If you really want to make a house feel like a home, you need the right dining table. There are few things more homely than having a place to eat or drink with family, flatmates or guests, and doing this at a table rather than huddled on a sofa just feels so much better.
There are many options for small spaces and large areas, such as extendable oval designs and sets with chairs from 2 to 6 to even 8 people. However, they can feel like a big purchase with big decisions to make – round or square? Rustic wooden, reclaimed oak, modern glass or luxurious marble? Fear not! Our clear-cut buying guide and great value picks from Amazon, John Lewis, and Argos will have you wining and dining in no time.
Quick List - Top Dining Tables
House by John Lewis
An Excellent Value Dining Table and Bench Combo
John Lewis & Partners
A Beautiful, Homely Yet Modern Table With a Twist
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Table of Contents
Whether you're a student on a tight budget or want to splurge on a fabulous table that really brings the room together, there are a few things to consider to get the right piece. Read on for some invaluable hints and pointers before making that purchase.
Firstly, it's a good idea to note the measurements of both the room and the table to be sure it fits well and has enough space around it; aim for 3 feet. Sitting at your new table should be comfortable and pleasant without arms or legs feeling cramped against walls or shelves, as well as having easy access.
Whilst thinking about size, you'll also want to consider how many people need to be seated. Maybe you live alone and only need a two-seater, or perhaps you have a large family or frequently have lots of guests and need as many as possible!
If you require more seats but don't have the space, don't worry. Keep an eye out for space-saving features, such as extendable tables or stowaway sets that fold down neatly, all of which you can adapt to your dining needs.
Your personal style preference isn't just a fun thing to consider but an essential aspect to choosing the right dining table. You'll of course, want your new table to work with the decor and style of the space it's in, so follow the tips below to get it right!
An often overlooked point, the shape of your dining table really matters if you want it to bring the room together in that oh-so-perfect way. Most rooms are rectangular, especially dining rooms, and therefore rectangular dining tables are the most common choice. They're ideal for large families and lots of guests and work wonderfully in line with the shape of the room.
Similarly, square dining tables work well in square rooms and suit homes with fewer people to sit. Don't forget to look for extending parts or drop leaves to accommodate extra guests for the best of both.
Round tables are great for square or smaller rooms and can create a sense of intimacy in a gathering as everyone can see each other easily. A more unusual but gorgeous option is an oval-shaped table, which suits rectangular or larger spaces and seats more people than a round table.
In your search, you'll come across various tabletop materials, and your choice should work in harmony with the furniture you already own and your decor. Wood can create a rustic farmhouse feel or even a mid-century vogue tone depending on the grain and finish, and though it can be expensive, it'll be a piece you keep around for years.
Metal is unrivalled in creating a minimalist, contemporary or industrial environment, and glass and marble are not only chic but can brighten up dark rooms and give the illusion of more space. For style on a budget, go for covered MDF tabletops that look just like the real thing!
Each material's cleaning and maintenance demands will differ too, so bear this in mind if you have kids or are looking for easy care. Wood, for example, may require oiling or scrupulous coaster use, and glass can scratch or smudge without mats or a tablecloth.
This point is partly to do with the material, as mentioned above, but also how well-designed and constructed the table is. Nobody wants an unstable or flimsy piece! You can avoid this by looking out for a few things, the first being legs made of firm, reliable materials such as oak and steel.
You can also look for tables with supports such as a trestle, pedestal and extra legs, and sturdy connections from the legs to the tabletop. These will often be clarified in the product descriptions. As a final note, if you need to assemble or part-assemble your table, make sure you have the tools required and check the description and reviews for ease of assembly.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | House by John Lewis Anton 8 Seater Oak Dining Table and 3 Seater Benches | ![]() | An Excellent Value Dining Table and Bench Combo | |
2 | John Lewis & Partners Clayton 2-4 Seater Drop Leaf Dining Table | ![]() | A Beautiful, Homely Yet Modern Table With a Twist | |
3 | John Lewis & Partners Tropez 6 Seater Glass Top Table | ![]() | A Sophisticated 6-Seater With Easy-Care Glass | |
4 | House by John Lewis Anton 4 Seater Oak Dining Table | ![]() | Space-Saving, Simple and Contemporary Wood | |
5 | west elm Silhouette Marble 4 Seater Dining Table | ![]() | An Opulent and Original Statement Piece | |
6 | House by John Lewis Enzo 2 Seater Glass Round Dining Table | ![]() | A Compact and Chic Table for Two | |
7 | Furniture 231 Santos Butterfly Folding Dining Set | ![]() | A Skillfully-Designed Table and Chairs Set | |
8 | AINPECCA Dining Table With Metal Legs | ![]() | A Great Price for a Stylish Table | |
9 | John Lewis & Partners Calia 6 Seater Oak Dining Table | ![]() | A Gorgeously Bold Statement Piece | |
10 | Habitat Maddix Round 4 Seater Dining Table | ![]() | A Stylish Table For Four |
Now, this table and chairs set really is home-life goals! In at our number one spot, this cool combo is made from robust birch plywood and oak veneer. The natural wood grain is highlighted, creating a rustic feel that still looks clean and modern and will never go out of style.
We absolutely adore its sleek surfaces, curved corners and steam-bent legs, and you will, too. The included benches comfortably seat three adults, but it can actually fit eight, making it the ultimate table for large families or homes that enjoy lots of get-togethers!
Traditional yet contemporary, the inky blue base and legs and the oak wood tabletop bring idyllic farmhouse living up to date! The treated oak is an unusual finish and would suit a kitchen or dining space that already has a bit of a rustic feel.
Part self-assembly is required but is a breeze to do, and once up, the high-quality oak and solid extra-legged base will stay put. The table itself is low maintenance and won't need oiling as it comes treated and needs simply to be wiped clean.
A fabulously elegant and timeless dining table, this is understated yet impacting and can seat up to six people. Its sturdy, squared steel legs are super reliable, as is its gorgeous tempered glass, which will also create an illusion of light and space.
We love how low maintenance it is, even for glass, as you can simply wipe it clean with a cloth and go on with your day! All in all, it's a wonderful long-term investment that won't let you down and is also available in black.
Next up, this simple, modern table, which can suit several diners whilst still managing to keep things compact. Ideal for smaller rooms or odd-shaped spaces, this piece proves you don't need to compromise on style if square metres aren't a luxury.
The simplicity of the curved, slender design comfortably fits 4, so even if you have lots of space, it's a likely choice. Its sturdy oak construction offers excellent quality and easy care at a very reasonable cost, too.
Made from Banswara marble sourced from India, the natural variations in the veining means each and every table is an original. This table truly is an example of how to bring luxury into everyday living!
Comfortably seating four people, it may be an investment, but it will bring a decadent feel to any space and should stay with you for many a year. Marble is a natural, porous material, but as long as a soft, dry cloth is used and harsh chemicals are avoided, it's relatively easy to maintain.
A minimalist piece with a bit of an '80's feel, this table proves you don't have to compromise on style in smaller spaces. For a well-thought-out, contemporary design at an affordable price, you can't go wrong, plus the black marble base adds real flair.
The perfect option for not only compact rooms but for single households or couples, this table is designed for two. As the tabletop is made from tempered glass, use table mats to prevent spillages or scratches. However, it's pretty low maintenance and easy to take care of otherwise.
This fabulous set has both brains and beauty. Stylish, compact and robust, the table folds down almost completely when you need it to, as do the four chairs that are included in the set. However, the person that finds themselves at the folded end may have issues sitting head on.
Other great features are its value for money, the unexpected sturdiness even though it's foldable, and its dimensional suitability for even the tallest people! The beautiful pine design on grey also adds a touch of style suitable for any room.
Thoroughly stylish and on-trend, this dining table is solid, sturdy and, most of all, great value. The angled metal legs and marble-effect top bring a fashionable and contemporary feel to your home whilst being simple enough to care for and wipe down after use.
The table and legs need to be put together, but the assembly is straightforward, and the package includes instructions and fittings. There are two choices of size, depending on your living space, and the brand provides fast delivery, too. Though it's not the widest table, so if you have taller family members or guests you may find yourselves toe to toe.
Predominantly made from solid American white oak with welded iron legs, this table is one to rely on. Oozing with character, its bold lines and unique irregularities in the wood make it a match for those who love an industrial aesthetic.
Seeing as it's not the cheapest table out there, it's perhaps more of a statement piece to give a room a bit of an edge! It's also worth noting that this table should be oil-treated with WOCA worktop oil before use and periodically, which unfortunately does not come with your purchase.
Reasonably affordable and easy to assemble, this one is a great option when you need a table that can be used for all occasions whilst still looking classy and cool. The tabletop has a delicate white wooden effect, and the brass legs give it a refreshing, luxurious look that suits most spaces.
Though an ideal quick buy, it may not be the sturdiest table for the long term as it can't take huge amounts of weight and could end up needing to be replaced within a few years.
There's nothing quite making your house a cosy sanctuary that you can retreat to, and the perfect place for friends and family to gather. Check out our related articles for various guides and products to upgrade your home life!
Now our cards are all on the table, we hope you've struck lucky and found the shape, size, and design of dining table for you. All you've got to worry about now is providing the food and drink, and making the most of your quality time indoors!
Author: Melanie McPhail
No. 1: House by John Lewis |Anton 8 Seater Oak Dining Table and 3 Seater Benches
No. 2: John Lewis & Partners|Clayton 2-4 Seater Drop Leaf Dining Table
No. 3: John Lewis & Partners|Tropez 6 Seater Glass Top Table
No. 4: House by John Lewis|Anton 4 Seater Oak Dining Table
No. 5: west elm|Silhouette Marble 4 Seater Dining Table
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