While a bit inconspicuous as furniture, a dining table does so much for you. Dining tables are an essential catalyst for meaningful connection. “Gathering around the table,” is a common phrase used literally, and figuratively, for socialization; it’s a special moment when all your loved ones are sitting around the table. A comfortable table can keep those loved ones sitting for longer. Dining tables not only help spark entertaining conversation, they additionally help accomplish tasks. They can be used as a desk, whether it’s computer work or homework. They can also help to organize and hold pieces in one place. When you’re organizing and need to lay things out at hip height, or when you need to lay out items such as food or gifts, you probably find yourself at the dining table. Dining tables are quite versatile, but most of the glory is attributed to the items atop or around them. You hardly notice a dining table unless it’s uncomfortable.
Quick note for people with apartments that don’t fit a full sized dining table: As someone who has lived in under 500 sq ft apartments since moving to New York and who loves to host, I know what it feels like to see a dining table as a distant dream. I’ve been making it work with a bistro table and a coffee table. If you are one of the many in New York, or another big city without space for a dining table, I still encourage you to have a few friends over and gather around the coffee table. Coffee table dinners create their own intimacy and joy from the casualness of sitting on a pillow on the floor.
That said, I am now moving into an apartment that actually fits a full sized dining table! It has been one of my first and most important purchases, just behind the sectional. I cannot wait to host people at this table. As I went through the process of finding my own table, I can tell you what I considered.
Important factors when finding a dining table:
The legs or base:
I gravitate towards tables with a base that is at least 12” from the outside of the table so that chairs can push in and no one is stuck arranging themselves around a leg. If you have chairs already, make sure they fit around the legs, or look for chairs that will.
Check if the table is wobbly and get spacers or pads for the bottom if it is.
The height:
Make sure the height to the underside of the table is comfortable with the seat height of your chairs. If you have chairs with arms, make sure the arms can tuck under the table.
The shape and size:
This is usually dictated by the size of your room or space for the table. The space I have is long and narrow so a smaller rectangular table makes sense.
You can google what size table fits how many chairs comfortably. Here is a ~table~ chart.
I love an extendable table, especially if you can hide the leaf underneath the top when you have less people in the house. Extra chairs can look chic placed against the walls when not in use.
A note on booths:
Booths are great for fitting a lot of people (kids) in a tighter space, but annoying for people who need to get up during the meal. You’ll need room on either side of the booth to slide in and out, and usually a round or oval table helps with the sliding. Check the seat heights as well and make sure the table is a comfortable distance from the booth back, usually around a 3-4” overlap with the edge of the seat.
Here is a great example of a comfortable booth set up where the table is a comfortable distance away. This is also a great example of contrasting table and chairs. The home of Matilda Goad as photographed by Simone Brown.
The material and finish:
Depends on your style. Solid wood furniture beats plastic or wood veneered any day. Even if it gets stains or scratches, I think that can add to the charm of the piece.
If you want something looking pristine for longer, go for a harder wood. Some nerds like me might find this interesting, a list of wood types used for furniture from softest to hardest: Pine (softwood), Poplar, Alder, Douglas Fir, Spruce, Cherry, Walnut, Maple, Oak (Red and White), Teak (considered one of the hardest, used often for outdoor furniture).
The finish on wood tables can help it hold up against stains and scratches, and tables can be refinished for a different look. There is way too much to say about wood stains and grains for this post, maybe later.
Stone tops are also great, but can take on stains just like stone kitchen counters.
The style
The world is your oyster. I like mixing styles of the dining table with the dining chairs rather than getting a matching set, but you do whatever speaks to you.
I personally like the thinness of the legs on my dining table contrasting with the roundness of my dining chairs. I gravitate towards chair styles that are contrasted with the table style like these examples:
Where to source a dining table
Facebook marketplace and Craigslist are great for dining tables because people usually are desperate to get rid of ones when moving, and sourcing a table locally helps reduce shipping costs.
Local consignment and home good stores are also great sources, again minimizing shipping costs.
Elsie Green has beautiful farmhouse tables, and some are reclaimed and less expensive.
1stdibs and Chairish have about every table under the sun if you have more money to spend, or if you cannot find exactly what you’re looking for, but have an idea of what you want, seek out local wood workers and find one who’s work you like.
For nice and beautifully made tables, Nickey Kehoe makes farmhouse style tables, and Stahl + Band makes gorgeous modern tables.
Other oddities
I wish I could have crazy wardrobe by Valentin Kielland that symbolizes a reaction against soulless mass manufactured furniture. This is as much art as it is furniture.
It reminds me of a wardrobe I saw in person by Minjae Kim, one of my favorite current furniture designers. Everything he makes is art.
As I am designing my new apartment and picking paint colors, I am keeping my eyes peeled for color schemes I like. I love the colors and proportions of the colors used in this sweater from Erika Veurink’s Long Live Substack
Until next time!
P.S. I’m too impatient not to mention some posts I’m planning on writing: coffee tables, sourcing art part 2, window treatments, bookshelves, how to pick paint colors
Great read! Finding the right dining table really is about more than just size — the craftsmanship, wood choice, and finish completely change how it feels in a space. At www.Lumber2Love.com -
we specialize in handcrafted, customizable dining tables, from intimate 36" rounds to large 84" centerpieces. Being able to choose the wood species, base style, and finish helps homeowners (and even restaurants) get a table that actually fits both their space and lifestyle. Loved seeing the focus here on thoughtful sourcing — it makes such a difference in the long run.
Great information!