What are the Different Types of Dining Tables? Designs & Styles to Choose From
Are you moving into your dream home and thinking about how you’re going to furnish the place? Or, maybe you’re remodeling your dining room and want to create the space you’ve been dreaming of.
Either way, choosing among the different types of dining tables can be a challenge - which is why we’re here to help you along this journey. In this guide, we’re going to break down the most common types of dining room tables to help you choose one that checks all your boxes, no matter what those may be.
By the time we’re wrapping this conversation up, you’ll feel confident shopping for your new dining table. Let’s start with a quick breakdown of the importance of choosing the right dining room table type, followed by a brief explanation of how the different types of tables for dining rooms are categorized.
Why Choosing the Right Type of Dining Table Can’t be Overlooked
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. It's the place where the bonds between friends and family are strengthened and the backdrop for the most important moments of your life.
Given the significance of your dining table, it's crucial to choose the right one that perfectly matches your lifestyle, personal taste, and the atmosphere you want to create in your dining space. 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.
Choosing the right type of dining table isn't just about aesthetics. It's also about practicality and functionality. You need a table that can accommodate your guests, fit within your space, and stand up to the rigors of everyday use.
In the end, the perfect dining table isn't just a piece of furniture - it's 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. So - pay close attention as we break down the different ways in which dining tables are categorized.
How the Different Types of Dining Room Tables are Categorized
If you were to grab a stranger in Ikea and ask them - what are the different types of dining tables? You’d probably get different answers. That’s because there are a few different ways you can categorize them - either by shape, design style, function, or even material.
To set the stage for the remainder of our discussion today, we’re going to fully unpack each of these variations so you know exactly what separates the various styles from each other.
Shape
The shape of a dining table plays a crucial role in defining the overall look and feel of your dining area.
There are several common shapes to choose from - and you’re probably envisioning either a round table vs rectangle table. But, there are other shapes too - like the oval table or more eccentric shapes for contemporary homes.
Each shape offers its own unique aesthetic and function, influencing how people interact around the table and the available space in the dining room.
Style
Most people think of style when considering the various types of tables for a dining room. From traditional to contemporary, rustic to industrial, there is a wide range of design styles to choose from.
The style of a dining table can reflect your personal taste and complement the overall decor of your home, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere for family gatherings and entertaining guests.
Function
Functionality is an essential aspect to consider when selecting a dining table. Now, you may be thinking…don’t all dining room table styles serve the same purpose? Not necessarily.
Some tables are designed specifically for everyday use, while others serve a more formal purpose. There are also multipurpose tables that can be used for dining, gaming, and other activities. These functional tables offer versatility and practicality, ensuring that your dining space caters to your specific needs and lifestyle.
Material
Last, but certainly not least, some individuals use material as the distinguishing factor between the different types of dining room tables. And for good reason - as this has a significant impact on its durability, maintenance, and appearance.
Common materials include wood, glass, metal, and stone, each with its own unique properties and benefits. These can be broken down even further (such as different types of wood, different metals, etc.)
The choice of material can influence the overall style, comfort, and longevity of your dining table, making it an essential factor to consider when selecting the perfect table for your home.
But, the tricky part is blending all four of these unique characteristics (shape, design, functionality, and material) to find the perfect type of dining room table for your specific needs. That’s where we come in to save the day. After we break down all the different types of tables for the dining room below, we’ll help you make the right choice. But for now, let’s get into what brought you here today…
So, What are the Different Types of Dining Tables? Our Personal Favorite Styles
Now that you know how dining room tables are characterized, what are the different types of dining tables?
If we were to introduce you to every single style that ever existed, we’d still be here having this conversation by this time tomorrow. So instead, we’ll highlight our personal favorite styles, and then give you our recommendation as to which type best suits your specific home.
First, we’re going to introduce you to one of the most versatile pieces of multifunctional furniture for small spaces - or any home, for that matter.
Board Gaming Dining Table
Do you plan on using your dining table for nothing more than eating? Chances are, you want to be able to entertain guests or bond with family at the table in a more all-inclusive way - enjoying drinks and conversation, and potentially even playing games or building puzzles together.
If so, then your average dining room table won’t cut it. You need more innovative furniture - like the Dresden game dining table.
This handcrafted masterpiece allows you to consolidate your furniture needs - something every homeowner or apartment dweller can get behind. You can use the table to share meals with loved ones, and at the snap of your fingers, remove the dining top to reveal a stunning, recessed felt playing surface underneath.
From hosting a game night where you play the most popular board games to perfecting your DnD setup, to even hosting poker night - nothing is off limits. Having this ability to go from dining, to gaming, back to dining is profound. But it actually gets even better - because you can customize your table as you see fit.
Choose from an array of styles - including mid-century modern, Danish modern, shaker, and more. Then, choose your woodgrain - walnut, cherry, white oak, or maple. You can really make this table your own, getting it to fit any space.
All things considered, this is the best type of dining room table for any home, but especially a living room dining room combo where you need to be more strategic in furnishing your home.
Rectangular Tables
Rectangular tables are perhaps the most common and versatile dining table shape, easily accommodating a large number of guests. With their clean lines and simple design, rectangular tables work well in both traditional and modern dining spaces.
The long, straight edges create a sense of order and symmetry, making it an ideal choice for hosting formal dinners and family gatherings alike. And, these tend to maximize space in a room and create a better entertainment experience for guests. However, they’re obviously not the only shape you can choose…
Round Tables
Round tables foster a warm and intimate atmosphere, encouraging conversation and interaction among diners. With no head or foot at the table, round tables promote an egalitarian dining experience, making everyone feel equally important.
This shape is ideal for smaller dining rooms or open-concept spaces, as the absence of corners saves space and creates a more open, inviting environment. As you’ll see below, though, there is a shape that offers blends the benefits of rectangular and oval tables to create the best experience possible…
Oval Tables
Oval tables combine the best of both rectangular and round tables, offering a spacious surface area without sharp corners. The elongated shape provides ample seating and allows for comfortable movement around the table. Oval tables are well-suited to both formal and casual dining settings, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room.
Extendable 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.
Mid-Century Modern Tables
Mid-century modern tables are characterized by their sleek lines, minimalist design, and innovative use of materials. And, these are one of our personal favorite styles for any home.
Often made from wood, metal, or glass, these tables showcase the simplicity and functionality that defined the mid-century aesthetic. Their timeless appeal makes them a popular choice for contemporary dining rooms, seamlessly blending style and practicality.
Farmhouse Tables
Farmhouse 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
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 functionality. Industrial tables add a unique, edgy touch to any dining space, making a bold statement while remaining highly practical
Trestle Tables
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 gatherings.
Trestle tables come in various styles, from traditional to modern, offering a visually appealing and functional dining solution. That means you can likely find this table in the perfect style for your unique home - creating a cohesive space that blends well together.
Pedestal 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” or “small” space. If you are looking to create the illusion of more space, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Drop Leaf Tables
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 leaf tables can easily be adapted to suit your needs, whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal for two. They’re quite similar to the extendable dining table in this way.
Danish Modern Tables
Danish modern tables 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 complements their minimalist design. Danish modern tables blend form and function seamlessly, offering a refined, stylish option for any dining space.
Parsons Tables
This is one of the most popular - and basic - types of dining room tables you’ll find on the market. The Parsons table is defined by its simplicity and versatility. With a straightforward design consisting of a flat, rectangular top and four square legs, these tables can easily adapt to various settings and styles.
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” in a dining room, this type of table leaves room for other elements to do the talking.
Scandinavian Tables
Last, but certainly not least, we have Scandinavian tables. These embody the principles of Scandinavian design, focusing on functionality, simplicity, and the use of natural materials.
They’re typically made from light-toned woods such as pine, oak, or ash. Whatever they’re made from, you can distinguish these tables based on their clean lines and minimalist aesthetic. Their airy, uncluttered appearance makes them a great choice for smaller spaces, while their emphasis on craftsmanship ensures lasting durability and quality.
Wrapping Up Our Guide to the Different Types of Dining Tables Designs
Now that you know all about the different types of dining room tables, it’s up to you to choose a dining room table that checks all your boxes.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with a multi purpose dining table like the Dresden. As a dining table, it will exceed your expectations and score compliments from all your guests. And that’s before they realize that it’s also a full-fledged board gaming table.
The reason we believe this is the best type of dining table is that you can make it whatever you want it to be. Choose your size, your design style, your wood grain, and any optional features that matter to you. Whether you’re moving into a new home or remodeling, blending the Dresden into your space is seamless.
So, what are you waiting for? Knowing all the different types of dining table designs, you can take what you’ve learned today and start searching for the perfect pick for your home. Or, if you really want to upgrade your home and unlock a whole world of possibilities you may not have known were possible - head over to Bandpass Design and bring your dream table to life today.