Dining Room Table Styles
Farmhouse Dining Tables
Farmhouse tables offer a warm, welcoming look with finishes that naturally bring people together. They typically feature rectangular, chunky wooden tabletops, made from pine, oak, hickory, maple or reclaimed wood. They also often have substantial, turned or tapered wood legs that add to their presence and appeal.
Contemporary/Modern Dining Tables
Contemporary/modern dining tables prioritize form and function, featuring simple, clean lines and an uncluttered aesthetic. Expect to see geometric tabletop shapes like rectangular, square, round and oval without excessive ornamentation. Materials like tempered glass, polished metal and solid wood in matte or natural finishes are popular choices.
Traditional Wooden Dining Tables
Traditional wooden dining tables are known for elegant craftsmanship, along with rich woods and ornate details on the pedestals or curved legs. Solid wood, like walnut, mahogany, cherry and oak, is the hallmark of these beautiful tables. They’re rectangular or oval and are better suited for formal dining rooms. Many traditional wooden tables have extendable leaves to accommodate large parties.
Transitional Dining Table
Transitional dining tables balance modern simplicity with traditional elegance, fitting seamlessly into formal and casual settings. Subtle curves and a mix of high-quality materials like maple, walnut or oak combined with metal accents or glass inlays give them a timeless appeal with a modern twist.
Rustic Dining Table
Rustic dining tables showcase natural materials like reclaimed or rough-hewn wood and embrace imperfections like knots and cracks that give each piece character. The aesthetic feels timeworn and rugged yet comforting and inviting.
Mid-Century Modern Dining Tables
Mid-century modern tables have sleek, splayed legs and smooth surfaces that blend vintage and contemporary styles. Clean, simple lines create balance and harmony. Wood figures heavily in mid-century modern tables, especially teak and walnut. The warm, earthy color palette of muted black, warm woods and walnut browns complement the smooth, matte surfaces.
Dining Room Table Materials
The material of the dining room table that you choose is as important as the type of table. Each material has a distinct look in the dining room. There are several factors to consider before selecting a dining room based on material.
Choose material that suits your lifestyle, interior design style and budget.
Wood
Wood dining tables are classic and durable. They come in wood varieties like oak, walnut and mahogany. Wood offers a timeless beauty that other materials fail to match. It adds natural warmth to a room and it complements an array of design styles, from traditional to contemporary to modern. Wood never goes out of style, it’s easy to care for and, when maintained properly, it lasts for years.
Glass
Glass table tops brighten rooms and visually expand small or dark spaces. The smooth, reflective surface allows light to pass through and also reflects light more freely and moves freely through the room. Glass tables are versatile, durable and easy-to-clean. However, they show fingerprints easily and require regular care, so they may not be the best choice for homes with small children.
Marble
If you want luxury, marble dining tables delivers. Its unique veining and smooth finish create an elegant centerpiece. Every table has its own character and no two look exactly alike. However, marble is porous and benefits from prompt clean-up and annual sealing. Marble is a dense and heavy natural stone, making it difficult to transport; Moving and placement requires careful planning, especially if you need to navigate tight spaces. The base you choose must be sturdy enough to support it.
Ceramic
Ceramic dining tables are stylish, low maintenance and durable. Their smooth surface mimics stone while resisting heat, stains and scratches. However, ceramic dining tables are heavy, so choose the final location carefully. While they are scratch-resistant, they can be cracked or chipped by sharp impact.
Table Types Based on Tops and Bases
When choosing the table for your dining room or living space, the tabletop's shape and the base's style are important factors to consider. These elements affect the look and functionality of the table in your home. Here’s a breakdown of several table types based on their tops and bases.
Tabletops
Square Tabletops
Square tables are ideal for smaller spaces and intimate get-togethers. They create a cozy atmosphere. These tables are typically found in casual dining setups or as accent tables in living rooms.
Rectangular Tabletops
Rectangular tables are a classic and popular choice for dining rooms. They can accommodate more people and offer ample space for serving. They’re versatile for formal and casual settings and work well in large dining rooms.
Round Tabletops
Round tables are great
for optimizing space in smaller rooms. They promote inclusivity during meals by
allowing everyone to face each other. These are often found in kitchens or
smaller dining rooms.
Oval Tabletops
An oval table combines the
advantages of both round and rectangular shapes. It provides more seating, like
a rectangular table, but with a softer look, making it perfect for rooms with
tight corners or a casual vibe.
Table Bases
Pedestal Base
Pedestal tables feature a single central support instead of legs at the corners. This design provides more legroom and allows for flexible seating. Pedestal bases are commonly seen in round tables but can also be found with oval or square tops. The design is highly adaptable to feature a farmhouse, modern or classic look.
Trestle Base
Trestle tables have a base that’s connected by a long stretcher that runs underneath the tabletop. You’ll typically see this supporting larger rectangular tables. This design provides an open look and generous legroom for diners.
Four-Legged Base
The traditional four-legged
table is stable and complements a variety of styles. It works well with all
tabletop shapes, from square to rectangular, and offers a classic look that
blends with modern and traditional decor.
Cross Legs/X-Shaped Base
The cross-leg base adds a modern twist to the table, offering a striking design element with ample support. It’s often used with rectangular or round tabletops for a sleek, contemporary look.
Choosing the Right Chairs for Your Table
The right chairs complete your dining set-up and add balance and personality to the space. Don’t be afraid to mix styles. Metal-framed chairs look great with wooden tables, and upholstered chairs warm up a rustic table. Taking the “opposites attract” approach adds personality, visual interest and a uniquely curated look.
Whether your favored style is minimalist, coastal or traditional, the dining table will become the focal point of the room, so make your decision count.
(top L: traditional upholstered linen in coffee; top R: transitional art deco-styled linen blend in off-white; bottom L: casual upholstered poly/poly blend with solid wood frame in beige; bottom R: contemporary/modern olive green upholstered with legs in walnut finish)
Your Next Step: Picking the Perfect Table
Your dining room is a place to come together to share meals. It’s the cornerstone of families and friends. The table where you share those meals should reflect the moments and connections that make them special.
When considering your next dining table, remember:
- Design and style: The ultimate design and style that you choose contribute to the overall aesthetic of the room.
- Form and function: Beyond the aesthetic, the dining room table serves its purpose; choose a table that’s functional and fits your family’s lifestyle, from durability to maintenance.
- Mix and match: Don’t be afraid to blend finishes and materials for a custom, design-inspired look.
Start exploring table designs that reflect how you gather. No matter your taste or room size, Lowe’s has what you need to bring your dining vision to life. Ready to shop? Check out our online selection of dining tables — from the clean lines and functionality of a contemporary/modern table to the durability and simplicity of a farmhouse table and beyond.