How to choose a dining table

The dining table is the heart of the home during mealtimes. Whether you’re sharing sparkling wines and antipasti platters with friends, relishing an intimate date night, or gathering the family together for a festive feast, it’s a place for enjoying time (and tasty recipes) together.

So, when it comes to investing in a new dining table, you want to make sure it’s suitable for everyone, on any occasion. We’ve brought together our useful tips so you can feel confident that you’ve chosen the right dining table for you and your family.

What size dining table should I pick?

Before you settle on the style or shape, it’s worth figuring out what size is best for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, you want to leave at least a 90cm clearance around the edge of your table, then around 50-60cm for each place setting you need. Ask yourself, how many people does it have to seat? Should it be extendable?

If you've already chosen your dining chairs, be sure to take the dimensions of these into consideration. If the dining chairs you've got your eye on are quite chunky, or have arms, make sure you factor this into your decision.

A substantial round dining table, the Goswell is a minimalist design crafted from concrete with a contemporary black finish and tulip style base. — Goswell 4 Seater Round Dining Table

A classic country farmhouse table with a natural wood top and carved turned legs complete with a washed black finish. Entertain the whole family and a few friends with this large rustic kitchen table — Lincoln 8 Seater Dining Table

The Frederick dining table is handcrafted in India using solid mango wood. Each intricate detail on the legs and table apron are skillfully carved by artisans who have passed their expertise down from one generation to the next. — Frederick 6 Seater Natural Dining Table

Crafted from reclaimed pine wood, our pioneer inspired dining table features a drum style tabletop sat upon a triangular base with three ornately scrolled feet. — Pioneer 4 Seater Reclaimed Pine Dining Table

What dining table style should I choose?

Ultimately, you want to pick a style that suits your home, but you also need it to have longevity in case you decide to change your interior over the years. A timber or minimalist design will always look timeless, and they can be easily matched with dining chairs, benches, seat pads, and tabletop accessories from various design styles to coordinate with your scheme.

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What dining table shape works best for a small space?

If you have a smaller dining space, or a looking for a table to add to a kitchen-diner, rectangular tables can be pushed up against a wall to save space, then pulled out when extra seating is required. Round or bistro-style kitchen tables are another popular choice, offering a little more leeway when seating extra guests thanks to their lack of corners. If there's just the two of you, a square dining table is ideal for tucking away into a corner.

Crafted from white marble and featuring an ornate black-painted base, this table pairs beautifully with wicker dining chairs for enjoying your morning espresso. — White Marble Bistro Café Table

A vintage-inspired café table with a unique industrial twist, featuring a mottled metal top encased in an aged oak frame. A kitchen essential for those relaxing weekend mornings. — Ezra 4 Seater Rectangular Café Table

Inspired by the romantic era, the Evora collection is crafted using traditional techniques by skilled ceramic artisans in Portugal who use local clays to produce fine stoneware that will add a touch of casual elegance to your dinner table. — Evora Tableware Collection

Ignite a cosy ambience with this tall stacked tealight holder. Featuring a bubbled texture and a grass green finish, it creates a warm glow while adding a pop of colour to your home. — Tall Green Stacked Bubble Tealight Holder

How can I accessorise my dining table?

When thinking about how to decorate a dining table, it’s good to consider whether this for a particular occasion or for everyday use. An everyday tablescape is easy to create with a table runner down its centre alongside a vase with decorative fresh or faux foliage, and a trio of candles. But if it’s for a special celebration, now is your chance to go all out. Bring pure linen napkins, your best crockery, handwritten name labels and a beautiful centrepiece to the table.

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How can I make the most out of my dining table?

If this is a space you envision yourself and your family spending a lot of time, then it's important the surrounding are inviting and comfortable. Upholstered dining chairs or beautiful seat pads create a warm, comforting look and help to soften the space by adding texture. They're also great if your dining table doubles up as a work from home space and you expect to be sitting at it for extended periods of time.

A large rustic dining table expertly crafted from recycled elm and pine wood, and fitted with contrasting black carved legs. Its top is finished in a clear wax to prevent spills and stains. — Porter 10 Seater Dining Table

Sumptuously soft, long-haired New Zealand sheepskin seat pads, available in four colours. — Square Sheepskin Seat Pads

We hope you’re feeling confident in your dining table search now that you’ve got our tips to hand. Discover our eclectic collection of dining tables in all shapes, sizes and styles below.

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