EMILY WAY/TASTE OF HOME
Pros:
- Durable, thick glass top
- Ample packing material means no disappointing deliveries
- Simple assembly
- Easy to clean
- Inexpensive
Some of the best dining room tables come with glass tops, which makes them easy to clean and maintain — especially in messy homes. After moving into my very small apartment, I had to find an attractive table that was easy to clean — and fit more than two people. We love to host, even though we may share a dedicated living room and dining area. The Baudette dining table was everything I needed. It’s pretty, durable and extremely affordable. The best part? It fits into my small apartment flawlessly!
The table is sturdy, gorgeous, and wipes up easily. Because there’s no wood, there’s no need to worry about spills and stains penetrating the surface. Sure, it easily smudges since it’s glass, but it wipes down in seconds. It’s perfect for messy families like mine. The only downside is that we had to hunt down matching dining chairs, but that just leaves more room for my style personality to shine.
One of my favorite things about this pick is that it’s available for less than $300—a total steal. As a bonus, I’ve had it since last year and it has yet to scratch, crack or shatter. I attribute this to the nearly half-inch thick tempered glass top, which easily holds up to 150 pounds. I’ve loaded mine with food, my work gear and two chubby kitties at once and have had zero issues. It’s so sturdy!
Dimensions: 30” H x 32” W x 55” L | Seats: 4 to 6 | Material(s): Tempered glass, steel | Features: Tempered glass top, sled-inspired base
CHER CHECCHIO/TASTE OF HOME
Pros:
- Made of solid reclaimed pine wood
- Gunmetal finishes
- Easily cleans with a damp cloth
- Seats up to 6
When hunting down the best dining room tables, don’t sleep on the power of recycled materials. The Ink + Ivy Sonoma dining table cuts costs by using reclaimed pine wood, which is also super environmentally friendly. It also gives the table a weathered, natural and soft look that easily blends in with myriad decor styles.
“We’ve owned this farmhouse-inspired Sonoma dining table since 2020, and we’ve eaten everything on it, from my husband’s Italian pasta dishes to my Caribbean cuisines,” says former Editor Cher Checchio, who owns the table. “The mix of reclaimed pine wood and industrial gunmetal finishes beautifully complement the other wood tones in our home. Plus, the visible knotty pine details add rustic charm. Although we’re only a family of three, this 72-inch white-washed table is large enough to seat six, so there’s room to grow.”
The neutral wood mixes well with farmhouse decor like finds from the Pioneer Woman furniture line. With the right accents, it can also be used to create an industrial-style dining area. This dining table is something of a chameleon—it easily adapts to a number of decor styles and aesthetics.
‘We paired it with the matching weathered bench and the solid wood slatted dining chairs with soft gray cushions. Over time, we’ve noticed that the cushions could offer more padding, but the entire dining set has held up quite nicely. With this woodsy table, we feel like we’re dining in a log cabin in the mountains at every meal,” says Cher.
Dimensions: 36” L x 72” W x 30” H | Seats: Up to 6 | Material(s): Reclaimed pine wood, gunmetal accents | Features: Available for under $400
KATIE BANDURSKI/TASTE OF HOME
Pros:
- Made with acacia wood for durability
- Very sturdy construction
- Quick, painless assembly
- White glove delivery optional
- Modern, rustic look goes with lots of decor styles
Cons:
- Not many colors and styles available
Finding the best dining table for your family means locating a table that’s as sturdy as it is easy to maintain. The Seb dining table is the “goldilocks” of family dining furniture. Its rustic, extendable wood tabletop wipes up easily and can accommodate up to six people at once. Thanks to a classic look and an optional matching chair and bench set, it’s also easy on the eyes.
“This is such a high-quality table for the price,” says Senior Editor Katie Bandurski of her Seb table and chairs. “I love the timeless look, and the variety of sizes ensures there’s a good fit for any kitchen. Delivery was seamless, and assembly took minimal time and effort — all I needed to do was attach the legs to the table and bench. This table is heirloom-quality status and, with proper care, should last a lifetime.” There’s also the option to snag an extendable version for even more room.
“I’m incredibly impressed with how sturdy this piece is,” she says of the set. “And it’s 100% wood. As for the price, I think it’s very reasonable. You could easily spend this much on a dining table set at Ikea, Amazon or Wayfair for something made of MDF. I’ve stood on the bench a few times to take photos and have not felt like I was going to fall through. Everything is solid wood. My kitchen now feels complete.”
Dimensions: 31.5” L x 59.1” W x 29.5” H | Seats: 4 to 6 | Material(s): Solid acacia wood | Features: Extendable to 70.9”, optional matching bench and chairs
What to Look for When Buying a Dining Table
Shopping for the best dining room tables? There are a few things to keep at the top of your mind. “When shopping for a dining table, consider factors like material, size, shape, and style to ensure it fits your space, matches your aesthetic, and meets your practical needs for daily use and entertaining guests,” says Andy. “Also, think about maintenance requirements and long-term durability.”
- Budget: Stores like Wayfair offer a variety of options at many different price points—just be sure to read any reviews carefully, especially for budget picks. Consider the value you’re looking for and try to find solid, long-lasting options within your budget.
- Shape: With shape, it often comes down to personal preference, though the space usually determines which is best. “I consider the shape of the table—rectangle/square/oval/round—based both on the client preference and the size and shape of the room. Additional furnishings like a china cabinet or buffet will also affect the circulation and size for the table itself,” notes Andy.
- Size: “Determining the scale of your dining/kitchen table depends on the available space, and how many people you typically host for daily meals and entertaining,” says Andy. Think about the size of your family and whether you regularly host parties or holiday dinners. The size of your space also factors into this.
- Durability: “I am a realistic designer, and when clients have active children and busy schedules, I make selections that are more forgiving and easier to maintain,” says Andy. “Formal dining spaces have different needs than casual family areas, which is why understanding how a client truly lives is tantamount to making the right selection.”
- Indoor vs. Outdoor: Consider where you’d like your dining table to live. While most folks are likely hunting down an indoor table that works for family dinners, others may prefer a sturdier, weather-friendly outdoor dining set for barbecues and al fresco dining. Location is a big consideration, especially since most indoor dining sets don’t play well with rain. Instead, opt for a wicker or iron set that can withstand the elements.
- Aesthetic: “As designers, we always consider the functional aspects of these pieces concurrent to the aesthetics,” says Andy. When it comes to looks, consider the rest of your space and what makes the most sense.
- Material: According to Andy, each material has its unique beauty and durability, though wood is often the top choice for families who prefer easy maintenance. In addition, Lauren mentions that common durable tabletop materials include solid wood, hardwoods like oak or maple, glass, metal, and stone such as granite
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m a shopping expert with Taste of Home with ample experience recommending high-quality products to readers. I’ve tested everything from the best baking subscriptions to the best flavored coffee brands. My specialty lies in reviewing kitchen and dining products and delivering the best information to readers. For this piece, I consulted fellow shopping editors at Taste of Home for their recommendations on the best dining tables. Together, we have over a decade of combined experience shopping and making recommendations to readers.
For this piece, I also consulted award-winning interior designer Andy Yates. Andy is driven by creative passion, experience and curiosity. His goal is always to transform spaces into experiences people absolutely love. He is honored by clients who invite him to help realize a vision for a comfortable, stylish and deeply personal home – an oasis reflective of their tastes, values and unique lifestyle.
We also spoke with Lauren Lerner, Principal Designer and Founder of Living with Lolo, a top-rated design firm located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Lauren’s design approach looks very different than most other firms’ because she focuses on how a space makes a person feel, rather than how it looks. There’s a science behind how specific colors, textures, lighting and key elements make us feel in a space. Recognized as one of Arizona’s top 10 interior designers, Lauren works with a select group of clients nationally. Designer to many celebrities, athletes and busy executives, Lauren’s work has been featured in national publications for its unique style.
How We Tested Each Dining Table
Each dining table recommended in this piece is a dining table that our editorial staff has in their own homes. We only included the best dining room tables that we truly love and have withstood everything from dinner parties to holiday meals and work-from-home days. We included tables at various price points, from budget picks to heirloom pieces that may cost more but offer several years of future meals and parties. While each pick offers different features, we feel confident recommending each option on this list as they’ve held up in our own homes over months (and in some cases, years) of heavy use.
FAQ
What is the most durable dining room table top?
According to Andy, there are a myriad of options for table tops. “Quartz and natural stones are highly resistant to scratches, stains, and fading, with little maintenance required between regular cleanings. More porous stones, like marble, are an exception,” says Andy. “Glass is easy to maintain and has the properties of transparency and reflection, which can allow a room to feel larger, or highlight a fantastic base or rug; but it is susceptible to scratches, and the glare could be an issue for some diners.”
When it comes to the most popular dining table material, Andy says that wood is a clear winner. “Wood is a diverse material with exquisite beauty and warmth that, when properly sealed and maintained, will last for generations. Like porous stones, it is susceptible to moisture, so the sealant and its maintenance are key to a lasting finish,” he says. “There is no right or wrong material for tabletops, but rather, the understanding of the materiality and how much one can invest in maintenance. ”
What is the most popular style dining table?
According to Andy, popular dining table styles shift and are usually cyclical in nature. “Right now, we see a resurgence of travertine, 80s modern and Brutalist pieces. But the classics—mid-century modern, shaker, and farmhouse—are definitely here to stay. With the shift to much more casual, less formal living, ornate and delicate styles have waned in popularity. Even at the high end of the market, I work with clients who prefer easy, low-maintenance, fun and casual tables for real-life family dining, homework, games and entertaining—all in one.”
How to choose a dining table size?
“When choosing a dining table size, start by measuring your space,” says Lauren. “Leave 36-48 inches around the table for easy movement and allocate 24 inches of width per person.” She also recommends opting for rectangular tables in longer rooms, square tables in smaller rooms, and round/oval tables in compact areas with flexible seating. “For rectangular tables seating 6-8, aim for sizes between 60-72 inches long, while square tables for 4 should be 36-44 inches per side, and round tables for 4-6 should range from 42-60 inches in diameter,” she says.
