1. Choosing the Right Size Dining Table
Before falling in love with a particular design, it's important to make sure it will comfortably fit your room.
Measure Your Space
As a general rule, leave at least 90cm of clearance between the edge of your dining table and the nearest wall or furniture. This allows enough room to pull chairs out comfortably and move around the room without feeling cramped.
If your dining area is particularly busy or forms part of a walkway, allowing 100–120cm of space will make movement even easier.
How Many People Do You Need to Seat?
Think about how you use your dining table day to day, as well as whether you regularly entertain guests. We recommend allowing a width of 50-60cm per person (although you can allow more than this if you want to create a spacious eating environment). You'll also need to consider where the legs on the table are and factor their position into your calculations.
How will you use your table?
If you like to have all the family around or to throw large dinner parties, then a large dining table would be a wise choice - we'd recommend choosing the largest your space will allow. If, on the other hand, you tend to just eat with your nearest and dearest and prefer small, cosy dinners, you might look at a small dining table. For more flexibility, take a look at our extending tables, which transform based on your needs.
What style is right for the room?
Think about the style of the space - is it modern or traditional? Solid wood and oak dining tables can bring a rustic, homely look to the space. Alternately if your space is more contemporary, a modern or industrial style dining table could be the answer.
Think of the space available
Decide how you want to use your space - is the room going to be solely for dining or will it serve another purpose? If the dining table will be the centrepiece of the room, then choose something which will stand out in the space. On the other hand, if you want to save some space for other pieces, choose a more compact table.
💡 Handy Tip: If you're short on space but still need space for more people from time to time, why not think about an extending dining table?
2. Choosing the Right Shape
The shape of your dining table can make a significant difference to both the look and practicality of your room.
Rectangular Dining Tables
The most popular and versatile option, rectangular dining tables work well in larger rooms and comfortably seat four or more people. They're ideal for family dining and entertaining.
Round Dining Tables
Perfect for smaller spaces, round tables encourage conversation as everyone is equally positioned around the table. With no sharp corners, they're also a practical choice for families with young children.
Square Dining Tables
Square tables suit square rooms and are ideal for couples or smaller households. They create an intimate dining experience while making efficient use of space.
Oval Dining Tables
Oval tables offer many of the seating benefits of rectangular tables while providing softer lines and improved flow around the room. They're a great choice if you want to maximise seating without harsh corners.
3. Choosing the Right Material and Finish
Your dining table should complement both your décor and your lifestyle. Different materials offer different benefits in terms of appearance, durability and maintenance.
Solid Wood Dining Tables
Solid wood is a timeless choice that offers warmth, character and long-lasting durability. Natural grain patterns and colour variations make every piece unique.
Popular options include:
- Oak
- Mango wood
- Acacia
- Washed oak
Wooden dining tables suit both traditional and contemporary interiors and can last for decades with proper care.
Painted Wood
Painted dining tables combine the durability of wood with a softer, more decorative finish. Popular colours such as white, grey, sage green and navy can brighten a room while pairing beautifully with natural wooden tops.
Marble, Ceramic and Stone Dining Tables
Natural stone, marble and ceramic tables create an elegant, luxurious centrepiece. Whether crafted from genuine marble or high-quality marble-effect materials, these tables add sophistication to both modern and classic homes.
Marble surfaces are durable but benefit from prompt cleaning of spills to help preserve their appearance.
Glass Dining Tables
Glass tables help create a lighter, more spacious feel, making them particularly suitable for smaller dining rooms. They're easy to wipe clean and pair well with modern interiors.
Metal and Mixed Materials
Metal frames combined with wood or stone tops create an industrial-inspired look while offering excellent stability and durability.
4. Consider Your Lifestyle
Your dining table should suit how you live.
If you have young children, you may prefer a durable wooden finish that disguises everyday knocks and scratches. Families who eat together daily might prioritise easy-clean surfaces and generous seating, while those who entertain regularly could benefit from an extending table that adapts to larger gatherings.
Think about how your table will be used throughout the week—not just on special occasions.
5. Match Your Dining Chairs
Comfort is just as important as appearance.
Most dining tables are around 75cm high, leaving approximately 25–30cm between the seat and tabletop for comfortable dining. If you're purchasing chairs separately, check that their height is suitable for your chosen table.
Mixing dining chair styles has become increasingly popular, allowing you to create a more relaxed, personalised dining space.
6. Think About Everyday Maintenance
Different materials require different levels of care.
- Wooden tables should be wiped with a soft, damp cloth and protected from excessive heat and moisture.
- Marble surfaces should be cleaned promptly after spills and protected with placemats and coasters.
- Glass tables can be cleaned using standard glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth.
- Painted finishes simply require gentle cleaning with a damp cloth and should avoid abrasive cleaners.
Using placemats, coasters and trivets will help keep any dining table looking its best for years to come.
Finding Your Perfect Dining Table
The best dining table is one that balances style, practicality and the way you live. By considering your available space, the number of people you need to seat, your preferred materials and your everyday lifestyle, you'll be able to choose a table that becomes the heart of your home.
Whether you're looking for a compact round table for a cosy kitchen or a large extending dining table for family celebrations, taking the time to choose the right option will ensure you enjoy it for many years to come.
