The Right Dining Table for Your Home

The best dining table for you will be one that works for your budget, is solidly constructed, fits in your space and has a style you’ll love for years. There are some core factors you should consider when choosing a good one. Make sure to keep it simple and sturdy.

Along with affordability and a timeless style, stability and construction are important to look for when inspecting tables at furniture stores. Think about how it feels to sit at one of those tables, whether it will be comfortable for long periods, and examine floor models for signs of wear. Look for nicks and scratches that may indicate how the tables would endure through serious use at home.

Your dining table has to fit your dining area! But a dining table is a deceptively large piece of furniture, and you need to account for space around it, too.

To visualize how a bigger piece of furniture will look, take the time to block out the length and width on the floor , and also the height of the table.

If you’re tight on space, consider options like leaves that allow the table to extend. These let you customize the table for different entertainment needs and party sizes.

Square and rectangular tables are the most common, so you’ll find a great number of choices there with styles, sizes and extendable options. But a round or oval table can give you a little more space to move around since it cuts off the corners but still has a good surface area.

Round or oval tables can be great for parties and conversation because there’s no head of the table, too. In terms of squeezing people in, you’re only limited by the perimeter of the table — but you can lose a little space for serving pieces once you have all your place settings at a round or oval table.

If you want to be more flexible with your guests, pay attention to the leg width and where the legs are placed. A leg table is generally limited to how long it can be extended without bowing in the middle. With a pedestal or trestle table, you have more flexibility to add more people to the table.