How To Choose the Right Dining Table for Your Space
Choosing the ideal dining table is a big decision and is a common challenge for most homeowners. Space, functionality, size and design are all aspects that inform your decision when choosing which table suits your dining room.
There are a few key questions you need to ask yourself when choosing a dining table:
- What is the function of the dining table?
- What style of table suits my dining space?
- How big or small is the dining room?
1. What is the function of the dining table?
Will you be hosting large dinners, or do you prefer smaller intimate affairs? If you’re a big fan of dinner parties or have a large family, a larger table, paired with a sideboard for extra serving space, is often the best choice. If you prefer a more intimate gathering, you can opt for a smaller table. Alternatively, you can have the best of both worlds with an extendable dining table.
2. What style of table suits my dining space?
Rectangular Dining Tables
This is the most popular shape when it comes to dining tables, and it’s easy to see why. They generally have clean lines and plenty of surface area which means they look stylish but are also extremely functional, even the smallest rectangular table can fit 6 people around it. Rectangular dining tables are also perfect for narrow rooms, especially if you only have 4 people to sit around it, as you can easily place it against the wall allowing for a lot more floor space.
Square Dining Tables
If you have a square-shaped room, then a square-shaped dining table is probably the best choice for you. A benefit to having square tables is that they provide intimacy and a satisfying solution to seating a small number of people. It can be off-putting to have a large rectangular table if there are only 2 or 3 people present for most of your meals. A larger table can make the space seem cold or empty.
Round Dining Tables
Round tables are another perfect solution for smaller or square-shaped rooms. They are perfect for small gatherings as everyone can easily see each other and converse.
Oval Dining Tables
Oval dining tables are usually very similar in function to rectangular dining tables, except with rounded corners. These types of tables are perfect for narrower or smaller rooms.
Tables (and furniture in general) with smooth edges are popular choices for families with small children. Kids of toddler age are prone to crashing into things, so a rounded corner could be the difference between a small bump and an injury.
Extendable Dining Tables
Extendable dining tables are like the chameleons of dining spaces, offering a seamless way to adapt to your changing needs. With handy features like extension leaves or foldable designs, these tables effortlessly shift from your everyday, compact setup to a larger, more spacious arrangement when it's time to entertain or host family gatherings. Generally, these tables come in rectangle, oval or round designs.
3. How big or small is your dining space?
There’s no exact science to deciding what type of table will suit what size room, but a general rule of thumb is that smaller rooms are better suited to round or square tables as they take up less space, and narrow rooms are better suited to slim rectangular tables and large rooms will generally have larger rectangle tables. Oval tables can suit both big and small rooms as they’re a hybrid between round and rectangular.
What else do you need to consider?
Dining Chairs
Dining chairs are where you can really make your table unique to you with a wide range of fabrics, colours and styles available. Measure the height of the chairs to make sure they will fit under the table. If you’re tight on space, using a bench, stools or bar chairs is a great way to add more seating without taking up too much space.
Space Around the Table
Leaving space around the table is important to ensure that you and your guests can easily walk around and can comfortably pull their chairs out from under the table. You should leave a minimum space of 70cm between the wall and the table edge or up to 90cm if you want to create a more spacious feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you choose the right dining table?
Start by measuring your space and considering how many people you want to seat regularly. Think about shape, material, and table height. Mmake sure the table complements your dining room layout. Leave at least 90cm of clearance around the table for comfortable movement.
2. What shape of dining table saves the most space?
Round and square dining tables save the most space because they have no corners and fit easily into tighter layouts. Round tables also allow for more flexible seating and better flow around the room, making them ideal for compact dining areas.
3. What shape dining table is best for a small space?
For small spaces, round, oval, or square tables work best. Round and oval tables improve movement around the room, while square tables fit neatly into small dining nooks. Extendable tables are also a smart option, giving you extra seating when needed without taking up space every day.
4. What size table do you need to seat 12 people?
To seat 12 people, you typically need a table that is:
- Rectangle: 300–360cm long
- Round: 200–240cm diameter (less common)
- Oval: 275–335cm long
These dimensions give each person enough elbow room and make dining comfortable for larger groups
5. What is the best material for a dining table?
There’s no single “best” material, but popular choices include solid wood for longevity, glass for a lighter, modern look, and ceramic or stone for durability and easy maintenance. Choose a material that suits both your dining room interior design and your day-to-day use.
Find a Dining Table Store Near You
Now that you have a clearer idea of what to look for in a dining table, it’s the perfect time to explore our dining table collection.
If you’d prefer to see and try out your dining table options in person, you’re always welcome to visit one of Caseys Furniture’s stores. With locations in Cork, Limerick, and Dublin, you can test comfort, compare styles, and even use Click & Collect for extra convenience.