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Dining Room Tables Explore
Why We Love Dining Tables
What is the dining room without the quintessential dining table? As the centerpiece of the dining room where friends and family are bound to gather, the table stands out for its decoration while providing the form and function the room needs. From quaint round tables to long extension tables for holiday gatherings and those inspired by mid-century modern tables or traditional good wood looks, you'll find a large variety of modern tables here to introduce to your home's dining area.
In most dining room and kitchen spaces, the table is the final piece of furniture needed to tie everything together. You likely have your lighting in place and have already chosen the side chairs and armchairs you'll surround the room with, making the table the last fixture needed to cement the room's decor. To gather around for formal dinners and dining occasions or to simply serve as a workspace for any day of the week, you'll be sure to appreciate the inclusion of a modern table in your dining room. And with styles ranging from traditional to ultra-modern and everything in between, there's a table here just waiting for your dining room.
A Modern Dining Table for Every Style
Modern tables are inherently fond of contemporary homes, however, you'll find a variety of tables to match just about any dining room aesthetic. Round dining tables from Tom Dixon are ideal for compact dining areas and can even find their home in the kitchen nook where their small personality is highly welcomed. Gus Modern's table collection plays perfectly into a retro-inspired dining room with shapes and styles reminiscent of mid-century design. Classic wood designs including those from Copeland Furniture make a noticeably elegant statement and look to Blu Dot for an assortment of clean-lined contemporary dining furniture. Finally, introduce exquisite Italian furniture to your home with a modern table from the Calligaris collection.
How to Choose the Best Dining Table
Choosing the best modern dining table begins with properly assessing your dining room's layout to understand the sizes of tables you have to work with. With measuring tape in hand, try to get an idea of the width, height, and depth of the space to know exactly what size table size is best. You don't want to room to feel to crowded and at the same time, you don't want available space to be underutilized. You'll also need to determine the shape of the table you would like, keeping in mind this assortment includes round tables, standard square tables, long rectangular tables, and large extension tables. With a specific size and shape in mind, you're ready to refine your options by color, materials - wood, plastic, marble, etc. - and any design features you would like to have present in your space. If you have any questions about the dining room tables featured here, please call our furniture experts at 877.445.4486.
Other Considerations
With a contemporary dining table in place, you're just about ready to begin entertaining for your next dinner occasion. Be sure to look through all of the modern chairs to suit your new table and provide plenty of seating for your guests. You may also appreciate covering the floor underneath the dining table with a well-designed area rug.
Dining Tables FAQs
How big of a dining table can I fit in my room?
To determine the right size dining table for your space, your table length should be approximately one-third the length of your room. This ensures there’s enough space for chairs and walking room on all sides—ideally leaving at least 36 inches between the table and surrounding walls or furniture.
Expert Tip: The golden rule of dining spaces comes from Palladian proportions - allow 42-48 inches between table edge and walls for comfortable chair movement. For formal dining rooms, French tradition suggests the table should occupy no more than 40% of the room's floor area to maintain elegant circulation.
Do round dining tables save space?
Yes, round dining tables take up less space than rectangular ones, making them a smart option for smaller dining areas or open-plan kitchens. Their lack of corners allows for easier flow and movement, and they tend to fit better in square-shaped rooms.
Expert Tip: Round tables aren't just space-savers - their geometry creates intimate conversation circles. Renaissance architects discovered that a 60" round table provides the same usable surface as a 72" rectangular one while occupying 28% less floor area. The curved form naturally guides traffic flow around the perimeter.
How many people can sit at an oval table?
A 72” to 84” long oval dining table can comfortably seat up to eight adults. Larger sizes or expandable options can accommodate more guests, making oval tables great for hosting while still offering a softer, space-saving silhouette.
Expert Tip: Oval tables offer a clever compromise - they seat 2 more guests than rectangular tables of equal length while maintaining softer sightlines. The curved ends eliminate "dead zones" where rectangular tables waste space, making every seat a desirable place at the table.
What are the most popular round dining tables?
Popular round dining table styles include pedestal base designs for maximum legroom, mid-century modern silhouettes with wood finishes, and marble or glass tops that elevate a dining room’s visual appeal. These tables often blend function and style seamlessly.
Expert Tip: The timeless pedestal base traces back to Roman triclinium tables, where the central support allowed diners to recline comfortably. Modern interpretations honor this heritage while accommodating contemporary seating - proof that good design transcends eras.
What is the best size round dining table?
A 36” to 48” round dining table is ideal for seating 2 to 4 people, while a 60” table comfortably seats 6. For larger gatherings, consider a 72” table or an extendable round dining table that expands to fit additional guests.
Expert Tip: The ideal diameter follows the "arm's reach" rule - no guest should stretch more than 24 inches to pass dishes. A 48" table creates perfect intimacy for four, while 60" maintains this comfort for six. Beyond 72", consider a lazy Susan to preserve the communal spirit.
What material is best for a round dining table?
Wood remains a classic, durable choice for round dining tables, offering warmth and versatility. For a contemporary look, glass tops provide lightness and visual space, while stone surfaces like marble bring luxury and sophistication.
Expert Tip: Solid wood develops character over generations, while marble tells geological time through its veins. Glass, when properly tempered, disappears visually - perfect for small spaces. Each material sings its own story; choose based on the narrative you want your dining rituals to tell.
When to use a round dining table?
Round tables are best used in smaller rooms or open-concept spaces where you want to encourage conversation and maximize space. They’re especially useful in areas with high traffic or tight corners since their curves allow for easier movement around the table.
Expert Tip: Round tables shine in square rooms, creating natural circulation paths. They're particularly brilliant in open-plan homes where their continuous curves soften the hard lines of modern architecture. As Frank Lloyd Wright demonstrated, circles promote equality among diners - no head of the table here.
What are the standard sizes for round dining tables?
Round dining tables typically range from 36” to 72” in diameter. A 36” table is great for intimate meals, while a 60” round table seats up to 6 comfortably. Larger options or those with extension leaves can accommodate more.
Expert Tip: Standard sizes evolved from royal banquet customs - 36" was the medieval "intimacy diameter" for private dining, while 60" became the Victorian standard for family meals. Today's expandable tables cleverly bridge these traditions with modern flexibility.
What shape should a round dining table for 6 be?
A perfectly round table with a 54” to 60” diameter is ideal for seating six. If you prefer more elbow room or decorative place settings, opt for a slightly larger size or consider an extendable round design for added flexibility.
Expert Tip: A true circle is most efficient, but consider subtle variations - oval extensions or "racetrack" shapes maintain the round table's social benefits while adding practical length when needed. The most versatile designs preserve the central support that makes rounds so comfortable.
What is the proper round dining table seating size?
To ensure comfortable seating, allow at least 24” of table circumference per person. A 48” round dining table fits 4 people, while a 60” version suits 6. For 8 guests, look for tables 72” and above, or those with expansion capabilities.
Expert Tip: While 24" per person is standard, allow 30" for formal settings with chargers and multiple glasses. The most gracious hosts follow the Italian tradition of "sprezzatura" - providing abundant space that appears effortless. Remember, true comfort lies in the generous elbow room between guests.
