t need any other embellishments or accessoriesView in galleryYou can have a matching set of dining table and chairs even if the materials differView in galleryDrop-leaf tables are very popular and space-efficient and there are numerous variations of the styleView in galleryA casual dining room decor would need a laid-back dining table designView in galleryTables with painted tops or simple and fresh designs are just right for casual spacesView in galleryA contemporary dining table can take many unique and striking forms, although usually they’re all simpleView in galleryOpt for an expandable dining table if you plan to use for both intimate occasions are large gatheringsView in galleryGlass tops are ideal for dining tables that have sculptural bases that deserve to stand outView in galleryAfter you decide on the function preferred for the table, you can decide on a form and sizeView in galleryTake into consideration the decor, the furniture present in the room and the styleView in galleryLots of interesting combinations of materials, finishes and colors are available, a lot of them in the case of contemporary designsView in galleryTo emphasize a certain style, don’t only focus on the table. The chairs, the lighting and the decorations have their own rolesView in gallerySome modern dining tables even have built-in induction system to keep the food warm and deliciousView in galleryOther smart features present in contemporary designs can include touch screens and sensorsView in galleryPedestal bases are often considered a characteristic of casual designsView in galleryModern dining tables sometimes combine wood with metalView in galleryA dining table with a glass top is a good option for a small room that needs to stay airy
Before you purchase the table, try to visualize it in the room. It would help to use tape to outline its shape on the floor. Alternatively, you could fold a bed sheet and use it in a similar way. Then try to visualize all the other elements in the room such as the light fixture, the centerpieces, the decorations and the chairs organized around the table. All of these may seem like little things but they’re often what makes a decor stand out and what gives flavor to a space. They can often also change the ambiance in a room and that’s a great way of refreshing a space.
View in galleryA rich wood finish and carved legs are both signs of a traditional dining tableView in galleryHighlight a beautiful wooden top with the right lighting and contrasting decor elementsView in galleryTo maintain a bright, open and airy look, opt for a table with a glass top or for acrylic chairsView in galleryThe elevated disc at the center of this round table is perfect for displaying a beautiful centerpieceView in galleryA sculptural design like this one deserves to be the center of attention in the dining roomView in galleryMake a small dining room look bigger by decorating it with mirrors and making sure there’s plenty of lightView in galleryMetal and chrome finishes are often elements found in modern furniture designsView in galleryMetal dining chairs are quite uncommon but a really great option for industrial decorsView in galleryAdd some color to the dining room with a set of chairs that contrast with the table and the rest of the decorView in galleryGreen is a very fresh color that looks particularly good when combined with whiteView in galleryAnother nice way to add some color to the space is with a colorful or patterned area rugView in galleryThe table can coordinate with certain elements present in the room for a more cohesive lookView in galleryThe shape of the table can be reflected in the decorations used on the wallView in galleryTo soften the clean lines and straight angles of a rectangular dining table, use it in combination with rounded chairsView in galleryThere are many different ways to match a set of chairs to a table and some are quite subtleView in galleryTo better visualize the decor before purchasing the table, use tape or bed sheets to outline its form on the floor