Dining Table Styles: How to Choose
Dining tables are an essential part of home furnishings. They can be placed in various locations within a home: in the kitchen, living room, family room, or dining room. When chosen well, a dining table creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for meals.
How do you choose a dining table? When selecting this type of furniture, you need to consider both the comfort of your guests and the available space. But that’s not enough. Other factors must be taken into account to get the most out of it. What shape of table should you choose, and which decorative style should you go with? Let’s take a closer look at dining tables and their stylistic and aesthetic features.
What are the different styles of dining tables?
Dining tables complement various decorative styles depending on the materials they're made of. Here's an overview of the main types of dining tables you're likely to come across.
The wooden dining table
A wooden dining table is the type of table that first comes to mind when talking about this piece of furniture. It is a classic beloved for its sturdiness, durability, and versatility. In fact, although it is a traditional design, the dining table has proven adaptable to all styles. As a result, you can find wooden dining tables in Scandinavian, industrial, classic, or vintage styles.
Finally, it’s worth noting that wooden tables can be customized and updated by applying a lacquer or exterior paint. They can also be paired with different types of chairs, offering great flexibility from a decorative and aesthetic standpoint.
The glass dining table
Glass dining tables feature a glass tabletop, while their legs are made of a different material (metal, wood). They complement any decor. As for maintenance, they stain easily and show fingerprints readily. As a result, they require special care compared to wooden tables, for example.
The two-material dining table
Dining tables made of two materials can be crafted from wood and metal, wood and glass, metal and glass, and so on. They can be chosen to complement a contemporary, minimalist, or industrial interior design style.
The Designer Dining Table
Designer dining tables can be made of concrete or steel, for example. They fit perfectly into minimalist and industrial-style interiors. This type of table adds a decorative touch—raw or cool, depending on personal taste. While sturdy and durable, they can be quite heavy and difficult to move. Metal tables, on the other hand, can scratch easily.
What shape of dining table should you choose?
Beyond the style or type of material used to make the dining table, it’s important to consider its shape. Why? To seamlessly integrate a dining table into your living room or kitchen, it’s important to take into account the available space, the location designated for the table, and its shape.
The Round Dining Table
Round dining tables are popular in small spaces, but also for the cozy atmosphere they help create. They can be equipped with center extensions to make them larger when needed. Given their shape, round dining tables are also easier to move around than rectangular ones, in particular. Finally, the absence of sharp corners and edges makes them safer, especially for children.
The rectangular dining table
In long or spacious kitchens and living rooms, a rectangular dining table is a smart choice. It can be placed in the center of the room or near a wall without affecting the overall look. It therefore offers more flexibility in terms of layout and options for changing the decor. Just like round dining tables, rectangular dining tables can be equipped with extension leaves to accommodate as many guests as possible and ensure a warm, welcoming meal.
The square dining table
A square dining table isthe ultimate solution for small spaces. Whether in a studio apartment, a small living room, or a small kitchen, you can find a spot for it in the center of the room or in a corner. When space is very limited, a square table can be placed in the center during meals and then easily tucked away in a corner once you’re done using it. This makes it ideal for meals for two—or even up to four people.
It's worth noting that large spaces can benefit from a square dining table as long as its dimensions are appropriate. Thus, for spacious rooms, you can opt for large square dining tables.
The oval dining table
The oval dining table is a trendy piece of furniture. Just like the round table, its smooth curves make it easy to move around and help prevent injuries to young children. In terms of the space they take up, oval tables are best suited for spacious rooms. And unlike square or rectangular tables, they cannot be placed against a wall or in a corner, as this would create a visually unbalanced or even unsightly look.
The Modular Dining Table
Modular dining tables come in all shapes and sizes. They differ from traditional dining tables in that they have retractable extensions (1, 2, or 3 extensions). This makes it possible to extend them depending on the number of guests seated at the table. The extensions can be placed in the center or at the ends of the table. When the table is stored away, the extensions are hidden under the main tabletop.
Ultimately, when choosing a dining table, you should consider not only the available space but also the home’s overall decor style (bohemian, chic, classic, rustic, modern, industrial, etc.). The goal is to create a warm, welcoming, and pleasant space for gathering. For homes with children, it may be a good idea to opt for tables with rounded edges to prevent accidents that can occur with square or rectangular tables. Finally, when purchasing a dining table, you can prioritize natural materials such as solid wood or look for eco-friendly manufacturers.
We recommend these other pages:
- How do you determine the right size for your dining table?
- What shape should you choose for your dining table?
- What material should you choose for your dining table?
- What are the benefits of choosing a solid wood dining table?
- What does PEFC certification mean for a wooden dining table?
- What color should you choose for your dining table?
- Extendable Dining Table: Why and How to Choose the Right One?
- How to Choose an Extendable Rectangular Table?
- What's the best way to design a complete dining room?