Shopping for a dining room table is an exciting opportunity to make a statement out of a necessary piece of furniture. A lot can happen around this space—working, talking, creating—and of course, eating. There’s plenty to think about when choosing the right one. Here’s what you should think about when shopping for your ideal dining room table.

Understanding Your Dining Room Table Needs

Are you a host extraordinaire who loves to entertain large gatherings, or do you prefer intimate family dinners? If you have a smaller home, there might not be a necessity for a sprawling eight-seater table. Will it also double as a workspace, and how would you like it to reflect your personal style? Understanding your requirements will help you narrow down your options.

Finding the Right Size and Shape

You’ll want to start by measuring your dining area to determine how much space you have to work with. Consider the shape that best complements your room’s layout and style – whether it’s a classic rectangular table, a cozy round one, or a sleek oval shape.

Rectangular Tables

Rectangular tables are a popular choice thanks to their versatility and timeless appeal. They provide ample seating space and are perfect for large gatherings and family dinners. Plus, their straight lines and clean edges make them easy to pair with a variety of dining chairs and decor styles.

Round Tables

Round tables are ideal for creating an intimate and cozy dining experience. They promote conversation and social interaction, making them perfect for small gatherings or casual meals with family and friends. Round tables also work well in compact spaces and can soften the look of a room with their curved edges.

Oval Tables

Oval tables offer the best of both worlds – the ample seating space of a rectangular table with the intimate feel of a round one. They’re great for accommodating larger groups while maintaining a sense of closeness and connection.

Expandable Dining Room Sets

If you often find yourself hosting dinner parties or entertaining guests, consider investing in an expandable dining room set. These sets feature tables with hidden extensions that can be easily expanded to accommodate extra seating when needed. Expandable dining room sets are perfect for maximizing space in smaller homes or apartments without compromising your needs or aesthetics.

Exploring Dining Room Table Materials

The material of your dining table plays a significant role in its overall appearance, durability, and maintenance requirements. Here’s a closer look at some popular options.

Wood

Wooden dining tables are timeless classics that add warmth to your dining area. Whether you prefer the rich tones of mahogany, the rustic charm of oak, or the sleekness of walnut, there’s a wood type and wash to fit your preferences. Also, wood tables tend to age beautifully over time, so if you’re looking to invest in a piece that will stay with you, wood adds the perfect amount of character while remaining understated.

Glass

Glass creates a modern look while also creating an illusion of space. This makes them a great choice for smaller rooms or open-concept spaces. They’re also incredibly versatile and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for busy households. If you’re using this space to work or enjoy hobbies like crafting, glass is extremely easy to clean and has a smooth surface to work with.

Metal

Metal dining tables offer durability and strength, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Their industrial look can make a room feel cold, but it can also stand out and create an interesting contrast, like sleek stainless steel against exposed brick or industrial-inspired iron against hardwood or trendy brass. Metal tables add a contemporary edge to any dining space. Plus, they’re relatively low maintenance.

More Materials to Explore

Beyond wood, glass, and metal, there are plenty of other materials to consider, such as marble, concrete, and laminate. Each material brings its own unique texture, color, and style to the table, allowing you to customize your dining space to reflect your personal taste and preferences.

Selecting the Perfect Chairs

No dining table is complete without a set of chairs to accompany it. If you’re looking at a dining set, you might have limited options to customize. But, if you decide on getting the chairs separately, you can create some cool combinations. When choosing dining chairs, consider factors such as comfort, style, and durability. Another thing to consider? Storage benches. If you could use a little extra space to store things like extra flatware or table settings, check out storage benches as additional seating to your chairs.