A dining room table is more than just a piece of furniture—it’s the heart of the home, where meals are shared, conversations flow, and memories are made. Choosing the right table involves more than just style; it requires consideration of size, shape, materials, and functionality to suit your space and lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect dining room table, whether you’re hosting holiday feasts, casual family dinners, or intimate gatherings with friends.
Table Styles
With a wide variety of table styles available, finding the perfect one for your home becomes an enjoyable and rewarding process. The first and most crucial factor in our dining room table guide is the tabletop shape, which influences both functionality and aesthetics.
Round Tables
Round tables complement nearly any room size, seamlessly fitting into small spaces and cozy corners of larger areas. They are ideal for small families or breakfast nooks, fostering conversation by ensuring everyone faces each other. The Kowan Solid Top Table exemplifies modern farmhouse charm with its crisp white base and rustic, rough-sawn barnwood oak top.
Oval Tables
Oval tables are particularly well-suited for smaller dining areas when accommodating more than four guests. Like round tables, they foster a sense of openness, making conversation easy. Their elongated shape makes them excellent for dinner parties in rectangular rooms. Many oval tables, such as the Double Carlisle Table, feature double pedestals or trestles, eliminating the discomfort of seating guests directly against a table leg. This design also enhances stability. The Double Carlisle features two leaves that expand to comfortably seat up to 10 people while ensuring ample legroom.
Rectangular Tables
Rectangular tabletops are the most common choice, as they efficiently accommodate large families and gatherings. They fit seamlessly into rooms of any size but are particularly effective in long, narrow spaces. If hosting dinner parties is a priority, a rectangular table is an excellent option. The Buxton Extendable Table, for example, seats up to twelve guests with its four additional leaves. Crafted from reclaimed barnwood, this sturdy table can support a lavish spread while expanding to welcome everyone.
Square Tables
Square tables offer an intimate dining experience, ideal for smaller groups. Their symmetrical design adds balance to square rooms, enhancing both function and aesthetics. The Norwich Solid Table Top offers a durable and distinctive surface, with each piece uniquely crafted for added character.
By selecting the right table shape for your space and lifestyle, you create a dining area that is both practical and inviting.
Leg Options
When selecting a dining table, the type of table base is an important consideration, particularly for those with limited space. The type of legs or base determines the table’s overall stability. They affect the way guests are seated around the table. Perhaps most of all, table legs contribute to the overall design, from sleek and modern to rustic and traditional styles. The base should be considered with easy-to-clean options in high-traffic areas. Carefully considering table legs ensures your table not only looks great but also meets your practical needs for years to come.
Single Pedestal Tables
Single pedestal tables are ideal for small spaces, offering both practicality and ease of maintenance. While they are commonly paired with round tabletops, they can support a variety of compact table shapes. Their central support allows for effortless cleaning underneath and eliminates interference with seating. A striking example of this design is the Timber Ridge Table, featuring a rustic walnut live-edge top and a white cedar stump pedestal. Single pedestals often serve as visually captivating focal points, offering greater creative design possibilities. However, they are best suited for smaller tables, as their structure limits their ability to support larger surfaces.
Double Pedestal Tables
Double pedestal tables are most commonly found in oval and rectangular designs, offering a balance of elegance and stability. This style provides ample legroom and prevents diners from being positioned uncomfortably against a table leg. The Karlisle Table exemplifies this design, featuring a wormy maple top with visible saw marks for a modern rustic appeal. Its combination of a double pedestal and trestle base enhances both durability and visual interest.
Trestle Base Tables
Trestle bases are among the oldest and most structurally sound table designs, likely due to their superior support for long tabletops. Unlike single or double pedestals, trestle bases prevent large tables from sagging over time, making them an excellent choice for spacious dining areas. This style pairs particularly well with dining benches, offering generous legroom and maximizing seating capacity. Many people don’t realize that each traditional table leg can take up between 6-10 inches of usable space, while trestle bases allow more guests to sit comfortably. Popular examples include the best-selling Bridgeport Table from Five Star Tables and the Stretford Solid Top Table from Urban Barnwood.
Four-Leg Tables
For those seeking flexibility in seating arrangements, the classic four-leg table remains the most versatile option. This design allows for easy expansion with additional leaves, making it ideal for households that require adaptable dining spaces. Four-leg tables are available in a range of styles, from the elegantly turned legs of the Serenity Kitchen Table to the simple yet sophisticated design of the Almanzo Solid Top Table.
Conclusion
Here at Saugerties Furniture, we have over 140 tables for you to choose from. If you’re unsure which one is best for you, our Dining Room Table Guide can help you narrow it down. Visit our showroom to see how the different styles appear in person—we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your style, your family, your life.