How to Choose the Right Dining Table for Your Home, Size, Style and Practical Tips

Introduction to Choosing a Dining Table

A dining table is more than just a piece of furniture. It’s where everyday moments happen and where people come together.

It’s the place where families sit down at the end of the day, where couples share meals and conversations, and where friends gather to catch up properly, often putting phones to one side and enjoying time together. It’s also where special occasions are celebrated, from birthdays and Easter meals to larger family get-togethers and Christmas dinners.

Choosing the right dining table means finding something that works for all of these moments. It needs to feel right for everyday use, while still being ready for those occasions when you need a little more space and flexibility.

At Progressive Furnishings, we offer a wide range of dining tables, from compact options for smaller homes to large extending tables designed for entertaining. There is also a wide choice of coordinating chairs and benches available, allowing you to create a dining set that suits both your space and your style. This guide will help you find the right fit for your home and the way you live.

Quick Answers on Choosing a Dining Table

A few of our most popular Dining Tables

What Will Your Dining Table Be Used For?

Before choosing a size, shape or style, think about how your dining table will actually be used day to day.

For some homes, the table is mainly used for family meals, while for others it becomes one of the hardest-working pieces of furniture in the house. In an open-plan kitchen it might double as a food preparation or serving area, while family dining tables often become the place for homework, working from home, hobbies, board games and everything in between.

Your lifestyle can help determine which features matter most. A busy family home may benefit from a durable, easy-to-clean surface, while those who regularly entertain might place more importance on an extending table and flexible seating. In a smaller home, a compact table or bench seating can help make better use of the available space.

Think about how many people will use the table most days rather than simply choosing for the largest gathering you might occasionally host. An extending table can give you additional space for Christmas, birthdays and family get-togethers without dominating the room for the rest of the year.

Understanding how your table needs to work will make the decisions about size, material and design much easier as you work through this guide.

Start with Your Space

Before choosing a dining table, it’s important to consider both the shape and size of your room. It’s not just about the space available, but how the table will sit within it.

In rooms that are more evenly proportioned, round dining tables often work particularly well. They soften the layout, improve flow around the room and create a more social, relaxed feel.

Styles such as the Magnus Oak round table, the Mason Gloss round table, or the contemporary Mason Stone round designs are all great options depending on the look you want to achieve.

In contrast, many modern homes, particularly new builds, tend to have longer and narrower dining areas. In these spaces, a rectangular table is usually the most practical choice. It follows the shape of the room, uses the space more efficiently and allows for easier movement around the table.

Ranges such as the Hardwick Oak extending tables, the Loxley Rustic Oak collection and the versatile Rialto dining tables all work well in these layouts.

For something a little different, oval-shaped tables, such as those in the Mason range, offer a softer alternative to rectangular designs. They are slightly wider through the centre with gently curved edges, which helps improve flow while still providing plenty of surface space.

Planning your layout first will help ensure your dining space feels balanced, practical and easy to use every day.

A few of our Oval shaped tables

Allow the Right Space Around Your Dining Table

Choosing the right table size is only part of the picture — how much space you leave around it is just as important. A well-planned layout ensures your dining area feels comfortable, practical and easy to move around, whether you are sitting down for a quick meal or hosting friends and family.

As a general guide, you should allow a minimum of 90cm (36″) clearance around your dining table. This gives enough room for chairs to be pulled out and for people to move around the table. For a more relaxed and spacious feel, particularly in open-plan homes, an ideal clearance of around 120cm (48″) is recommended.

If space is limited, dining benches can be a particularly practical choice, as many can be pushed neatly underneath the table when they are not in use, taking up virtually no additional floor space.

The diagrams above clearly show both minimum and ideal spacing, helping you visualise exactly how much room you need around your dining table. They show how proper clearance allows guests to get in and out of their seats comfortably without disturbing others, while also maintaining a natural flow through the space.

It’s also important to consider the wider layout of your room. Make sure there is enough space to fully open doors, including internal doors, patio doors or cupboards nearby. Think about how the dining area connects to the rest of your home, ensuring there is a clear pathway around the table and that other furniture such as sideboards, display cabinets or kitchen units can still be used with ease.

Taking the time to plan your space properly will make a noticeable difference to how your dining area looks and functions day to day, creating a setting that works just as well for everyday living as it does for entertaining.

Choosing the Right Size

Choosing the right size dining table is about more than just fitting it into your room. It needs to work comfortably for everyday use, while still giving you flexibility when needed.

As mentioned in the space and layout section above, allowing enough room around your table is essential for ease of movement and comfort.

In general terms:

• Smaller 4-seater tables work well in kitchens, apartments or compact dining areas
• 6-seater tables suit most families, offering a good balance between everyday use and occasional hosting
• Larger 8-seater tables are ideal for bigger families, entertaining or open-plan dining spaces

When choosing your size, think about how many people you need to seat regularly, not just occasionally. It’s often better to size for everyday comfort and rely on an extending table when you need extra seating, rather than living with a table that feels too large for daily use.

Fixed or Extending Dining Tables

One of the key decisions when choosing a dining table is whether a fixed or extending design will suit your home best. Both have their advantages, and the right choice will depend on how you use your space day to day.

Fixed dining tables offer a simple and consistent look. They are always ready to use and often suit smaller rooms or spaces where the table size will remain the same. If your dining area is used mainly for everyday meals and you rarely need extra seating, a fixed table can be a practical and stylish choice.

Extending dining tables, on the other hand, offer far greater flexibility. They allow you to keep the table compact for everyday use, while giving you the option to create additional seating when needed. This makes them ideal for family homes, open-plan spaces and anyone who enjoys entertaining.

Modern extending tables are designed to be easy to use, with a range of mechanisms that make the process quick and smooth.

For example, the Mason Stone, gloss and timber tables use an Easy Glide mechanism, where a simple twist of the tabletop allows it to extend seamlessly, creating a smooth, continuous surface.

The Rialto dining tables use cleverly designed hidden extension panels, which pull out and align neatly with the main table, maintaining a clean and modern appearance.

Ranges such as Hardwick Oak and Loxley Rustic Oak use traditional-style extending panels that glide out smoothly, offering a reliable and durable solution that works well in both classic and contemporary homes.

Choosing between fixed and extending often comes down to how flexible you need your space to be. If your dining table is used for a variety of purposes or you regularly have guests, an extending table can make a significant difference without taking up extra space day to day.

Dining Table Shapes

The shape of your dining table plays a big part in how your room looks and how it functions day to day. It can influence how people move around the space, how many you can seat comfortably, and the overall feel of the room.

As touched on in the space and layout section, the proportions of your room should guide your choice just as much as personal style.

Rectangular tables are the most popular choice and work well in the majority of homes, particularly in longer or open-plan spaces

Round tables create a more relaxed, social setting, making them ideal for smaller rooms or where you want conversation to flow more easily

If your room is narrower, a rectangular table is usually the most practical option. However, not all rectangular tables feel the same in a space.

Some designs, such as the Easy Glide tables in the Mason Stone, Mason Gloss and Rialto ranges, feature a more streamlined shape. These are slightly narrower at each end, giving a softer, more refined look while also making them easier to move around in tighter spaces. It’s a subtle difference, but one that can make a room feel less crowded without compromising on seating.

When choosing a shape, think about both the layout of your room and how you use the space. A well-chosen table shape will not only fit better but also make everyday dining more comfortable.

Materials and Finishes

The material and finish you choose will shape both the look of your dining space and how well your table stands up to everyday life. It’s not just about appearance — it’s about finding the right balance between style, durability and practicality.

Oak Dining Tables

Oak remains one of the most popular choices, and for good reason. It offers natural warmth, strength and a timeless look that works in a wide range of homes.

Ranges such as Hardwick Oak and Loxley Rustic Oak bring out the natural grain and character of the wood, making them especially suited to traditional, farmhouse or country-style interiors. Oak is also a great long-term investment, as it ages beautifully and continues to look better over time.

Modern Stone and Sintered Tables

For a more contemporary feel, sintered stone and ceramic-style tops are becoming increasingly popular.

Sintered stone is an advanced material designed to handle the demands of modern living. It is:

• Highly resistant to scratches, heat and stains
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Non-porous, making it ideal for busy households

As well as being practical, it also offers a clean, refined look that suits modern, minimalist and high-end interiors. Tables such as the Rialto range combine this durability with sleek designs and clever extending mechanisms, making them a strong choice for both everyday use and entertaining.

Painted Finishes

Painted dining tables offer a softer, more relaxed look and are ideal if you want to introduce colour without overwhelming your space.

Ranges such as Ivan Stone and Newstead work particularly well in farmhouse, cottage or classic interiors, often paired with oak tops for added warmth and contrast. These finishes can help create a lighter, more welcoming feel, especially in kitchens and open-plan living areas.

Pressure Laminate

Pressure laminate tables are designed with practicality in mind. They offer a durable, easy-care surface that can handle daily use with minimal maintenance.

They are a good option for busy family homes or modern spaces, where a clean look and low upkeep are key priorities. Mason Gloss and Mason Stone are examples of Pressure Laminate.

Mixed Materials

For something a little more distinctive, mixed material tables combine different finishes to create a more design-led look.

A good example is the Magnus Oak and Magnus Stone ranges, which pairs oak with metal elements to create a modern industrial style. These combinations work well in contemporary homes, loft-style spaces or interiors that mix textures and finishes for a more layered look.

Material	Particularly good for	Examples

Oak

Natural character, longevity and timeless interiors

Hardwick Light Oak, Loxley Rustic Oak

Sintered Stone

Heat, stain and scratch resistance; busy homes

Rialto

Painted Oak

Lighter country and classic interiors

Newstead Painted, Ivan Stone

Pressure Laminate

Practical everyday durability and easy care

Mason Gloss, Mason Stone

Mixed Materials

Contemporary and industrial interiors

Magnus Industrial Oak

Chairs, Benches or a Mix of Both

Your choice of seating can completely transform not just the look of your dining area, but how it works day to day. It’s often where you can introduce personality, comfort and flexibility into your space.

With over 80 dining chairs and benches available, there’s plenty of scope to create something that feels right for your home.

• Dining chairs offer comfort, support and a more structured, formal feel
• Benches create a relaxed, informal look and are ideal for maximising space
• Mixing both gives you flexibility while adding visual interest

Dining Chairs

Dining chairs come in a wide range of styles, making it easy to tailor your space to suit your interior.

You’ll find everything from:

• Solid oak chairs for a classic, timeless look
• Oak frames with padded seats for added comfort
• Leather-look, wipe-clean finishes that are ideal for busy homes
• Velvet chairs for a softer, more luxurious feel
• Fully upholstered fabric chairs in a variety of colours and textures

This variety allows you to match your chairs closely to your table or deliberately contrast them for a more individual look. For example, pairing modern upholstered chairs with an oak table can create a more contemporary, design-led feel.

Benches

Benches are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in kitchens and open-plan spaces.

One of their biggest advantages is practicality. Benches can be tucked neatly under the table when not in use, helping to keep walkways clear and making them a great choice for more compact spaces.

They also encourage a more relaxed, social way of dining, making them ideal for families or casual gatherings.

Mixing Chairs and Benches

Many customers now choose to combine both chairs and benches to get the best of both worlds.

A common approach is to place a bench along one side of the table, with chairs on the opposite side or at the ends. This creates a more informal, flexible layout while still maintaining comfort and structure where it’s needed.

Mixing different chair styles is also becoming more popular. Whether it’s combining colours, materials or shapes, this approach can give your dining area a more modern, eclectic or “designed” look without feeling overly formal.

Practicality and Everyday Care

A dining table needs to look good, but it also needs to suit the realities of everyday life.

Consider how much maintenance you are comfortable with and what your table is likely to encounter. A table used by a busy family may need to cope with frequent cleaning, spills and everyday wear, while a table used mainly for occasional dining may allow you to prioritise appearance and design.

Different materials also have different practical advantages. Sintered stone and other highly durable surfaces can be particularly useful in busy homes, while natural oak offers strength, longevity and character that develops over time.

Also think about the furniture around your table. Chairs need enough room to pull out comfortably, benches can be tucked away to free up space, and nearby sideboards, cupboards and doors should remain easy to access.

The best dining table isn’t simply the one that looks right in your room. It’s one that feels easy to live with every day.

Explore Our Dining Collections

You can browse our full collection of dining tables and sets online, including oak, stone and contemporary designs to suit all styles of home.

Many of our dining collections, including Hardwick, Loxley, Ivan, Mason and Magnus, also feature matching furniture to help you create a coordinated look throughout your room. Depending on the range, you’ll find pieces such as sideboards, shelving units, display cabinets, lamp tables and console tables.

Or visit our showroom in Forest Town to see the ranges in person, explore the different furniture combinations and find the perfect dining collection for your home.

See Our Dining Tables in Person

While browsing online is a great starting point, visiting a showroom allows you to see the size, finish and build quality up close, and get a true feel for how each table works in a real setting.

At Progressive Furnishings in Forest Town, you can explore a wide range of dining tables and chairs, compare styles, and find the right combination for your home with help from our friendly team.

Dining Table FAQs

How much space should I leave around a dining table?

You should allow at least 90cm (36″) around your table so chairs can be pulled out comfortably. For a more spacious feel, especially in open-plan rooms, around 120cm (48″) is ideal.

Is it better to choose a fixed or extending dining table?

A fixed table is ideal if your seating needs stay consistent, while an extending table offers more flexibility. If you regularly have guests or need extra space occasionally, an extending table is usually the better option.

What shape dining table is best for my room?

Rectangular tables suit most spaces, particularly longer rooms. Round tables are ideal for smaller or more balanced spaces and create a more social feel. Your room layout should guide your choice.

What is the most durable material for a dining table?

Sintered stone and ceramic-style tables are among the most durable options, offering resistance to heat, scratches and stains. Oak is also a strong, long-lasting choice that develops character over time.

Are benches a good idea for dining tables?

Benches are a great option, particularly in smaller spaces. They can be tucked neatly under the table when not in use, helping to save space, while also creating a more relaxed and informal dining setup.

Can I mix and match dining chairs?

Yes, mixing different chair styles, colours or materials can create a more individual and modern look. Many people combine upholstered chairs with wooden tables or mix chairs with benches for added flexibility.

What is the best dining table for a small space?

For smaller rooms, consider a compact rectangular or round table, or an extending table that can be reduced in size when not in use. Benches can also help maximise space by tucking neatly underneath.

How do I choose a dining table for an open-plan space?

In open-plan layouts, the dining table often needs to suit both everyday use and entertaining. Extending tables work particularly well, and the style should complement the surrounding kitchen and living areas.

Opening Hours and Contact Details

We are open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm and are closed Sunday and Monday.

If you are visiting us to look at a specific piece of furniture and want to be sure we have it on display, just give us a call before travelling and we can check what we have in stock for you.

Our team look forward to welcoming you to our showroom soon.

See our Contact Page for details on how to find us.
Our Showroom Address
Sandlands Court,
Fulmar Close,
Forest Town (opposite Asda)
Nottinghamshire
NG19 0GG

Call us: 01623 620620

Message us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProgressiveFurnishings/

Message us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProgressiveFurnishings/