Shape

In general terms, the overall shape of your table should be the first consideration. Once you’ve decided on a shape, the materials and style may follow. We have provided a pair of examples for each shape, to emphasize the wild variation within each category.

Rectangular

As the most popular table shape, rectangle comprises the most populated category. Being the most functional shape allows for a playfulness of style that spawns a wide variety of tables.

The square is the simplest table design. Four legs, equidistant from each other. These are perfect for four diners and compact spaces. ultra-minimalist design

Round

Round tables allow for shifting seating options, and often hold features such as hinged edges or a leaf, which turns it into an oval shape.

Central lazy Susan built-in.

Oval

The oval design is a popular choice, allowing for the sensuous curves of a round table, but with a lengthier surface area providing more space for diners.

Our second freeform example stands a rounded triangle shape in contemporary glass and metal construction, with lengthy sides for two diners each.

Freeform

The idea of freeform design is that there is no concrete definition. This category comprises any tables that do not fit within standard shapes. Our first example stands in a rotated L-shape, with a pair of standard legs supporting opposite a full slab.

Top Material

The tabletop is where you’ll interact most directly and often with your dining table. It is, of course, the most important element of any table’s construction. When you’re happy with its appearance, you can forego placing a tablecloth. While many designs are holistic, with the same material used throughout, some tables feature a different top material than the frame build, so we are focusing on this aspect for our material category

Wood

Our example wood table is a unique piece, with one side of the structure holding ample built-in shelving for decorative or utilitarian storage.

Glass

Glass tabletops bring an elegant, airy feeling to any dining room, opening up the visual space and providing a clean, modern surface to interact with. Our featured model stands on a graphite X-shaped frame.

Laminate

The laminate tabletop is based on a multilayered construction, allowing for a sturdy, appealing, yet wear-resistant surface. Our example here is a white PVC laminated table with chrome ring frame.

Metal

Metal tabletops bring a modern, hard edged touch to any dining room. The material is stain resistant, hardy, and cool to the touch, and fits well with industrial or contemporary styled spaces.

Marble

Marble is often seen in homes as a kitchen counter top, but can be found on certain luxurious dining table models. Imbuing any space with an elegant, rich tone, marble tabletops will present a heavy, textural surface that’s cool to the touch and easy to clean.

Tile

One of the more unique tabletop constructions involves the use of tile. Whether across the entire surface, or used artfully in specific placements (usually framed in wood), tile can make for a textural, detailed surface to dine on.

Style

The final element of important consideration when shopping for a new dining table is style. Here you will choose the visual language of your new furniture. Style is the way your

Traditional

Traditional style is still the most common you’ll find when shopping for dining tables. With elegantly carved wood, detailed textures, and rich proportions, this style is timeless and powerful.

Modern

Modern style evokes a graceful mixture of utility and aesthetics that flourished beginning in the 20th century, with clean lines and sharp angles framing unfussy surfaces. This table brings a thin, airy element to any room.

Rustic

Rustic style utilizes unpainted wood in more natural, hand-carved shapes for a simplistic, back-to-nature feel that is popular in cabins and cottages across the country. Our featured example has a rounded log-style frame beneath a soft edged flat table top.

Industrial

Industrial style is meant to convey the look and feel of factory machinery and tools, with naked metal and bold, strong wood shapes paired into a purposeful look. Our example table features a crossed I-beam frame and natural hardwood tabletop.

Shaker

Shaker furniture is defined by a direct focus on simplicity and utility, bereft of unnecessary embellishment. Our example table in natural wood tone features a solid rectangular construction, simple lines, and a matching set of dining room chairs.

Contemporary

Contemporary design can appear in a wide variety of looks, so long as they meaningfully present an “of the now,” up to date appearance. Contemporary tables can be found in every type of material and every shape configuration. Our example features an all white circular construction from the base up to the tabletop.

Capacity

Dining room table capacity refers to how many people can comfortable be seated at the table. As you can imagine, capacity varies considerably.

While you want to maximize seating capacity, you don’t want to end up with a crammed dining room where nobody has any space to get in and out of their seat.