You don’t invest in your dining room table very often; This type of furniture is built to last. As with any major home purchase—from sectional sofas to storage dressers—finding the perfect style can be challenging. You want it to stand the test of time and various furniture trends, and be something you won’t get bored of while dining. Additionally, you must consider the size and seating options you, your family, and guests want. Luckily, there are plenty of stylish and upscale options on the market, and there’s no doubt that your ideal dining table is waiting for you to add it to your cart.
To help, we’ve curated a guide to the best dining tables for 2024. and various aesthetics. Brands like Amazon, West Elm, Castlery, Wayfair, and more also have options to suit all budgets, so read on to shop our top picks. But first, we outline some details to keep in mind when shopping for a dining table (courtesy of Cameron Johnson).
What to look for on the table
Johnson recommends using painter’s tape to “mark the dimensions of the table you have in mind,” noting that “this exercise should give you a feel for how well a table of a certain size fills the space.” Likewise, you’ll also get a feel for whether there’s enough space around the table. space. Pro tip: He suggests grabbing a spare chair from another room and imagining what it will look like sitting at the table and how much space there will be when someone pulls out the seat. Smart, right?
As for what shapes and styles to look for, Johnson says you should make your decision based on the aesthetics of your home and the shape and function of the room. For example, a rectangular dining table will complement a similarly shaped room, while a round table can transform a small unused area into a cozy breakfast nook. Any more ideas? “For more casual dining, one might consider bar-height seating or picnic table style,” he continues, “or a more traditional table with full-back chairs for formal seating.”
What are the elements of a good dining table?
The “quality” of a dining table is highly subjective, but when it comes to price, the main determining factor is its material. Generally speaking, Johnson says, “wood is the most popular material because of its strength, resilience and durability,” while “polished concrete or stone-topped tables tend to be expensive but of very high quality.” More affordable table materials include glass top designs and tables made of medium density fiberboard (MDF). These are typically less expensive to make, but may not be as durable and long-lasting as previous options.
Are you ready to take a look at our favorite dining tables? Read on to shop our top picks for 2024, based on Johnson’s recommendations and extensive market research.
Experts featured in this article
Cameron Johnson is CEO and founder of furniture rental company Nickson Living.
