Popular Dining Table Styles for the Perfect Gathering Spot
Dine in style.
A dining table provides a place to gather at the end of the day and to celebrate special occasions. As such, it's the focal point of any dining room. In this guide, we outline the available styles, materials, shapes, bases, and features that dictate kitchen and dining table design to make your search for the perfect table easier.
Popular Styles
Popular Materials
Popular Shapes
Popular Base Types
Popular Design Features
Popular Styles
Dining tables come in a range of styles so you should have no trouble finding one that fits seamlessly into your dining room aesthetic. Check out some of our must-have style options below to determine which style matches your space.
1. Traditional
Traditional dining table styles usually feature ornate detailing like fluted or turned legs, wood carvings, and dark solid wood finishes. Often considered formal furniture, these types of dining tables come in a variety of shapes and size options to fit your space.
Contemporary and modern dining tables showcase minimalist lines. Tables that feature glass tops and metal bases are common, but sleek all-wood tables are also popular. Plastic or acrylic materials are also popular for modern dining tables because this style prioritizes the use of durable, man-made materials (more on plastic dining tables in the material section). Ultra-modern dining tables feature abstract or futuristic base designs with woven metal or warped wood. The ultimate goal of modern dining table styles is to be design-focused and creative with materials while remaining pared-back enough to keep the room sleek and open.
Farmhouse-style dining tables typically have a vintage, weathered look fit for a quaint cottage or farmette. This dining table style usually features white-washed wood or light/medium-toned wood with distressed finishes or chipped paint to convey a curated, lived-in vibe. Farmhouse dining tables usually feature pedestal or double-pedestal bases to add a bit of whimsy to the room. However, some tables feature trestle or standard base designs for a simpler look.
The defining characteristic of rustic dining tables is a distressed wood finish. This creates a repurposed/vintage vibe that hints at years of use. Rustic tables encompass a wide range of styles, from woodsy mountain lodge to countryside cottage to modern rustic farmhouse, so finding one that fits your aesthetic should be a breeze! These dining tables typically feature standard four-leg configurations and either square or rectangular tabletops so you can really appreciate the character of the wood. However, some feature modern metal legs with hairpin designs, ornate pedestal or trestle frames, or live- wood edges.
Coastal dining room table styles should make you feel like you're at the beach – even when you're not! Coastal-style dining tables span a wide range of designs from openwork wicker/rattan bases to white-, blue-, or gray-washed wood finishes, so you're bound to find one that aligns with your idea of coastal. Coastal dining tables have a wide variety of shapes and base configurations. However, this style is similar to farmhouse style in its love of the pedestal base.
Glam dining tables add a bit of refinement and shine to any dining room. They usually include more modern designs and love the use of clear glass tabletops, mirrored frames, or gold metallic details. Marble (real or faux) is another popular choice for the tabletop of this design style. Choose from a range of top shapes and base configurations when you choose this style dining table, from sleek and slim pedestal frames to modern trestle legs or traditional four-leg designs!
Often combining traditional and contemporary styles, transitional dining tables feature traditional materials and shapes with sleek lines. This dining table style is made to fit in either traditional or modern interiors because of its simplistic design. Transitional style for a dining table is perfect if your home features a blend of modern and traditional elements or if you just want to remain flexible with your aesthetic. Transitional dining tables are typically made with wood or metal. However, some opt for more modern plastic/acrylic materials in a traditional design. Transitional dining tables are often used in kitchens and breakfast nooks because of their more casual appearance.
Industrial-style dining tables are similar to rustic-style tables in their use of weathered wood and metallic details. The difference is that industrial dining tables should look like they were repurposed from materials found in an old factory (think rusted steel, sleek black iron, weathered slabs of wood, and nailhead details). Industrial dining tables typically have wood tabletops and metal frames available in a variety of different configurations. Industrial dining tables look especially fitting in city apartments or lofts with exposed brick walls.
Add retro flair to your dining room with a mid-century modern dining table. This style table connects to the interior design practices of the mid-20th century through its use of rich-toned wood and retro shapes including boomerangs, sputniks, starbursts, and groovy curves. Splayed or tapered table legs are a hallmark of this design style – their purpose is to promote a clean, pared-back aesthetic. Aside from solid wood, mid-century modern dining tables can also feature metal, glass, marble, or plastic materials (think engineered wood sunburst-patterned tabletops or a plastic pedestal base in a modern design).
Popular Materials
The material you choose for your dining table will also have an impact on the aesthetic you want to convey. Check out these popular materials for dining tables to get inspired.
1. Wood
Wood dining tables can take on a wide range of design styles, from ornate traditional to sleek and modern thanks to the versatility of wood materials and finish options. Wood dining tables are composed entirely of solid durable wood (made to last and show off its natural wood grain patterns) or are composed of a combination of solid wood and engineered wood (more budget-friendly, water-resistant, and easily moldable for abstract shapes or wood patterns).
Dark wood is more popular for traditional spaces to add a bit of elegance and drama, while rich medium-toned and red-toned woods dominate the mid-century modern aesthetic. Industrial and rustic styles are all about distressed wood in medium- or gray-toned finishes. Modern spaces frequently employ light wood tones to maintain an open and airy aesthetic. Coastal and farmhouse aesthetics both love light, white-washed, and gray wood finishes to evoke a beachy or vintage space.
Tip!
Want the natural texture and rich color of wood with more of a laid-back, beachy vibe? Opt for a wicker or rattan dining table. These materials are ultra-durable and flexible, which makes them easier to weave into beautiful coastal furniture. Some rattan or wicker dining tables may be reinforced with wood or metal supports, depending on the tabletop material.
Metal dining tables are typically made entirely out of durable steel or iron or use metal as an interior frame to reinforce wood or plastic tables. Depending on the manufacturer, some metal tables are resistant to rust, water damage, scratches, and dents. Industrial and rustic aesthetics love to incorporate tables with black iron to reflect the materials used in factories or on farms. Industrial dining tables can also feature purposefully rusted steel for an equally cool look. Modern and glam dining tables typically include metal frames or tabletops with gleaming gold or silver finishes. Metal's moldable qualities also make it an ideal material for intricate frame designs and abstract shapes.
Glass dining tables are composed of heavy-duty tempered or shatterproof glass. These dining tables usually include a glass tabletop paired with either wood, metal, or stone. Some include mirrored frames with metal supports (as pictured above) for added design appeal and durability. Glass dining tables work best in modern or glam aesthetics because they help make the space feel more open while also adding a sophisticated sheen to the room.
Marble or granite dining tables are a great way to make a statement in almost any design aesthetic. As for durability, granite is the best option. This is because it's naturally resistant to heat, cracking, scratches, and stains. Genuine marble is also heat-resistant (so there’s no need to worry about hot plates!) but it isn't as durable and can potentially chip or stain easily. Faux marble is a great budget-friendly alternative that's nonporous thanks to its synthetic construction. This makes it less likely to chip or absorb stains. Marble or granite materials are typically used as the tabletop material for a dining table and paired with metal or wood frames (reinforced with metal rods) to support the weight of the slab.
Concrete is another popular option for dining tables because it's ultra-durable and makes a statement. Concrete is a composite of sand, water, gravel, and cement materials. This gives you a stone-like look while reaping all the benefits of a durable furniture piece. Concrete is typically water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and heat-resistant, which means it will hold up its appearance over time. Concrete dining tables look best in industrial or modern aesthetics, but there are designs that feature more traditional wood frames and concrete tabletops for a fun twist on style.
Plastic dining tables are made using durable synthetic materials (like acrylic or polypropylene) which typically makes them super-strong and resistant to scratches, water damage, or stains. This style dining table is also super easy to clean because you don't need to worry about whether certain cleaning solutions or water exposure may impact their appearance (unlike wood or metal tables). Plastic dining tables are also typically lightweight (making them easy to move and reposition) and more affordable than other dining table materials because they aren't sourced from in-demand natural materials. The cool thing about plastic dining tables is that they can take on almost any shape, design, or style. However, they look best in modern, glam, or mid-century modern aesthetics.
Tip!
Many plastic/acrylic dining tables feature see-through tabletops and frames to mimic the appearance of glass while remaining more durable, lightweight, and price-friendly!
Popular Shapes
Now that you've considered popular design styles and materials, let's discuss your dining table shape options.
1. Rectangular
Rectangular dining tables are ideal for large dining rooms where you want to seat five or more people. These table styles usually include a standard four-leg base but they are also commonly paired with trestle, double pedestal, and even singular pedestal bases. This dining table shape translates to any design style, so you're sure to find one that fits your aesthetic.
Square dining tables are ideal to seat four people. However, larger designs can accommodate up to eight people (with two people seated between each pair of table legs). Square tables are also the perfect shape to fit into corners when not in use or to accommodate breakfast nooks with corner-style seating. This table shape usually pairs with a standard four-leg base, but pedestal bases are also common. Their simplistic shape makes them easily adaptable to almost any design style.
Round dining tables lack edges, which makes them perfect for fitting more guests around the table. Round table shapes also promote a seamless look in a dining room because they don't have harsh corners. Round tables come in a range of sizes and configurations that you can adapt to your needs. Some feature three- or four-leg bases, but pedestal bases are most common for this style.
Up your seating space while maintaining a relaxed, smooth table shape by opting for an oval design. Oval dining tables elongate the classic shape of traditional round tables for more flexibility when it comes to seating. Despite their elongated shape, oval dining tables come in a range of sizes, from small-space friendly models to those fit for long, narrow dining rooms. This table shape is usually paired with a pedestal or double pedestal base but they can also come with standard four-leg configurations. As for design style, oval dining tables can take on almost any aesthetic, but they look especially striking in farmhouse or mid-century spaces.
As the name implies, free form dining tables prioritize unique, abstract table shapes or intricate tabletop designs to make a statement. This style table is more about aesthetics than seating space, but there are plenty of options for small or large dining spaces alike. From rustic, live-edge wood tabletops, ultra-modern abstract or triangular designs, or elegant hexagonal shapes with scalloped edges, this table style does it all.
Popular Base Types
In addition to tabletop shape, you also have a variety of base designs to choose from for your dining table! Here are some stylish and functional dining table base types that should be on your radar.
1. Standard Table Legs
Dining tables with a standard leg-style base are timeless and easy on the eyes. This base design is available in almost any style/tabletop shape and usually features four table legs located at each corner of the table. This base design makes it easy to fully tuck in your chairs after eating and provides ample space for your legs and feet when seated since there’s no center piece like in pedestal or trestle designs.
Pedestal-style dining tables feature a singular pedestal support column under the center of the table. Traditional or farmhouse pedestal-style dining tables feature elaborate carved wood details, while modern pedestal tables have sleek tulip bases that allow for more foot room under the table. Pedestal tables are usually paired with round or oval tabletops.
Double-pedestal tables provide double the detail for you to enjoy! This dining table base helps stabilize oval or rectangular tabletops while adding beautiful style to your dining room. Double-pedestal bases can take on a variety of styles, from traditional pedestal designs to solid drum columns to modern sled frames.
Trestle dining tables feature two trestles connected by a central support beam beneath the tabletop. This base style leaves more room at the ends and sides of the table for ample foot room. Although trestle tables come in a variety of design styles, they're most popular in farmhouse or traditional designs.
Popular Design Features
Some dining tables have special features that add to their aesthetic appeal (and impress your guests!). Check out these popular dining table design features you won't want to live without.
1. Distressed Finish
Dining tables with distressed finishes add a cool textured look to any space. Distressed finishes help make wood (solid or engineered) materials appear rustic and worn to add character to your dining table. Distressed wood dining tables look best in coastal, rustic, industrial, and farmhouse aesthetics, as each of these design styles prioritizes weathered, repurposed, or vintage-inspired pieces.
Live-edge dining tables feature wood tabletops with natural wood edges on one or more sides of the table instead of traditional carved wood or wood planks. This creates a laid-back, nature-inspired space that works in a variety of aesthetics including modern, traditional, or rustic.
Mirrored dining tables add a bit of glam to your dining room. These dining tables feature mirrored glass designs or table legs to add a fun sheen to your dining space. Mirrored dining tables come in a range of designs and configurations so you're bound to find one that matches your level of glam.
Folding dining tables either have drop-leaf tabletops or special design features that allow the table to fold into a smaller size (like a console table). Folding dining tables give you maximum flexibility when it comes to your dining space because you can easily adjust the table to accommodate more diners and fold it up when you're done!
Storage dining tables are ideal for small-space dining rooms or apartment dining nooks because of their functional designs. Many storage dining tables have built-in shelving, cabinets, or drawers that allow you to store plates, cutlery, and other dining must-haves. There are certain designs that have built-in wine bottle and glass storage options too!
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