Finding the ideal dining table can be the most challenging aspect of decorating a dining room — but get it right and the rest of the room falls into place. Your dining table sets the mood, defines the room’s layout, and tells guests what kind of host you are, whether that’s polished, playful, or somewhere in between. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular dining table styles by material and design, and provide a few tips to help you pick the one that fits your space. 

11 popular types of dining tables

From pedestal tables that add a contemporary flair to rustic French country dining tables that exude tradition, there’s a style for every taste and interior.

1. Mid-century modern dining tables

Known for clean lines and minimalist wood finishes, mid-century modern dining tables shine in Bauhaus-inspired and contemporary spaces. Their sleek profile works well in open layouts and minimalist decor.

2. Traditional dining tables

With dark wood finishes, carved table legs, and ornate details, traditional dining tables fit right into classic interiors. Think formal dining rooms that scream classic Hollywood glam with heavy drapes and upholstered chairs. Oval dining tables or long rectangular tables draw the eye and offer generous seating, making them natural focal points in elegant dining rooms. 

3. Industrial dining tables

Combining natural and metallic elements, industrial-style dining tables bring a rugged, utilitarian look to your space. Exposed hardware and reclaimed wood surfaces make them a natural fit for loft apartments and modern urban spaces. 

4. Farmhouse dining tables

Farmhouse dining tables evoke rustic charm and lived-in, inviting vibes. Made of sturdy wood with thick table legs or a classic trestle table base, they’re perfect for casual, cozy interiors like French country and cottagecore. Their wooden tabletop pairs well with soft linens and vintage decor, making them a staple for relaxed dining rooms. 

Browse farmhouse dining tables on Onton 

5. Contemporary dining tables

   
   

   

Contemporary style is the here and now, creating interiors that feel fresh and a little daring. Currently, that means soft curves, durable materials, and a touch of texture. Think an oval dining table made of walnut with a fixed oval base and subtly rounded edges. This style fits perfectly in open, airy homes and pairs well with mid-century modern or minimalist interiors.

6. Shaker dining tables

These hand-crafted wood dining tables bring minimalist charm with their straightforward, functional design. A shaker is a traditional rectangular dining table with tapered legs that narrow gently at the top, typically made with solid wood like maple or cherry. These rustic dining tables shine in traditional and farmhouse-inspired interiors, yet the shaker’s simple silhouette lends itself to minimalist interior design as well. 

7. Art Deco dining tables

Art Deco dining table design showcases bold geometric shapes paired with luxurious materials like marble, exotic wood, and metal accents. Rectangular tabletops with sculptural bases or round dining tables with glossy finishes are emblematic of this style. These tables work best in event dining rooms or interiors that lean into maximalism.

8. Pedestal tables

Pedestals are a type of table with a single central base instead of traditional legs, offering more space for dining chairs all around. Typically, pedestal tables have oval or round tabletops, making them a smart choice for smaller spaces where corners would be difficult to avoid. They fit effortlessly into a wide range of interior design aesthetics, from Scandinavian minimalism (think glass top on a light wood base) to French country (think warm, distressed wood with carved details). 

9. Mission-style dining tables

Sturdy simplicity is the motto of mission-style dining tables. Defined by straight lines, blocky angles, and dark finishes, these wood dining tables showcase durability and traditional craftsmanship. Their heavy proportions and exposed joints add rustic charm, making them a perfect fit for traditional or rustic interiors that value honest, no-frills interior design. 

Check out mission-style dining tables on Onton

10. Parsons dining table

As far as dining room furniture names go, Parsons is a modern classic. The Parsons table is a modernist design featuring a rectangular or square table with square-shaped legs that are flush with the edges and equal in thickness to the tabletop. It’s a clean, streamlined dining table style that complements both modern and contemporary dining rooms as well as traditional and transitional spaces. 

11. Pub tables

Taller than your standard dining table size, the pub table invites casual hangouts. Usually between 36 and 42 inches high, these tables work perfectly in home bars, kitchens, and patios. They offer flexible seating options with stools or standing room, making them ideal for game nights and relaxed entertaining. 

Types of dining table materials

Your dining room table’s material changes the vibe and affects how the furniture holds up over time. From low-maintenance laminate to rich wood dining tables, here’s a look at the most popular options:

• Glass: A glass top adds an airy, modern feel and visually opens up a space. They’re easy to clean but do quickly show fingerprints and can scratch easily. Glass tables are great for small dining rooms or bright rooms, as they reflect light and make the area feel bigger. 

• Wood: A classic choice for dining tables, wood offers warmth and timeless appeal. Wood tables are incredibly durable and can be refinished if they get scratched or worn, but they need a bit of care to avoid stains and watermarks. They fit just about anywhere — from rustic French country kitchens to sophisticated formal dining rooms. 

• Metal: These dining tables pack an industrial edge and are surprisingly versatile. They’re made from durable materials like gold-hued brass or bright silvery zinc and can also be softened with matte or glossy painted finishes. Metal is sturdy and low-maintenance, perfect if you want something that stands up to everyday use without much fuss.

• Laminate: These budget-friendly dining tables resist stains and scratches pretty well. They’re made by layering plastic over a composite base, which means they can mimic everything from wood grain to stone without the high price or extra maintenance. 

• Resin: Tough, low-maintenance, and adaptable to indoor and outdoor spaces, these types of tables hold up to everyday wear without sacrificing style. Typically made with a wood base and epoxy resin, the resin coating creates a durable, often glossy, surface. They can fit into modern farmhouses (imagine a live edge table in a light-colored wood) or coastal designs (look for soft-blue hues and wave-like patterns). 

5 tips for choosing the right dining table style

Looks aren’t everything. Shape, size, and even the table legs can totally change how your dining room feels and functions. Here are a few things to keep in mind before settling on a fit: 

• Measure your space carefully: Whether eyeing a snug square dining table or a long trestle table, make sure there are at least 36 inches around the table to move around and calculate a minimum of 24 inches of space between each chair. 

• Consider your lifestyle: Regularly hosting big dinner parties? A rectangle or round extension table will help you stay flexible. Likewise, consider durable, easy-to-clean materials like wood or laminate if your dining table doubles as a homework zone or everyday workspace. 

• Pay attention to table legs: Pedestal tables offer more room for chairs, while trestle tables add character but limit legroom. Also, consider how thin legs can create a lighter, more open feel, whereas Mission-style or traditional table designs anchor the room with a solid presence. 

• Prioritize the scale of your room: Glass tabletops or slender mid-century modern designs make small spaces feel more open. On the flip side, large formal dining areas can house ornate bases and heavy wood table tops without feeling mismatched. 

• Balance style with functionality: Choose a table that looks great and fits into your daily use. Think about how often you use it, how many people gather around it, and whether you need extra features like extendable leaves, easy-to-clean surfaces, or materials that can be refinished for a quick refresh. 

Use Onton’s AI to find the right dining table style

Can’t decide between a contemporary laminate pedestal table or a rustic wood dining table? Let Onton’s AI-powered search engine help you weigh all your interior design options. Try prompts like “reclaimed wood dining table,” “modern pull-out table,” or “metal table with chairs” to find pieces that make you want to throw a dinner party.

Then, bring your ideas to life with Onton’s Imagine tool. Upload a photo of your space and experiment with different styles and furniture pieces to see your dining room design come to life. 

Dream up your ideal dining table aesthetic with Onton.