What Different Types Of Dining Tables Are There To Choose From?

Moving into your dream home and thinking about how you want to furnish it? Or, maybe you’ve decided to remodel your dining room and want to create the space you’ve been dreaming of. 

Either way, choosing a new table can be a little bit stressful due to how many different types of dining tables there are – after all, your dining room will likely be the focal point of your home.

In this guide, we’ll be breaking down the most common types of dining room tables, covering all the details that matter when it comes to choosing one that checks all your boxes. By the end, you should feel confident shopping for a brand new table – so let's start with the why.

What should you look for in a new dining room table?

The dining table is more than just a piece of furniture – it's the heart of your home. 

It's where you gather with family and friends, share stories, and create memories that last a lifetime. It's where the aroma of home-cooked meals, the clink of wine glasses, and the laughter of loved ones fill the air. This room is the backdrop for some of the most important moments in your life, a place where bonds between friends and family are strengthened.

Given the significance of your dining table, it's crucial to choose the right one that perfectly matches your aesthetic preferences and personal taste – the right dining table can make or break the atmosphere of your home's dining space.

Because the right dining table can make all the difference in how you and your guests feel when sitting down for a meal, creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection should be your priority.

Choosing the right type of dining table isn't just about aesthetics: it's also about practicality and functionality, and you need a table that can both accommodate your guests and stand up to the rigors of everyday use. 

To keep things simple, a dining room table should:

  • Be a table you personally like – your tastes come first

  • Blend in with any existing dining furniture

  • Last as long as you need it to

  • Be comfortable and relaxing to sit and dine at

What unique features do dining room tables have?

different types of dining room tables

The perfect dining table is an investment in your home and your happiness – it's a reflection of your personal style and a testament to the love and care you put into creating a warm, welcoming environment.

You're guaranteed to get a ton of different answers if you hassle a stranger during your next IKEA visit and ask them about their favorite tables. We all have unique tastes, and there are also plenty of different ways to categorize a table – things like shape, design style, function, and even the material they're made from:

Shapes

The shape of a dining table plays a crucial role in defining the overall look and feel of your dining area, and there are several common shapes to choose from:

  • Squares and rectangles

  • Circles and ovals

  • More eccentric shapes without defined silhouettes

Each dining table shape offers its own unique aesthetic and function, changing how much free space is present in the dining room and influencing the way we interact while seated.

Design styles

From contemporary furniture design to rustic and industrial aesthetics, there's a lot of different styles you'll stumble upon when looking for a new table. Just like the color of your wall paint, the style of a dining table can change the entire mood of a room – the shape and overall style of your table is one of the first aspects to consider.

Here are a few common design styles you may come across:

  • Traditional and contemporary styles

  • Rustic and farmhouse style

  • Industrial and boho aesthetics

Functionality

The functionality of a table is essential – and you're probably thinking: don't all dining table styles serve the same purpose? In a way, they do. Obviously we all need a table to sit and eat, work, or hangout; the main difference is that some tables are designed specifically for everyday use, while others serve a more formal purpose.

There are also a variety of multipurpose tables that can be used for dining, playing games, socializing, and other activities all at once. These multifunctional tables offer versatility and practicality, ensuring that your dining space caters to any and all activities you may find yourself hosting.

Materials

Last, but certainly not least – using the material a table is made from as a distinguishing factor makes a lot of sense. Each different material has a list of pros and cons associated with it, a different environmental impact, and of course a different appearance and level of durability.

Here are some of the most common materials tables are made from, as well as a few luxury ones:

  • Wood, which can range wildly in quality, construction, and source

  • Metal, a sturdy but less common material for a dining room table

  • Glass top tables, which are beautiful but more delicate

  • Plastic, one of the most affordable materials

  • Marble and ceramic, which are luxurious but expensive

These can all be broken down even further: for example, solid wood can either be softwood or hardwood, and may be sourced from younger monoculture plantations or older tropical trees. Regardless, your choice of material will influence the overall style, comfort, and elegance of your dining room table – not to mention its lifespan.

Glass dining tables are more prone to shattering than marble tables, but will be less expensive. You'll have to make tradeoffs like this no matter which dining table design you go with.

For instance, a solid hardwood table will almost certainly last longer than a cheap melamine plastic table. The tricky part of deciding on a table is blending all four of these unique characteristics – shape, design style, functionality, and material – coming together find the perfect type of dining room table for your specific needs.

What are the different types of dining room tables?

Now that we've covered why you may want a new table, and some of the unique characteristics to look out for, let's dive into the main overall types of traditional dining tables.

While we won't be covering every single type of table ever created, we can highlight some of the most affordable, interesting, and popular types of tables – and go over which type will best suit your specific aesthetic.

Here are the main types of dining tables we'll be discussing:

  • Board game and multifunctional tables

  • Rectangular and square tables

  • Oval and round tables

  • Danish modern and Scandinavian tables

  • Mid-century modern and Parsons tables

  • Farmhouse and industrial tables

  • Extendable and drop-leaf tables

  • Pedestal and trestle tables

Starting with a unique kind of table; a piece of multifunctional furniture perfect for those with limited space:

Board game and multifunctional tables

different types of tables for dining room

Chances are, you're going to want to both eat and entertain guests or bond with family at the table –enjoying drinks and conversation, and possibly even playing board games together. 

Board game tables – an innovative new type of furniture – allow you to combine your furniture needs, something most of us can get behind. These wood dining tables are perfect for those looking to both share meals and play games on the same table, using a recessed felt surface hidden beneath the actual table.

Whether you're hosting a game night or simply busting out your favorite board games with the fam, our Dresden game table model is the perfect addition for those looking to upgrade their gaming setup. Nothing is off limits – use the Dresden to set up DnD games, improve your poker nights, or just enjoy a home cooked meal.

Highly customizable and featuring a variety of styles and construction materials to choose from, a multifunctional wood dining table will transform your dining room and fit into any existing aesthetic you may have going on already.

All things considered, this is one of the best options if you love to game or have a dining-living room combination in your home, forcing you to be a bit more strategic about furnishing.

Rectangular and square tables

Rectangular dining tables are perhaps the most common and versatile dining table style, easily accommodating a large number of guests – with their clean lines and simple design, square and rectangular tables work well in both traditional and modern dining spaces. 

Long, straight edges create a sense of order and symmetry: making it an ideal choice for hosting formal dinners and family gatherings. These types of tables tend to maximize space in a room, however, they’re not the only shape to consider:

Oval and round tables

An oval dining table combines the best features of a round and rectangular dining table, offering a spacious surface area with elongated curves and ample seating: allowing for comfortable movement around the table. Oval dining tables are well-suited for both formal and casual dining settings, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room.

A round dining table will foster a warm and intimate atmosphere, encouraging conversation between you and your guests. With no head or foot at the table, these shapes promote an egalitarian dining experience – making everyone feel equally important. 

Ideal for smaller dining rooms or open-concept spaces, the absence of sharp angles and corners saves space and creates a more open atmosphere.

Danish modern and Scandinavian tables

Danish modern dining table styles are very popular; and are characterized by their clean lines, organic shapes, and emphasis on craftsmanship. Often made from high-quality woods like teak or walnut, these tables feature a warm, natural finish that pairs well with their minimalist design. Danish modern tables blend form and function seamlessly, offering you a refined, stylish option.

There's also the classic Scandinavian table: these embody the principles of Scandinavian design, focusing on functionality, simplicity, and the use of natural materials. 

Typically made from light-toned woods such as pine, oak, or ash; Scandinavian tables are distinguished by their clean lines and minimalist aesthetic. Their airy, uncluttered appearance makes them a great choice for smaller spaces, emphasizing durability and quality that should last lifetime.

Mid-century modern and parsons tables

Mid-century modern dining tables are characterized by their sleek, minimalist design and innovative use of materials. Made from a variety of materials like wood, metal, and glass – these tables showcase the simplicity and functionality that define the mid-century aesthetic. Their timeless appeal makes them a popular choice for contemporary dining rooms, seamlessly blending style and practicality.

Parsons tables are one of the most popular – and basic – types of dining tables you’ll find on the market. With a straightforward design consisting of a flat, rectangular top and four square legs, these tables can easily adapt to any dining chair style or room setting. 

The understated elegance of a Parsons table makes it an attractive choice for both casual and formal dining rooms, providing a blank canvas for your personal taste and creativity. While you typically think of the dining table as the “statement piece” of the room – this type of table leaves room for other elements to shine.

Farmhouse and industrial tables

Farmhouse dining tables evoke a sense of rustic charm and warmth, featuring sturdy construction and a welcoming design. Typically made from solid wood, these tables often have a distressed finish and a trestle or pedestal base. Perfect for casual family gatherings, farmhouse tables create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that encourages long, leisurely meals and lively conversation.

Industrial tables are characterized by their raw, utilitarian design, featuring a combination of metal and wood materials. Often showcasing exposed hardware and a rugged finish, these tables are a nod to the industrial era and its focus on pure functionality. An industrial style dining table adds a unique, edgy touch to any dining space – making a bold statement while remaining highly practical.

Extendable and drop-leaf tables

Extendable tables are the perfect solution for those who entertain frequently or have a growing family. These tables can easily be expanded or contracted to accommodate varying numbers of guests, making them a versatile and space-saving choice. 

With a variety of styles and mechanisms, extendable tables cater to a wide range of needs and preferences, ensuring that you're always prepared for any dining occasion.

Drop-leaf tables are ideal for small spaces, featuring hinged leaves that can be folded down when not in use. These tables provide a compact, space-saving solution without compromising functionality or style. With their versatile design, drop tables are quite similar to extendable dining tables.

Pedestal and trestle tables

Pedestal tables feature a central column or pillar that supports the tabletop, eliminating the need for traditional legs. This design creates an open, uncluttered look and offers more legroom for diners. They tend to open up what would otherwise be a crowded space – if you're looking to create the illusion of more space, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Trestle tables are distinguished by their unique support structure, consisting of two or three trestles connected by a horizontal beam. This design provides ample legroom and stability, making it an excellent choice for large dining rooms and big gatherings, similar to pedestal or double pedestal tables.

Trestle tables come in various styles, from traditional to modern, offering a visually appealing and functional dining solution. That means you can likely find a trestle table in whatever style you're after; completing your home by creating a cohesive space that blends together.

Final thoughts

Now that you know all about the different types of dining tables, it’s up to you to choose a dining room table that checks all your boxes. Whether you’re moving into a new home or remodeling, blending your dining table into the rest of your home should be a seamless transition.

So go ahead, take what you've learned today and start searching for your perfect table – unlock a world of design possibilities by checking out some of our handcrafted board game and wood dining tables today.