Dining tables are more than just functional pieces of furniture, they are the emotional heart of a stylish home.
From everyday breakfasts in a hurry to long, raucous dinners that linger late into the evening, it’s the place where people come together, connect, and relax.
When it comes to choosing a dining table, the goal is simple: a piece that perfectly fits your more space and style while setting the tone for how you want your room, and the people in it, to function.
Given its many uses, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to the shape, material, and placement of your dining tables; and by doing so, potentially make room for a more future-proof and more enjoyable place to also spend quality time with friends and loved ones.
Looks Matter
The look of your dining table has a say in how the flow of your room and the flow of conversation.
The most common and most popular dining table shape is the rectangular design, which tends to work well in larger rooms, and especially those with more of a narrow, linear floor plan.
With more space to work with, you can comfortably seat more people at a rectangular dining table, whereas a round or oval model won’t pack them in as closely.
Still, round dining tables create an intimate vibe and will encourage more conversation, so consider going with a round or oval model if your dining room is on the smaller side or you’re in need of two dining areas, one for your kitchen or breakfast nook, in addition to a more formal dining area.
Shape
Square dining tables are another modern choice that offers a more linear, balanced look for the dining room while also conserving space.
If you love to entertain but aren’t in need of a larger table every day, look for an extendable dining table to suit both needs.
No matter which shape you choose, make sure there’s enough clearance around the table so people can easily pull out their chairs, sit down at the table, and carry on with their meal, or remain comfortably seated for several hours.
Material
Your table’s material is just as important to the room’s feel as its shape.
Solid wood dining tables have a warm feel to them, while also feeling classic and timeless by design.
Given that real wood furniture will show its wear with scratches, discoloration, and other distress over time, a lighter finish, say beech or white, can create a casual look while showcasing the wood’s true beauty.
Darker-stained woods, by contrast, offer a more formal, contemporary feel in a room, but may not show wear as quickly or as noticeably.
Design
Glass-top designs, whether bolted down to a metallic or stone base, or made of wood, will visually open a room up, but beware of fingerprints, watermarks, and other spills.
Stone and marble-top dining tables make a bold statement, and their typically heavier, or solid, construction means they are built to last, too.
Looking at brands like Serena & Lily can help you tap into the right direction.
Brands like Serena & Lily often use natural elements and textures, delivering dining rooms that feel both polished and approachable.
Hear more on how the brand is shaping today’s dining experiences and get inspired to set the table every day.
Why Dining Tables Matter More Than Ever
In a world that’s increasingly online, the dining table is one of the few places left where design lovers can truly unplug and where friends and family can share real connections with great conversations and even better memories.
This is where the best stories happen.
I think your table says less about who you are in connection to any current design trend than your overall intention behind it.
The right table may take longer to find or save up for, but it’s worth it in the end.
When chosen with intention, they live in your space and in your memories forever.
