- A top-quality dining table complements your interior décor, can withstand years of daily use, and provides comfortable seating with minimal waste of space.
- The Origami Drop Leaf Rectangular Dining Table is our top pick because it's made of durable acacia wood and the leaves fold effortlessly when you don't need the extra space.
Is there any more iconic gathering spot for families than the dining room table? As my son burrows deeper into his teenage years, his time is increasingly divided between spending time with friends and just being alone in his room playing video games.
The dining room table is where we spend our daily time together over a home-cooked meal. If sitcoms are any indicator, this is the norm for many families. And, when the table is comfortable, the time together is more enjoyable.
When a piece of furniture serves such an important role in the lives of families, it's crucial that you take some time to really think about how much room you have for your dining table and how you plan to use it.
How to choose the right size table for your dining room
The main limitation of the kind of table you can buy is the size of your dining room. A popular rule of thumb is to measure the length and width of the space where you hope to dine. Then, subtract six feet from each of those measurements to account for space around it. This is the largest table that can fit in your space. So, if your dining room is 10 by 10 feet, then you would want a table that is 4-foot square or round or smaller.
Next, think about how many people will regularly sit at your table. For two people, a good table size is about 36 inches in diameter (if round) or per side (if square). Add 12 inches to this measurement for every increase of two more diners. For example, if you want to comfortably seat six people, choose a table at least 60 inches in diameter or per side.
The table's shape and style are also key
The shape of your room will also determine the table shape. For the most part, round and square tables work best in square rooms. On the other hand, in rectangular rooms, consider trying an oval or rectangular table. This will balance the proportions of your space.
There are three main types of bases: legs, pedestal, and trestle. The base can strongly affect your ability to add more seats to your table. For instance, with a pedestal table, where the legs protrude from a single center post, the base tends not to get in the way of additional chairs. Yet, with the classic four-legged table, the location of the legs will affect how you position extra chairs.
Lastly, you must take your style into consideration. If your living space has a modern-industrial décor, then a rustic country home piece probably isn't the best choice. Fortunately, there are thousands of tables out there to fit your design scheme along with the room you have.
While researching the best dining room tables, we looked at scores of reviews and ratings from both buyers and experts. The dining tables included in our guide are durable, serve a variety of purposes, and make efficient use of your space.
Here are the best dining room tables you can buy:
Updated 11/12/19 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated prices, links, and formatting. Added CB2's Silverado Round Dining Table as our pick for best glass dining room table. Added related guides.
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