Your guide to choosing the perfect dining table
From weeknight dinners to homework sessions, to cosy crafts and coffee chats, the dining table is the hub of the home. Choose one that fits your space, style, and lifestyle. Let’s find your dream dining table – we promise it’s not that complicated!
Function – How will you use it?
Think beyond meals. Your table is a hub for everyday life. Could built-in storage be useful? Will you need flexibility for bigger gatherings? Then an extendable table is a good choice.
Function – How will you use it?
Think beyond meals. Your table is a hub for everyday life. Could built-in storage be useful? Will you need flexibility for bigger gatherings? Then an extendable table is a good choice.
Space – Look around you
Measure your space and think about where the table will sit. Consider different placements – against a wall, by a window, or as a centrepiece in the room.
Make sure there’s enough room for chairs and for moving around comfortably. As a guide:
To be able to pull out a chair and squeeze past, allow about 110–120 cm from the edge of the table.
For a wider, more comfortable walkway behind people sitting down, allow 130–150 cm of space from the edge of the table.
Space – Look around you
Measure your space and think about where the table will sit. Consider different placements – against a wall, by a window, or as a centrepiece in the room.
Make sure there’s enough room for chairs and for moving around comfortably. As a guide:
To be able to pull out a chair and squeeze past, allow about 110–120 cm from the edge of the table.
For a wider, more comfortable walkway behind people sitting down, allow 130–150 cm of space from the edge of the table.
Size – How big should it be?
Think about how many people will use the table day to day, and how much room you have. As a general guide:
2–4 people: Small round table (90–120 cm diameter) or compact rectangular table
4–6 people: Medium tables around 150–180 cm long
6–8 people: Large tables 180–240 cm long
If you like to host, consider going slightly bigger, or choose an extendable table for flexibility.
Size – How big should it be?
Think about how many people will use the table day to day, and how much room you have. As a general guide:
2–4 people: Small round table (90–120 cm diameter) or compact rectangular table
4–6 people: Medium tables around 150–180 cm long
6–8 people: Large tables 180–240 cm long
If you like to host, consider going slightly bigger, or choose an extendable table for flexibility.
Shape – Find the right fit
The shape of your table affects both how the room feels and how you gather around it.
Round: Encourages conversation, offers flexible seating, ideal for small rooms
Square/Rectangular: Great for placing against a wall or creating long, continuous settings
Oval: Fits larger groups, works well in narrow spaces
Shape – Find the right fit
The shape of your table affects both how the room feels and how you gather around it.
Round: Encourages conversation, offers flexible seating, ideal for small rooms
Square/Rectangular: Great for placing against a wall or creating long, continuous settings
Oval: Fits larger groups, works well in narrow spaces
Style – Make it personal
There are no rules – just what feels right for your home. If you’re leaning toward a certain look, the right table can help bring it to life.
For an airy, Scandi-inspired look, choose a table in light wood – like the KARSKÄR table – for a calm, natural feel. Prefer a more traditional atmosphere? Go for a classic design with crafted details, such as the ROSENTORP table. If modern and sleek is more your style, opt for clean lines, graphic legs, and metal accents – like the NORRMJÖLE table.
Material – Match your lifestyle
Different materials suit different ways of living. From the natural warmth of wood to the practicality of easy-care melamine foil, each option brings its own benefits.
Solid hard wood: warm, durable, and ages beautifully over time
Hardwood veneer: the look of real wood with added durability
Melamine foil: resistant to moisture and scratches, easy to clean
Explore more in our material guide to find the best fit for your home.
Material – Match your lifestyle
Different materials suit different ways of living. From the natural warmth of wood to the practicality of easy-care melamine foil, each option brings its own benefits.
Solid hard wood: warm, durable, and ages beautifully over time
Hardwood veneer: the look of real wood with added durability
Melamine foil: resistant to moisture and scratches, easy to clean
Explore more in our material guide to find the best fit for your home.
