Dining Table Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dining Table

The dining room is a place to gather and enjoy a meal, whether it's a weeknight family dinner or Thanksgiving with your extended family. The right dining table will provide comfortable seating for every guest and elevate your space. However, there are several factors you must consider before you invest in a dining table. Explore each of these factors so you can find the perfect dining table for your home.

The size of your dining table is the first factor to consider. When determining what size table you need, you have to factor in the size of your dining space as well as how many people the table must seat. To begin, you'll need to take a few measurements.

• Measure the length and width of your dining space.
• Subtract six feet from the length and the width measurements. This allows for a three-foot clearance on all sides of the table, which is industry standard.
• That number is the maximum size your dining table should be to comfortably fit your dining room. For example, a 12' x 9' dining area can comfortably accommodate a 6' x 3' dining table.

In addition to the size of your room, how many people will be regularly seated at your table? Maybe you're married with kids, or maybe you enjoy hosting. As a rule of thumb, at rectangular tables you should allow 2 per person. So, a 48" table seats four people. A 72" table seats six people, a 120" table seats 12 people, and so on. A great way to add flexibility with your seating is to invest in a table that expands with a leaf or multiple leaves; that way, you can keep the table smaller when you're eating with just your family, and expand the table for Thanksgiving dinner.

The size of your room and your seating needs will determine what dining table shape is best for your space. As with any furniture purchase, you should choose a table that you love the look of, but we recommend following these guidelines to maximize your seating and create a room that flows. An undersized table will look strange in your space, but a table that's too big will make the room feel cramped. You'll also need to consider the other furniture in the space, like if you have a china cabinet, a credenza or a buffet table.

Rectangle tables are a classic choice for larger dining rooms. Most dining tables are rectangular because dining rooms also tend to be rectangular. They're also ideal for narrow spaces. Oftentimes, rectangular dining tables can be expanded with leaves for more seating flexibility.

Square dining tables are a good choice for smaller spaces. They're great for creating an intimate dining experience with small groups, making it easier for people to speak to each other. Some square tables can also be expanded with a leaf, turning it into a rectangular table to comfortably seat more guests.

Oval tables are another option for larger dining spaces. Without corners like their rectangular counterparts, they're great for conversation and making your guests feel close. Their rounded sides make them ideal for narrow spaces like their rectangular counterparts, but these rounded edges also mean you lose some surface area.

Like square, round tables are also ideal for smaller spaces. If you prefer to create an intimate setting, round tables are ideal as they let everyone see everyone else at the table. Of course, there are also large round dining tables, but you'll need a very large dining room to ensure the room doesn't feel cramped.

This is the least common dining table shape, but it's great for those who want their table to serve as a conversation piece or whose home style leans toward the eclectic. There are even hexagonal or octagonal dining tables on the market; for these shapes, we suggest one chair per side (so a hexagon will seat 6, while an octagon will seat 8).

What material should your dining table be? That depends on your lifestyle and how much time you're willing to spend on maintenance.

A natural wood table feels warm and inviting, and can complement a variety of interior design styles. Hardwood species like acacia and oak are known for their durability, which is ideal for furniture you use regularly. They also are meant to patina with age, meaning your table will become more beautiful and unique-looking with use.

Softwood species, like spruce and pine, have similar aesthetic benefits as hardwood but are less durable. These species are often lighter in color, which better suits design styles like coastal or Scandinavian. They often feature a unique knotted look, but also scratch more easily. If you're willing to occasionally sand and re-stain the wood, softwood may be a good choice.

Veneer tables are made of a core material like plywood or medium-density fiberboard, then finished with a thin layer of real wood. They're a great cost-effective alternative to solid wood tables because they mimic the appearance of solid wood. They're also more lightweight, which is great for moving your table and rearranging your space. However, wood veneer tables are less durable than their solid wood counterparts.

Marble and natural stone tables are statement-making pieces. They're inherently high-end looking and incredibly durable. Their durability makes them resistant to scratches and heat, and marble often has unique veining that will make your table feel one-of-a-kind. However, these tables come with a high price tag and require regular sealing to protect them from staining. Of course, they're also very heavy, so don't plan on rearranging your dining room by yourself.

Concrete tables are another durable choice, popular lately in contemporary, minimalist and industrial-style homes. Concrete is another very durable material, and some concrete dining tables are even approved for use outdoors (be sure to consult your owner's guide). They offer great heat resistance, but they're also very heavy. They can also stain if not sealed.

Best for those on a budget, plastic and acrylic tables are lightweight, affordable, and available in seemingly endless colors, patterns and designs. They're easy to clean and tend to be resistant to water damage, but they are prone to scratching and discoloration. They won't look as luxurious as marble or hardwood, but they're perfect for budget-conscious shoppers.

There are also dining tables that have glass tops and wood or metal legs; in this instance, you'll want to primarily consider the table top material as it will take the most wear and tear. Are you willing to wipe down a glass top frequently to eliminate streaks and smudges?

Of course, aesthetics are also important to consider. What is the overall style of your home? Modern farmhouse, art deco, contemporary and minimalist homes each lend themselves to different material choices, from weathered wood to marble to rattan.

How much do you want to spend on your dining table? Dining tables can cost as little as $500 dollars, with larger tables made of solid wood generally costing between $2,000 and $6,000. In general, we suggest investing in furniture that will last for decades, but you need to consider what you're comfortable spending. If your dining table is a secondary seating area (maybe reserved for dinner parties or holidays), you may not want to spend as much. In general, larger tables and those made with more durable materials tend to cost more; the materials section above will give you an idea of which materials are more budget-friendly and which are an investment. Overall, you'll want to strike the balance between what you can afford and good quality.

Dining table base styles can be broken down into two types: leg and pedestal. They offer different aesthetics, but there are also functional factors to consider. A pedestal base provides more legroom, and the absence of legs offers more flexibility with seating. However, this central support can impose limitations on the tabletop size. Sometimes pedestal tables can be more expensive, but this isn't always the case.

Dining tables with legs can come in all kinds of styles, from simple, straight lines to elaborate carved designs. In general, dining tables with legs can accommodate larger tabletops as there are four areas of support that distribute the weight evenly. However, the legs limit your seating layout and can impact which dining chairs will fit.

You'll also need to consider your seating. You don't necessarily need to buy a matching set with a table and chairs, but your dining chairs should complement your table. Look for a style that blends comfort and style. As we mentioned with size above, your chairs should also allow for enough room between each seated person. For oval and rectangular tables, you may want chairs with arms at the heads of the table (often called host chairs). Keep your budget in mind, as well: the price of your dining chairs can add up quickly if you have a large table that seats many. Oftentimes, brands will offer a discount on chairs if they're purchased in sets of four, six or eight.

In addition to your appliances and electronics, Abt also sells a wide variety of dining tables and other furniture. You can visit our store in Glenview to see select furniture in person, or shop online to see our full catalog. If you have questions about a particular table or have additional questions about buying a dining table, reach out to our furniture experts at 800-860-3577.

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