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134 Perfect Dining Tables (plus shopping tips!)

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Round up of all the best dining tables

If you’re on the hunt for a new modern dining table but you’re overwhelmed by the amount of choices out there, then this post is for you!

I just so happen to be looking for a new dining table at the moment, so I thought I’d share not only all my favorite picks with you, but also a bunch of tips that might come in handy while you evaluate your own home before you make your purchase.

Everyone has different taste, but when it comes to picking the best dining room table, regardless of style preference, you’ll want a table that fits your budget, is well-built, fits in your space, and ideally has a design you can see yourself liking for the next 5 to 10 years.

When purchasing a dining table, I consider it in the same manner that I do when shopping for a sofa: I want it to be modern yet timeless (nothing too trendy), and in a color that know that will work with multiple color schemes for the years to come.

If you buy anything too trendy, you might regret it down the line, so be mindful about the decisions you make now!

Tips to keep in mind when shopping for a dining table:

  1. Pay attention to size: you want to be able to leave about 3 feet of breathing space on each side of your dining table. Trust me: this makes a HUGE difference in the flow of your space!
  2. Keep in mind how many people you normally need to seat at your dining table.
  3. Think about your room style and how your modern dining table will fit into your existing decor.
  4. Think about furniture placement: where will the table go and how will it affect what you already have in place?
  5. Do you need an extendable dining table? Or perhaps a table with a drop leaf would work.
  6. Do you have kids? Look for something sturdy that won’t slide around easily, and consider whether the tabletop is a material that’s easy to wipe down.
  7. Always measure your space before buying, especially if you’re purchasing online.

How to measure for the perfect dining table

The best way to ensure you don’t end up with a dining table that doesn’t fit your space properly is to measure the whole area that is intended to be your dining space.

Whether your space is square or rectangular will also affect what kind of table you should be purchasing (more on that below).

Regardless of the shape or size you end with, you should try to have about 3 feet on each side of your table for optimal flow in your arrangement.

  • First, measure the length and the width of your intended dining space.
  • Next, you’ll want to subtract around 6 feet from the length of your room, and subtract 6 feet from the width of your room. That should give you the approximate size of the table you need for your space.
  • If you’re going for a circular or oval table, round up or down to the nearest measurement.

Visual weight

It’s not just physical size that matters – it’s important to make sure you’re picking a table that has a VISUAL weight that works with the dimensions of your space.

Just because a table fits dimensionally, it doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for your space. Picking a table that is too dark or too bulky, will make it look much bigger than it actually is. So if your table has either of those characteristics, make sure you have enough space to support that style decision.


Now that you are a master of picking out perfect dining tables, it’s time to look at all my favorite ones 😉

I’ve tried to include a variety of styles – don’t forget to leave me a comment telling me which ones are your faves!)

SO! Here are all best looking modern dining tables that are currently available to buy online. I’ve separated each type of dining table into 3 price points (low, medium, high).

We’ll look at:

  • round dining tables
  • rectangle dining tables
  • oval dining tables
  • square dining tables

ROUND DINING TABLES

When and why should you use a round dining table?

If you have a small dining area, or your room is square-shaped but a square table feels too bulky for your space, then you could consider using a round dining table.

Some situations where round dining tables can look great are in small dining nooks (like this one!), in tight corners with benches on one side, or in bay windows.

Click here for more great tips on how to decorate in small spaces!

I wouldn’t recommend using a round table in a rectangular room.

Round tables are typically great for facilitating conversation because all the guests can sit around them equally and nobody gets left out of the conversation. This happens a lot when two people are seated on opposite sides of a long, rectangular dining table and they have to shout at each other in order to talk!

I would recommend round tables to seat smaller gatherings. Really large round tables aren’t practical and honestly don’t look very good. If you want a round table but need to seat large gatherings from time to time, then consider getting a table with an extension leaf.

Other consideration to keep in mind with round tables: when they’re supported by a single center pedestal, as they can become a tipping hazard.

Here is a selection of gorgeous round tables for every price point:

Round tables under $500

Round dining tables between $500 and $1500

Round dining tables over $1500

RECTANGULAR DINING TABLES

Rectangle dining tables are probably the most popular shape when it comes to dining tables. For that reason, it’s easy to find a large variety of styles of rectangle shaped dining tables when you’re shopping.

When and why should you use a rectangular dining table?

A rectangular dining table is versatile for different kinds of seating patterns, since both benches and chairs may be utilized to seat people.

If you have a large family or you host dinner parties often, then rectangular is the way to go. They allow for larger gatherings of people and are generally more practical for that sort of thing.

Use a rectangular dining tables if you’ve got a long dining space, and avoid using a rectangle table in a square room.

The main disadvantage when you’re looking for a bigger rectangular dining table is that you’ll often pay more – this is due to the fact that they’re simply just bigger products, therefore you’re paying for more material.

Here is a selection of gorgeous rectangle tables for every price point:

Rectangular tables under $500

Rectangular tables between $500 and $1500

Rectangular tables over $1500

Square dining tables

When and why should you use a square dining table?

Do you have a square dining room? Then you’ll probably want to use a square dining table (or round would work too). Symmetrical rooms will remain balanced and proportioned with the use of a square table.

A good reason to pick a square dining table could be if you usually dine with 4 people. Each person gets their own side, and each person is therefore equidistant from the other.

Here is a selection of square tables for every price point:

Square tables under $500

Square tables between $500 and $1500

Square tables over $1500

Oval dining tables

If you’ve got a really long and narrow space, consider using an oval table instead of a rectangle.

Cutting off those corners will give you a little less surface to eat and work on, but will give you a few more inches of breathing room. The rounded corners and spherical shapes can really help ease up the flow in a tight room.

Here is a selection of gorgeous oval tables for every price point:

Oval tables under $500

Oval tables between $500 and $1500

Oval tables over $1500


I hope you enjoyed this round up of modern dining tables! Did you find any favorites today? Be sure to leave me a comment 🙂

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2 Comments

  1. Thanks for this post! I’m in the market for a new dining table. I think there’s a typo in the rectangular table section, it says “When and why should you use a *round* dining table?”