Simona is an interior design and décor writer for Homedit. Since 2011, she has been writing about interior design, DIY solutions, and the latest trends in home architecture.
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.
Both rectangular and round tables are considered classical and are quite versatileA live-edge dining table, on the other hand, is a whole different story and is often considered modernOval tables are also modern and can look really beautiful in contemporary dining roomsAnother sign of a modern look is the choice of materials and finishesRectangular dining tables are best for large crowds because they can sit a lot of people comfortablyAfter selecting the table, focus on the chandelier or pendant lamp you want to display above itThe size and shape of the dining table are dictated by the size of the room and the existing decorAn oval dining table would be perfect for a dining nook such as this oneAlthough often considered traditional or classical, rectangular tables can fit really well in modern spacesChoose a glass-top dining table if you want to ensure an open look throughout the roomThe shape and design of the table is often chosen in accordance with the characteristics of the decorIt’s important to measure the space before purchasing the tableUsually it’s OK to leave between 42” and 48” between the table and the wallsIf there’s furniture in the room, then measure the space from the edge of the furniture instead of the wallIf the table is simple, make the room stand out with some interesting chairsA simple design can also look very interesting if the combination of materials is unusual or unexpectedA narrow dining table is a good option for a dining room that’s also long and narrowA design with rounded corners can turn out to be ideal for a small spaceTo 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.
Dining tables with live edge tops are particularly beautiful thanks to their sculptural and unique natureThere are more options than you think when it comes to the material a dining table is made ofWood is the most common. It’s also sometimes the sign of a traditional designComplement a rectangular table with an area rug that shares the same sizeReal wood has knots and other imperfections and these give the table a lot of character and authenticityFor a small dining room, choose a table with a round topPedestal bases are most common for table with round tops, although it’s not a general ruleThe ideal dining table should have a design that balances looks and functionSome dining tables form sets together with matching or complementary chairsIn this case, the metal base of the table matches the frames of the chairsInstead of a glass top, a more interesting option is a table with a glass baseDining tables made of distressed or worn woods and with chunky constructions are usually country-chicTo determine the right size for a dining table, measure the room, the doorway and the furniture present thereBefore choosing a size, consider the number of persons that will use it most of the timeOn average, a person needs around two feet of space to sit comfortably at a tableMake a small table stand out by complementing it with an eye-catching light fixturePedestal tables are more practical because they offer more legroomRectangular 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.
Round tables, on the other hand, are better for small and cozy spaces, creating a more intimate ambianceUse red chairs to make a small dining table stand out. For a cohesive look, match the chairs to the area rugComplementing a simple dining table with colorful chairs is a very interesting and fresh ideaIf a simple, warm and inviting look is preferred, opt for a table with a wooden top and a natural finishPair a rectangular table with a round pendant lamp for a nice contrastSometimes the most interesting element about a dining table is the chandelier hanging above itThe simplicity of the table can be balanced out by a set of sculptural pendant lampsWood is not the only elegant and versatile material when it comes to dining tablessMarble can also be an interesting option. Other similar materials are also appreciated for their eleganceThe shape of the table can be based on the shape of the roomOval or octagonal tables are not as common or versatile as round or rectangular tablesA square dining room would actually look very beautiful if it had a square table at the centerSquare tables or those with rectangular tops that be turned into squares are both interesting optionsA room looks and feels more intimate and inviting if there’s an equal distance between the table and the wallsMarble dining tables don’t really follow a particular style. They can look nice in just about any settingSome designs have interesting details or built-in features such as accent lightingThe glass panels that support this table make it look as if the top is floatingWhen selecting a table, think of its function to better decide on size and everything elseLarge dining tables with round tops are not very user-friendly, making it difficult to reach the food at the centerThe accessories you choose for the table have a big impact on its final lookThe right dining room centerpiece can completely transform the decot and the atmosphereWhen measuring the space around the table, take into consideration the size and shape of the chairsFor large gatherings, long rectangular tables are the best, especially if they’re expandableAn expandable dining table is a good option for situations when you need to accommodate more persons than usualIf the dining table is expandable and has leaves, include those in your measurements to make sure they fitFor an intimate or romantic ambiance, opt for a table lamp instead of a large chandelierUse 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.
There are several types of expandable tables, each with its own pros and consRound tables are not usually expandable although there are a few very interesting exceptionsA dining table that’s eye-catching on its own does’t need any other embellishments or accessoriesYou can have a matching set of dining table and chairs even if the materials differDrop-leaf tables are very popular and space-efficient and there are numerous variations of the styleA casual dining room decor would need a laid-back dining table designTables with painted tops or simple and fresh designs are just right for casual spacesA contemporary dining table can take many unique and striking forms, although usually they’re all simpleOpt for an expandable dining table if you plan to use for both intimate occasions are large gatheringsGlass tops are ideal for dining tables that have sculptural bases that deserve to stand outAfter you decide on the function preferred for the table, you can decide on a form and sizeTake into consideration the decor, the furniture present in the room and the styleLots of interesting combinations of materials, finishes and colors are available, a lot of them in the case of contemporary designsTo emphasize a certain style, don’t only focus on the table. The chairs, the lighting and the decorations have their own rolesSome modern dining tables even have built-in induction system to keep the food warm and deliciousOther smart features present in contemporary designs can include touch screens and sensorsPedestal bases are often considered a characteristic of casual designsModern dining tables sometimes combine wood with metalA 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.
A rich wood finish and carved legs are both signs of a traditional dining tableHighlight a beautiful wooden top with the right lighting and contrasting decor elementsTo maintain a bright, open and airy look, opt for a table with a glass top or for acrylic chairsThe elevated disc at the center of this round table is perfect for displaying a beautiful centerpieceA sculptural design like this one deserves to be the center of attention in the dining roomMake a small dining room look bigger by decorating it with mirrors and making sure there’s plenty of lightMetal and chrome finishes are often elements found in modern furniture designsMetal dining chairs are quite uncommon but a really great option for industrial decorsAdd some color to the dining room with a set of chairs that contrast with the table and the rest of the decorGreen is a very fresh color that looks particularly good when combined with whiteAnother nice way to add some color to the space is with a colorful or patterned area rugThe table can coordinate with certain elements present in the room for a more cohesive lookThe shape of the table can be reflected in the decorations used on the wallTo soften the clean lines and straight angles of a rectangular dining table, use it in combination with rounded chairsThere are many different ways to match a set of chairs to a table and some are quite subtleTo better visualize the decor before purchasing the table, use tape or bed sheets to outline its form on the floor
