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.
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.
Without further ado, here's our top ten list of the best dining furniture out there. Carefully researched and chosen from trusted sites, these options all bring something to the table!
£120.00
Dimensions | 74 x 100 cm |
---|---|
Number of Seats | Up to 4 |
Space-Saving Features | Compact design |
Shape | Round |
Materials | Wood effect with metal legs |
Assembly | Self-assembly required |
£599.00
Dimensions | 76 x 160 x 85 cm |
---|---|
Number of Seats | Up to 6 |
Space-Saving Features | - |
Shape | Rectangular |
Materials | Solid oak, welded iron base |
Assembly | Partial self-assembly (legs) |
£120.99
Dimensions | 150 x 90 cm |
---|---|
Number of Seats | 2-4 |
Space-Saving Features | - |
Shape | Rectangular |
Materials | MDF, metal, rubber leg pads |
Assembly | Self-assembly required |
£184.99
Dimensions | 92 x 115 x 75 cm |
---|---|
Number of Seats | Up to 4 |
Space-Saving Features | Extendable, foldable table and chairs |
Shape | Rectangle |
Materials | Pine and MDF |
Assembly | Self-assembly required |
£150.00
Dimensions | 76 x 80 cm |
---|---|
Number of Seats | Up to 2 |
Space-Saving Features | Compact design |
Shape | Round |
Materials | Tempered glass, marble pedestal, metal |
Assembly | Self-assembly required |
£1,099.00
Dimensions | 76 x 112 cm |
---|---|
Number of Seats | Up to 4 |
Space-Saving Features | Compact design |
Shape | Round |
Materials | Banswara marble, brass pedestal |
Assembly | Self-assembly required |
£150.00
Dimensions | 75 x 90 x 90 cm |
---|---|
Number of Seats | Up to 4 |
Space-Saving Features | Compact design |
Shape | Square |
Materials | Birch plywood, oak veneer |
Assembly | Partial self-assembly |
£399.00
Dimensions | 74 x 160 x 80 cm |
---|---|
Number of Seats | Up to 6 |
Space-Saving Features | - |
Shape | Rectangular |
Materials | Tempered glass, steel |
Assembly | Partial self-assembly (legs) |
£299.00
Dimensions | H76 x W50-90 x D90cm |
---|---|
Number of Seats | Up to 4 |
Space-Saving Features | Drop leaf |
Shape | Round |
Materials | Beech wood and solid oak |
Assembly | Part self-assembly required |
£399.00
Dimensions | 75 x 160 x 80 cm |
---|---|
Number of Seats | Up to 8 |
Space-Saving Features | Stowable benches |
Shape | Rectangular |
Materials | Birch plywood, oak veneer |
Assembly | Self-assembly required |
Image | 1 ![]() House by John Lewis | 2 ![]() John Lewis & Partners | 3 ![]() John Lewis & Partners | 4 ![]() House by John Lewis | 5 ![]() west elm | 6 ![]() House by John Lewis | 7 ![]() Furniture 231 | 8 ![]() AINPECCA | 9 ![]() John Lewis & Partners | 10 ![]() Habitat |
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Name | Anton 8 Seater Oak Dining Table and 3 Seater Benches | Clayton 2-4 Seater Drop Leaf Dining Table | Tropez 6 Seater Glass Top Table | Anton 4 Seater Oak Dining Table | Silhouette Marble 4 Seater Dining Table | Enzo 2 Seater Glass Round Dining Table | Santos Butterfly Folding Dining Set | Dining Table With Metal Legs | Calia 6 Seater Oak Dining Table | Maddix Round 4 Seater Dining Table |
Features | An Excellent Value Dining Table and Bench Combo | A Beautiful, Homely Yet Modern Table With a Twist | A Sophisticated 6-Seater With Easy-Care Glass | Space-Saving, Simple and Contemporary Wood | An Opulent and Original Statement Piece | A Compact and Chic Table for Two | A Skillfully-Designed Table and Chairs Set | A Great Price for a Stylish Table | A Gorgeously Bold Statement Piece | A Stylish Table For Four |
Price | £399.00 | £299.00 | £399.00 | £150.00 | £1,099.00 | £150.00 | £184.99 | £120.99 | £599.00 | £120.00 |
Dimensions | 75 x 160 x 80 cm | H76 x W50-90 x D90cm | 74 x 160 x 80 cm | 75 x 90 x 90 cm | 76 x 112 cm | 76 x 80 cm | 92 x 115 x 75 cm | 150 x 90 cm | 76 x 160 x 85 cm | 74 x 100 cm |
Number of Seats | Up to 8 | Up to 4 | Up to 6 | Up to 4 | Up to 4 | Up to 2 | Up to 4 | 2-4 | Up to 6 | Up to 4 |
Space-Saving Features | Stowable benches | Drop leaf | - | Compact design | Compact design | Compact design | Extendable, foldable table and chairs | - | - | Compact design |
Shape | Rectangular | Round | Rectangular | Square | Round | Round | Rectangle | Rectangular | Rectangular | Round |
Materials | Birch plywood, oak veneer | Beech wood and solid oak | Tempered glass, steel | Birch plywood, oak veneer | Banswara marble, brass pedestal | Tempered glass, marble pedestal, metal | Pine and MDF | MDF, metal, rubber leg pads | Solid oak, welded iron base | Wood effect with metal legs |
Assembly | Self-assembly required | Part self-assembly required | Partial self-assembly (legs) | Partial self-assembly | Self-assembly required | Self-assembly required | Self-assembly required | Self-assembly required | Partial self-assembly (legs) | Self-assembly required |
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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
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