How to Choose the Perfect Dining Table Style for Your Dining Room

Did you know that only 41% of US homeowners are completely happy with their dining rooms?

For most of us, there's plenty of room for improvement, and a new dining table is a great place to start.

Buying a dining table sounds pretty simple - until you start to get into the details.

Do you want leg table? A trestle base? Or a expandable round table?

To help you make your decision, we're sharing details on all the main dining table styles, along with tips on how comfortable they are to sit at, how well they'll match different styles of decor, and how much space they offer.

Ready to become an expert on dining tables?

 

Leg Tables

A table with four corner legs is the most common, and probably what you imagine when you think 'dining table'.

Corner legs offer a good deal of stability, which makes them ideal for longer tables. They also have a traditional look that appeals to many homeowners.

However, if you're planning on having a full table of diners for each meal, they might not be the best option. You'll have to work around the legs to ensure that everyone has space, which means you can't make full use of the table surface.

If you're not too worried about space, then leg tables are a nice choice.

Legs are available in straight, turned or decorative styles. 

This can create a very regal look that's ideal for a traditional dining room or a farmhouse look with a turned leg.

 

Single Pedestal Tables

Single pedestal tables are supported by one pedestal in the center of the table.

They're available in a wide range of styles from modern and minimalist to ornate and traditional.

Since there aren't any corner legs to get in the way, pedestal dining table styles make it easy to arrange chairs in different configurations and won't cause leg room problems for tall guests.

If you're looking to maximize space with round table top with plenty of leg room, a single pedestal could be the perfect fit.

 

Double Pedestal Tables

If you're set on a traditional or elegant long dining table but don't want corner legs, a double pedestal style is a great choice.

A pedestal will support the table at each end and often has a stretcher connecting the pedestals. Designs range from traditional farmhouse to luxury dining parlor, so there's plenty of choice.

The double pedestal provides increased stability and is perfect for long oval or rectangular tables. Your table will be well-supported, but you won't have to worry about legs getting in the way.

 

Trestle Tables

Looking for something with a more solid presence to anchor your dining room?

No problem. 

If you don't like a pedestal design or like a more solid look without compromising on comfort, a trestle table is a good choice.

Trestle tables are available in plenty of different designs, and trestles can be plain, modern, and minimalist and are often what you think of when you think Arts and Crafts, Craftsman or Mission dining table.

Trestle tables are typically have larges bases adding to their stability.

 

Table Shapes

Once you've settled on the basic style of table you want, you'll need to look at shapes.

Dining tables are available in rectangular, square, circular, and oval designs, and each shape has its pros and cons.

Keep reading for a breakdown of each shape.

Rectangular Table Top

Rectangular tables are the most popular and the most versatile.

They can be pushed neatly against walls to make full use of smaller spaces, and extending tables are ideal if you haven't got much room to work with.

On the other hand, long rectangular tables are a wonderful way to fill a large dining room, creating a luxurious and traditional look.

If you're not sure what shape table you want, rectangular is a safe bet.

Square Table Top

Square tables are a less-common choice that will only work in certain spaces.

If you live in a small household, a compact square dining table may be ideal - it won't take up too much space, and looks stylish.

Alternatively, if you're looking to make a statement in a large dining room, a square table will definitely be a talking point.

The shape of square tables means they offer more room for large spreads, making them ideal for big, special occasion meals.

It can be difficult to pass food around the table, however, and you might miss out on the intimacy that's offered by a rectangular table top.

Square tables are a great way to make a statement, but it's important to consider practicality before you settle on one.

Round Table Top

Round tables are almost as popular as rectangles, and they're perfect for a wide variety of rooms.

You won't need to worry about fitting everyone in because it's easy to squeeze in an extra chair or two. You're also unlikely to encounter issues with leg room.

Circular dining table styles make it easy to share food and chat with everyone around the table, rather than just the person next to you. This makes them perfect for regular family meals, which are shown to have lots of benefits.

Sitting around a small round table can feel much more intimate than a large rectangular table.

If you're looking for the perfect everyday table, round dining tables are a great choice.

Oval

Oval tables are a perfect option if you like the idea of a circular table, but want to be able to accommodate a larger number of guests.

Oval tables can be supported by legs and pedestals, and they have an elegant look that fits beautifully into most dining rooms. The fact that they don't have any sharp edges create a soft look to make your dining room more welcoming.

Oval tables look much fancier than rectangular tables, and there's room for more chairs if you unexpectedly need to seat more people.

Small oval dining table styles are a lovely choice for one or two-person households, and they're easy to fit in a busy kitchen.

Longer oval tables make the ideal centerpiece for a large dining room, and give you plenty of room to seat all the family. You can also purchase extending oval tables for flexibility.

If you're looking to create a warm, welcoming, versatile dining area, oval tables are ideal.

 

Table Size

Now that you know all about dining table styles. it's time to think about size.

When it comes to choosing the right table size, there are a few different questions you'll need to ask, and we've covered the essentials below.

How Many People Do I Want to Seat?

It can be confusing to figure out how big your table needs to be to fit the right number of people around it, but luckily there are plenty of dining table size guides available.

As a general rule, a base size of 60" or 72" on a rectangular dining table will seat 6 - 8 people.

When working out seating, be sure to take leg room into account - you don't want anyone to be squashed up in a corner.

It's also sensible to allow for a few extra chairs since you never know when unexpected guests might show up.

How Much Space Is There in My Dining Room/Kitchen?

Your table needs to fit comfortably in the space you've set aside, without overwhelming the room or limiting access to cupboards, counters, etc.

Try laying out masking tape in different size configurations, then imagining how the room would work with a table there.

Would it be easy to get around? Or would the room look cramped?

How to Choose the Right Dining Table Styles

Want to pick the perfect dining table styles?

Choose between corner legged, pedestal and trestle tables by assessing how much leg room you'll need, how they'll look in your dining room, and the kind of dining dynamic they'll create.

Then, pick the right size by working out how much seating you need, and how much space you realistically have.

Voila! You're half way through designing your perfect table!

Check out our selection of made to order dining tables today. If you have any questions along the way, we are ready to help!