Modern dining room with a sleek rectangular dining table, upholstered chairs, large abstract artwork, and a statement chandelier, all set on a striped rug.

Dining tables are more than just pieces of furniture; they are the heart of conversation, the centerpiece of culinary delights, and a reflection of personal style. Whether hosting a grand dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, the right statement dining table can elevate any dining experience. This guide explores a range of styles, from sleek modern aesthetics to classic rustic charms, helping you select a table that not only fits your space but also expresses your unique design sensibility.

Doing so is the key to creating a dining room that is practical enough to use on ordinary weeknights while still being flexible enough to accommodate guests and make gatherings feel special. At Star Furniture, our trusted design team is ready to help you select the perfect statement dining table for your home. Check out our designer's guide to choosing the right dining table for every style.

Understanding Space and Functionality

Choosing a beautiful dining table is important, but there are other factors to consider before bringing home the first piece you fall in love with. First and foremost, the space you have available for the table will determine which style would be most appropriate. If you have a small dining room, for instance, a sprawling table for twelve is probably not the best option. With this in mind, it's a good idea to give an honest assessment of your dining area before you begin searching for a new table. 

Along with measuring the room itself, be sure to think about how many people will be seated at the table regularly. You’ll also want to consider other pieces within the room that will take up space, such as a sideboard or china cabinet. It’s best to pinpoint your home decor style so that your dining room flows well with the furnishings found in the other areas of your home. Remember, a well-designed dining room is both beautiful and functional!

Material Matters

As with any statement furnishing, the materials that make up your dining table will have a big impact on how the space looks and feels. Certain materials help the space feel contemporary and open, such as glass, while others can create sophisticated and chic aesthetics, such as stone. Wood is probably the most popular material that dining room tables are made from, particularly those with a traditional or rustic style. 

The material of a dining room table not only influences the appearance of the space but also impacts its maintenance, durability, and functionality. For instance, glass-top dining tables are easy to clean but may be prone to scratching, not to mention fingerprints and smudges. Likewise, metal-base dining room tables may require using special cleaners to prevent discoloration. Wood tables are not only easy to care for but are also very durable, making them a cost-effective option that's perfect for homes with kids or that frequently host guests. 

Dining Table Style Guide

Identifying your interior design style can make your furniture shopping experience much smoother by narrowing down your options. Once you know what style of dining table you need, you can focus on the options that fit your criterion. Here's a breakdown of dining table styles suitable for different decor themes to help make the process simple:

  • Modern Minimalist: If you love a look that's clean and simple, this is the style for you. Sleek designs and neutral colors create no-fuss dining tables that create an understated yet elegant result.
  • Rustic Charm: With its laid back, welcoming ambiance, gathering your family around a rustic dining table will be a pleasure. To make this look your own, look for tables made from robust wood that include natural imperfections.
  • Traditional Elegance: Classic sophistication reigns supreme in the traditional dining rooms we all know and love. These dining tables feature ornate details and rich wood finishes that can easily be dressed up or down.
  • Industrial Edge: Contemporary home decor doesn't have to be stark or boring. Add a dining table with handsome metal accents and rugged aesthetics to make your dining area feel edgy and cool.
  • Contemporary Chic: Make a bold yet stylish statement with something unexpected in your dining room using a dining table with innovative designs and mixed materials.

No matter what decor theme you choose for your dining table, be sure to choose a piece that works well with the other furnishings in the room as well as the rest of your home. This will make sure that everything flows seamlessly rather than clashing.

Shape and Size: Making the Right Choice

Believe it or not, the shape of your dining room table can impact more than just the aesthetic of your dining room. The table shape you choose influences the functionality of the space as well as how many people are able to comfortably sit around it. Certain shapes can create the illusion of space within a small room while others can provide more elbow room between people sitting beside each other. 

Here's what you need to know about the different table shapes before choosing the one that's best for your family's needs:

  • Rectangular: This shape is ideal for larger gatherings and works particularly well in rooms that are long and narrow.
  • Round: If your dining room is small, a round table might make it feel bigger. Round tables encourage conversation and create a cozy, intimate ambiance.
  • Oval: Like rectangular tables, oval tables can provide ample space for a lot of people to dine together while providing the softness and space-saving capabilities of a round table.
  • Square: This shape works perfectly in spaces that are compact and symmetrical. 

Taking measurements of both your dining area and the table you like is the best way to make sure it will fit comfortably within the space before bringing it home. A good rule of thumb is to leave 42-48 inches between the table and the nearest wall or piece of furniture so that people can move freely within the space. If you're a visual person, consider folding a sheet into the measurements of the table and laying it on the floor to get an idea of how big or small it will look when you bring it home.

Star’s pro tip: If you want the option of having plenty of room when guests come over for dinner but don't need a large dining table on a regular basis, consider choosing a dining table that has an extendable leaf to use when you need it. Just be sure that the space can accommodate the table comfortably when it's extended while also working well within the space when it's small.

The Base and Legs: More Than Support

Often overlooked, the base and legs of a dining table play a crucial role beyond mere support. Choosing the right design for these elements can dramatically transform both the style and spatial dynamics of your dining room. From enhancing visual appeal to affecting how the space is utilized, the type of table base you select has significant implications. Here’s a breakdown of the various table base types and their unique contributions to your dining area:

  • Legs: This is the most common type of table base. Classic and versatile, four legs on a dining table can offer generous legroom, support, and work with a variety of home decor styles.
  • Pedestal: With a single support column, this table base works well in small spaces. It offers flexibility that tables with legs can't provide, as chairs can be moved all around it and tucked in closer.
  • Trestle: This base features two sets of legs that are connected in the middle by a horizontal beam. Typically, it looks best in rustic, industrial, and classic settings and is quite sturdy.
Elegant dining room with a modern white table featuring a geometric base, surrounded by dark upholstered chairs, set on a light rug with large windows in the background.

Color and Finish: The Final Touches

Selecting the right color and finish for your dining table is akin to putting the final brushstrokes on a masterpiece. These elements not only complete the look but also set the mood and style of your dining space. For this reason, be sure to carefully consider how the color of your dining table will appear in your home. Will its color or finish clash with any of the other furnishings in the space? Will it make the room feel small or spacious? 

If your dining room is small, choosing a light colored table with a glass tabletop can help the room feel brighter and more open. In a larger space, a bold, richly colored table will be right at home. Additionally, your table's finish should go with the design theme of the space. For instance, a distressed table would be a great addition to a rustic-inspired dining room while a matte finish would work better in a modern minimalist space and a wood table with a gloss finish would complement a traditional dining room. 

Pairing Chairs with Your Dining Table

In decades past, dining tables and chairs were expected to match perfectly, creating a uniform look. While this is still a popular choice, particularly among those with more traditional tastes, mixing and matching dining tables and chairs can help add a personalized touch to the space. Once you've found your perfect statement table, think about what role you'd like your chairs to have. Would you like them to blend in with their surroundings or add a pop of color or texture? Are there certain functional needs that you'd like them to provide, such as maximizing space or being easy to access for young children? If possible, it's worth trying out different styles of chairs for yourself at a trusted furniture store, such as ones with arms, without arms, and even benches, to get an idea of which ones would be the best option for your home. Be sure to take into consideration the size of the table and room, making sure that your chair selection is proportionate to both. 

Accessorizing Your Dining Table

No statement dining table would be complete without an eye-catching centerpiece. If you're new to decorating tablescapes, the Star Furniture design team is here to make the process simple. Keep these tips in mind to accessorize your dining table like a pro:

  • Use seasonal pieces, such as flowers and table runners in seasonal colors or prints, to create a festive vibe that complements the occasion or time of year.
  • Keep it simple. Let a few pieces shine rather than overwhelm the space with clutter. 
  • Make sure that your centerpiece isn't too tall. Low centerpieces make it easier for people on opposite sides of the table to see one another.
  • Choose accessories that pair well with the decor of the space. Elegant candlesticks would work beautifully in a traditional dining room while fresh-cut flowers in a mason jar would add a pop of freshness on a farmhouse dining table.
  • Be sure that your centerpiece leaves enough space for table settings and dishes to fit comfortably when it's time to eat with your family and friends.

Let Star Furniture Help You Find the Perfect Dining Table

When it comes to designing a dining room that is as stylish and inviting as it is comfortable and functional, the dining table should be the star of the show. Along with providing the foundation for everyday memories and meaningful celebrations, your dining table will set the tone for how the space looks and feels.

If your current dining table lacks the personality and practicality that you'd like to have, the trusted design experts at Star Furniture are here to help you upgrade it with your ideal statement dining table. By choosing one that complements your home's current home decor style, meets your space and functional needs, and is built with quality in mind, you'll be able to welcome home a dining table that serves your family and friends well for years to come.

Visit us online to check out our large selection of unique dining room furniture, then stop by our showroom location to see them for yourself. We can't wait to show you how simple bringing your dream dining room to life with a beautiful table can be!