Which dining table should you choose?
How to choose the right size, shape and material

The dining table is often the heart of the home. It’s where you eat your everyday meals, do crafts, do your homework and linger long after coffee. That’s why it’s worth getting it right from the start. In this buying guide, we’ll look at size, shape and material, so you can find a table that suits both your room and your lifestyle.

 

Looking for inspiration first? Read our guide to The Perfect Table.

You can find the full range under dining tables and kitchen tables. If you want to see more types of tables, browse all tables for the home.

Pictured: Re-Norm table, Muuto

1. Dining table size: plan for the right number of seats

Start with the question: how many people normally sit at the table, and how often do you have guests?

Allow about 60 cm of table edge per person. If you want to sit comfortably, 70 cm per person gives you more room.

Table height: The standard is 73–75 cm, which suits most dining chairs.

Table depth: At least 80 cm if two people sit opposite each other. 90–100 cm leaves room for serving dishes and candles.

Don't forget the space around the table

• At least 80 cm of free space from the table edge to a wall or other furniture, so you can sit down and get up comfortably.
• 90–100 cm where people need to walk past behind a seated person.

A 180 x 90 cm table therefore needs a floor area of roughly 340 x 250 cm.

Tip: Mark out the table's dimensions on the floor with masking tape or cardboard. You'll see straight away how it affects the room.

Extendable dining table: a flexible solution

Do you usually eat in a small group, but occasionally host many? Then an extendable dining table with extension leaves is a smart choice. An example at Hulténs is the Le Marais extendable dining table from Riviera Maison, a round table that extends from Ø140 to 190 cm. Check that storing the leaves is practical and that the mechanism feels sturdy.

Pictured: Bok dining table, Ethnicraft

2. Shape: which dining table suits your room?

A rectangular dining table is the most popular choice. It suits most rooms, is easy to place against a wall and seats many. Perfect for long, narrow rooms and larger gatherings.

A round dining table creates a soft, social atmosphere where everyone can see each other. It works well in square rooms and smaller kitchens, and is a good choice if you have children. One example is the Aksel dining table Ø120 cm in teak from Sika Design.

An oval dining table combines the softness of a round table with the capacity of a rectangular one. A good option for narrower rooms, as the rounded ends make it easier to get past.

A square dining table suits small groups and square rooms, but is less flexible when your party grows.

3. Material: durability, feel and care

Solid wood (e.g. oak, ash, walnut, teak)

Warm, durable, and can be sanded and re-oiled when it picks up marks. Oak is hard and hard-wearing. At Hulténs you will find, among others, oak tables from Ethnicraft, such as the Roller Max. It needs a little more care, but often develops a more beautiful patina over the years.

Veneered wood

Gives the look of solid wood at a more accessible price, with good dimensional stability.

Laminate, nanolaminate and HPL

Practical surfaces that stand up well to stains, heat and scratches. A good choice for families with children. The Muuto Midst is available in black nanolaminate, for example.

Stone, marble and ceramic

A heavy, exclusive feel. Ceramic is very resistant to scratches and heat. Marble is beautiful but can absorb stains if it is not maintained. See also our marble tables.

Glass

Gives a light, airy impression and suits smaller rooms, but fingerprints and crumbs show clearly.

The surface finish matters

• Oiled wood: a natural feel, but needs regular maintenance.
• Lacquered or waxed wood: better protected against stains and easier in everyday life.

4. Matching table and chairs

• There should be about 25–30 cm between the seat and the underside of the tabletop.
• Check that the chairs can be pushed in under the table.
• Chunky corner legs can make it harder to fit many chairs.
• A table with a central leg or pedestal base gives more legroom, especially for round tables.

Choose from our dining chairs, from upholstered chairs for long dinners to light wooden chairs and armchairs for the ends of the table.

5. Dining tables for the patio

Will the table be used outdoors? Then different materials apply, such as teak, aluminium and nonwood. See our outdoor dining tables.

Pictured: Bigby table, Brafab

6. Checklist before you buy

• How many people sit at the table day to day, and how often do you have guests?
• Have you measured the room and allowed for free space around the table?
• Which shape suits the proportions of the room?
• How much time do you want to spend caring for the surface?
• Does the table go with the chairs, the floor and the rest of your interior?

Frequently asked questions about dining tables

How big a dining table do I need for 6 people?

A rectangular table of 160–180 x 90 cm seats six people. A round table should be at least 130 cm in diameter.

Which dining table is best for families with children?

A table with a durable surface such as laminate, HPL or lacquered wood, preferably with rounded corners.

Is a round or rectangular dining table better?

It depends on the room. Round suits square and smaller spaces; rectangular suits long rooms and larger gatherings.

How far should the table be from the wall?

At least 80 cm so you can sit down and get up, and 90–100 cm if people need to walk past behind the chairs.