HIGH QUALITY DINING FURNITURE EXPERTS

Barstools and Dinettes works with over 40 manufacturers to offer you endless custom options

Barstools and Dinettes works with over 40 manufacturers to offer you endless custom options

Barstools and Dinettes works with over 40 manufacturers to offer you endless custom options

The best dining table for you will be one that works for your budget, is solidly constructed, fits in your space and has a style you’ll love for years. There are some core factors you should consider when choosing a good one.

Be wary of giving into trends. A good table should last at least five to 10 years. If you get something too funky, with too many trendy details, one day you may wake up and wonder what you were thinking. Keep it simple and sturdy.

Along with affordability and a timeless style, stability and construction are important to look for when inspecting tables at furniture stores. Think about how it feels to sit at one of those tables, whether it will be comfortable for long periods, and examine floor models for signs of wear. Look for nicks and scratches that may indicate how the tables would endure through serious use at home. 

Beyond the basics, here are some additional boxes to check before opening your wallet.

Use your measuring tape

The number one rule: Your dining table has to fit your dining area! But a dining table is a deceptively large piece of furniture, and you need to account for space around it, too.

In addition to the footprint of the table, you’ll want three feet of breathing room on all sides — and more is better — to comfortably sit in a chair and move around the space. So whether it’s part of a multiuse space or a separate dining room, start by measuring the length and width of the area you can dedicate to the dining table. Then subtract about six feet from those two measurements to get a target dining table length and width.

Next, think about how you’re going to use the table. Figure that each place at the table needs 22 to 24 inches of table space and that larger-scale chairs will require more

The “visual weight” of a piece of furniture can really influence how big it feels in a room. It may technically fit, but it’ll seem huge if it’s a dark or bulky piece or if it’s too close to other furniture.

To visualize how a bigger piece of furniture will look, take the time to block out the length and width on the floor (I like to use painter’s tape), and also the height of the table. I usually stand on my tape corners with a tape measure, then try to fill in that space with furniture of a similar size (like a couple of chairs), and take a step back to see how it’ll feel. It also helps to have a friend stand there with the tape measure while you have a look.

If you’re tight on space, consider options like leaves that allow the table to extend. These let you customize the table for different entertainment needs and party sizes.

The one thing we warn against is too many mechanisms or leaves that are attached or hidden within the table (versus stand-alone leaves). If you buy things that are too complicated, it’s just more opportunity for something to fail.

Consider your needs before settling on shape

Square and rectangular tables are the most common, so you’ll find the greater number of choices there with styles, sizes and extendable options. But a round or oval table can give you a little more space to move around since it cuts off the corners but still has a good surface area. For tighter, rectangular spaces, the oval might be the best option.

Round or oval tables can be great for parties and conversation because there’s no head of the table, too. In terms of squeezing people in, you’re only limited by the perimeter of the table — but you can lose a little space for serving pieces once you have all your place settings at a round or oval table.

Pay attention to the table supports

The base — usually legs, a pedestal, or a trestle — can have an effect on how many people you can fit at a table. You just want to be sure the leg space isn’t being invaded by the supports. When you see a table in person, sit at it to see if your legs hit the table’s legs. Verify you have enough space for your knees when you scoot all the way in, and if you can cross your legs underneath the table. The apron — the frame that holds up the tabletop — can cut down on your room to maneuver.

If you want to be more flexible with your guests, pay attention to the leg width and where the legs are placed. In general, a table with thinner legs, or where the legs are at the corners, will make it easier to squeeze an extra chair in. Be aware: A leg table is generally limited to how long it can be extended without bowing in the middle.

With a pedestal or trestle table, you have more flexibility to add more people to the table. A center base is the best option to squeeze people in. Be wary of larger round pedestal-style tables because they can be a little less sturdy than those with four-legs.

Trestle tables can give you flexibility along the sides of the table, but can limit space at the ends of it. Look closely at how much space there is between the edge of the table and where the trestle supports are attached to make sure there’s room for 

Choose the right table materials for your style

Choosing the material for your dining table can be difficult. You have to balance price, ease of care, and your personal style to choose the right one, and a table that’s not a good fit on any of those could mean a buying decision you regret later. Here are the most common materials, and what to consider for each:

■ Wood: Solid wood is a classic material because it is durable and easy to repair. Pine, acacia, mango and teak are popular, less expensive options. Solid wood is the most popular, though it’s often the most expensive. Wood expands and contracts with heat and humidity and can show scratches and wear, but is fairly easy to repair.

Veneer/Wood-Look: Wood veneer is often a more affordable alternative to solid wood. Here a very thin layer of solid wood (or material printed to look like wood) is glued to a plywood or other wood core. To identify good veneer, look for tables with clearly-labeled core interiors, like kiln-dried hardwood. One way to spot cheaper veneers is to look underneath the table at the store. If just the outside is finished, but the underneath looks like a different material, the manufacturer is cutting costs.

Stone and Stone-Look: Stone tabletops can include marble, quartz composite or cast stone (like cement). Stone is durable but can be porous and can absorb stains easily. Depending on how it’s made, it can chip or crack, and once that happens, it can be tough or impossible to repair. They can also be quite heavy. The price of stone can really vary — cement-topped pieces can be under $500, but marble-topped ones will run into the thousands.

■ Glass: Glass tabletops can include clear, frosted or tinted versions. They’re relatively inexpensive and can create a feeling of space and openness. Though glass isn’t susceptible to moisture, it can chip, scratch or crack from heat. A good glass table top can last decades.

■ Metal: Metal, including stainless steel, brass, zinc and lacquered or painted versions of these, is used more frequently for table bases than tops. Metal is durable and not easily damaged. But because of its higher-shine, it shows every fingerprint and can require special cleaning tools. Also, painted metals can be hard to repair. These can be less expensive than wood tables, though it’s rare to find an all-metal dining table beyond utility tables.

■ Plastic and Laminates: Man-made materials, either molded into a shape or glued onto plywood or another core, are an inexpensive option. They can last a long time, but aren’t considered the nicest quality material. These materials tend to resist staining and require little upkeep, but they’re often perceived as cheap.

Check for sturdy, reliable construction

A good dining table will be sturdy and well-made, with a finish that withstands heavy use and shows little obvious wear. The material is a major part of good construction, but a table is only as good as the joinery. The joinery is the industry term for the places where the base and tabletop fit together — the more solid this is, the longer the table will last.

Look underneath the floor sample at the store: Wood joined directly with wood is very strong; too many attachments and hooks can weaken the construction. In general, simpler is better. Look at the connection points where the legs meet the table tops and at the corners — if the pieces are starting to separate, you see gaps at the corners, or it’s wobbly when you move it, it’s not well constructed. And beware of really inexpensive tables: They could be held together just with staples and glue.

A note on chairs for your new table: If you don’t have dining chairs already, the most important thing is to make sure the new ones fit at the table. People used to always buy tables and chairs as sets, but don’t do that as much anymore. If you’re starting from scratch and buying online we suggest buying as a set, but if you’re in-store, you can try out different floor models. People should feel free to mix and match. In a small space, we recommend buying extra chairs and using them in other rooms when you don’t need them at the table to save space.

Getting the Industrial Edge

The Loft collection includes gorgeous wood, sparkling glass and other down to earth materials.

Inspired Entertaining

The Gourmet collection comprises the best the world has to offer.

Easy to Stay on Trend

The East Side collection is a mariage of wood and sleek metal with a rustic finish.

Sophisticated and Trendy

The Downtown collection balances modern and contemporary.

A Rustic Look With Elegance

Champlain’s distressed finishes evoke the charm of a country home.

Bespoke, Versatile, Stylish

The flagship Canadel collection lends an air of timeless romance.

Made to Measure

Signature program is made to meet the requirements of unconventional interiors.

Make Every Meal an Elegant Affair

The sophisticated Canadel collection offers plenty of options.

Dressing for Dinner is Optional

A formal dining room offers plenty of space and comfort.

UPDATED CLASSICS

Adding a soft feel to traditional pieces, Canadel’s collection turns a dining room into the heart of the home.

ELEGANCE WITH A RUSTIC FINISH

Inspired by early colonial craft techniques, the Champlain collection brings the rustic look into any space. Its refined lines and distressed finishes effortlessly evoke the charm of a country home.

The Main Attraction

A handcrafted decorative base draws the attention.

The Rustic Look

Champlain’s harvest table and upholstered chairs spell country chic

MID-CENTURY MODERN STATEMENT

The Downtown collection walks a fine line between modern and contemporary, creating a timeless quality of sophistication. This is quality furniture that never goes out of style

The Shape of Things to Come

The hallmarks of the Downtown collection are subtle curves and angular lines.

THE PERFECT BLEND OF WOOD AND METAL

Canadel’s East Side collection refines the loft/industrial aesthetic and makes it easy to stay on trend. The collection is inspired by the global feel of organic wood and sleek metal with a rustic finish.

Influence of Modern Age

The East Side collection balances the warmth of wood with the coolness of metal.

Influence of Modern Age

The East Side collection balances the warmth of wood with the coolness of metal.

ONE-OF-A-KIND

Canadel can build your one-of-a kind extra long and extra wide table and also offer customizable finishes and fabric choices.

Make Yourself Comfortable

A pedestal table and classic plaid upholstery bring the lodge look home.

Make Yourself Comfortable

A pedestal table and classic plaid upholstery bring the lodge look home.

Actors and singers are expert entertainers, so it’s no surprise that they know how to put on a show at home. These dining rooms from the AD archives—from the residences of Brooke Shields, Adam Levine, Sheryl Crow, and other stars—are designed for entertaining, whether the gathering in question is an intimate affair or a feast for a crowd. In these spaces, stunning chandeliers, eye-catching artworks, and, of course, tables with plenty of room for family and friends set the scene for a memorable dinner party. All that’s left? The fabulous guests.

Photographer credits: Trevor Tondro

Celebrity’s Home: Mike D

The dining area of Mike D’s Malibu house has Bocci pendants and chairs from Amsterdam Modern.

The artwork is by Keltie Ferris, and the blue bowl and tall vase are from Nickey Kehoe.

Photo: William Waldron

Celebrity: Marc Anthony

A palapa at Marc Anthony’s Dominican Republic compound is outfitted with locally crafted side chairs and a table of brushed pine; the carved-mahogany barstools and Indian stone statues are from Designers Views.

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  • Photo: Björn Wallander
• George Clooney
  • A wrought-iron chandelier by Lucca Antiques graces George Clooney’s dining room at his home on Mexico’s Baja peninsula.

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  • Photo: Björn Wallander
• Alex Rodriguez
  • Paintings by Marilyn Minter (left) and Jean-Michel Basquiat (far right) energize Alex Rodriguez’s Florida dining room, which is appointed with Cassina chairs and a table from Luminaire. The chandelier was custom made by Remains Lighting, and the cylindrical urns are by Rick Owens.
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  • Photo: Roger Davies
• Ellen Pompeo
  • At the Los Angeles home of Ellen Pompeo, Martyn Lawrence Bullard sheathed the dining room walls and floor in white oak from his collection for Boardbrokers and hung curtains of a Schumacher wool satin; two Moroccan brass lanterns from Downtown and sconces from Circa Lighting complement the twinkle of city lights at night.
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  • Photo: Roger Davies
• Patrick Dempsey
  • In Patrick Dempsey’s Malibu home, fashion photographs by Melvin Sokolsky are displayed in a dining area outfitted with chairs from Lucca Antiques and a custom-made Teak Nichols Design table; the home was decorated by Estee Stanley Interior Design.

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  • Photo: Roger Davies
• Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady
  • A chandelier and sconce by Dennis & Leen grace the dining room in Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady’s Los Angeles home, which was decorated by Joan Behnke; the curtains are made of a fabric by Marcie Bronkar and a Kerry Joyce linen covers the chairs by Behnke, who also designed the table.
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  • Photo: Simon Upton13/47
• Jane Fonda

A 1922 painting by Alson Skinner Clark overlooks the dining area at Jane Fonda’s New Mexico ranch; the table is set with two pairs of Spanish Colonial candlesticks, the smaller of which was owned by the fashion icon Millicent Rogers, one of Fonda’s relatives.

Photo: Michael Dune14/47

Bunny Mellon

At Oyster Harbors, a gated community in Osterville, Massachusetts, the dining room of the late Bunny Mellon’s home, decorated by Bruce Budd, showcases a Raoul Dufy sailboat painting; the mahogany trestle table adds a nautical feel to the room.

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  • Photo: Roger Davies16/47
  • Kourtney KardashianIn
  •  Kourtney Kardashian’s Calabasas, California, dining room, decorator Martyn Lawrence Bullard placed a bespoke table and a suite of vintage Pierre Jeanneret chairs from JF Chen under a José Esteves chandelier from Intérieurs; the framed artwork is by Roy Lichtenstein, the James Prestini metal sculpture at left is from Blackman Cruz, and the carpet is by Mansour Modern.
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The dining table is not only a gathering spot for family and friends, but also a focal point in the home. If you intend to shop for one you’ll have forever, you will probably want to buy only once. So what do you need to look for? A dining table needs to be well crafted

How to Seat Your Dining Guests Comfortably at your tableRead More »