Best dining tables from extendable to round 2022

(Loaf)

The dining table is the social hub of the home: it’s where the family gathers to enjoy time together, catching up over breakfast rolls, coffee breaks, weekend brunches, lovely lunches and everything in between.

The best dining tables will provide a stylish backdrop for all those clan get-togethers, whether it’s homework club, super-chic dinner parties, or a short-term work space. Substance is just as important as style, with sustainable furniture at the forefront of our mind as we head into the new decade. Dining tables are an investment that should be built to last, so eco-friendly and high-quality materials are a great starting point.

With kitchen and dining tables being woven into the fabric of our family foundations, it pays to do your research before splurging. Here are a few questions you may want to ponder before making that all-important purchase.

How much should I spend?

It’s a good idea to pick a budget and stick to it. However, remember that a good-quality dining table should last for many years so can be seen as an investment if you do want to spend more.

What style should I go for?

Have a look at your house and see what you think will fit best with the decor. If you like a rustic or modern country look, a salvaged or reclaimed wood dining table may be perfect for you. If you’re a vintage or retro fan, a mid-century modern piece should fit in nicely. Industrial design lovers should look out for steel frames and zinc tops, while contemporary-chic admirers should go for glamorous modern materials like marble, brass, or fibreglass. Nordic or Scandi enthusiasts should stick to clean lines and a pared-back blond oak style.

What shape should I choose?

The shape of your kitchen or dining table is down to personal taste, but can also be informed by the size of your house and shape of your rooms. A round table is a really sociable style to choose, and works well in smaller spaces. An oval kitchen or dining table is ideal for narrower areas, while a rectangular table is great for larger rooms and open plan kitchens.

How big should it be?

The size of your kitchen or dining table really depends on how much room you have and how big your family is. If you love hosting friends but you’ve also got a big family and not a huge space, an extending table might be the perfect solution; something that has the ability to host large groups but that can be made smaller for day-to-day life.

Looking at different styles, price ranges, shapes and sizes, we’ve served up a selection of some of our favourite kitchen and dining tables below.

Next Brooklyn Reclaimed Pine 6 to 8 Seater Extending Dining Table

Style: Industrial cool

Seats: 4 to 8 people

What happens when you mix a chunky reclaimed top with black steel? A rustic-industrial dining table extravaganza, of course. Throw in a really palatable price and you’ve got a brilliant buy. Next is really upping the style stakes recently and has a host of excellent - and on-trend - table choices. This funky option would make a cool addition to any modern kitchen or dining room, and won’t eat too much into the rest of your decorating budget.

Buy now £725.00, Next

Habitat Drio Extending Oak 4-10 Seat Dining Table

Style: Pleasingly accommodating

Seats: up to 10

Ideal for small households with a large extended family or group of friends, this robust, solid oak table morphs from a four-seater to one you can get 10 people around. Also available in walnut wood, the clean lines and classic shape means it won't age making it a true investment piece to take from home to home. The only thing you'll need to consider is space when the two extension leaves are added - it'll span 240cm when fully open.

Buy now £700.00, Habitat

MADE Edelweiss 6-8 Seat Oval Extending Dining Table, Walnut and Black

Style: Modern Scandi

Seats: 6 to 8

No need to budge up and squeeze in with this ultra-stylish extending table from MADE. The walnut wood gives a nod to midcentury style, as do the tapered legs and clean lines.The black trim adds a contemporary design element, and looks great paired with matching dinnerware. Understated, clean-lined and uncomplicated, it would fit in with any dining room decor scheme.

Buy now £495.00, MADE

Swoon Editions Bjorn Extendable Dining Table, Acacia

Style: Old school cool

Seats: 6 - 8 people

Make your kitchen or dining room feel Bjorn again (sorry) with this robust yet elegant extendable dining table from Swoon Editions. Each piece has been crafted separately, so while there might be some discolouration, the brand says this all adds to its beauty - and we're inclined to agree.

Buy now £699.00, Swoon Editions

Heal’s Madrid Dining Table

Style: Contemporary chic

Seats: From six people at the smallest size

Looking for a table with a contemporary edge? This Heal’s option offers a high-quality solid oak or walnut wood top with an injection of modern industrial chic, thanks to the steel splayed legs.

Part of the Designed by You range, you can choose from seven different lengths, two widths, three different edge profiles, and six different wood finishes to tailor the finish to your specific requirements, or match to a particular decor scheme. Whether you are working with a compact space or have room for a large statement table, all choices are covered. Versatile and very handsome? A winning combination.

Buy now £1569.00, Heal's

IKEA ​Lisabo table

Style: Back to black

Seats: Up to six

Renting or on a tight budget? There’s many reasons why you might not want to splash out on an expensive dining table. And, don’t worry, there’s still a host of stylish options out there to choose from. Ikea is always a safe go-to for affordable furniture, and this matte-black wood dining table is a sleek, stylish offering ((although white is also available). Perfect for any modern apartment or home, it’s pleasing on the eye - and your purse.

Buy now £149.00, IKEA

west elm Silhouette Marble 4 Seater Pedestal Dining Table, Bronze

Style: Showstopping statement

Size: four diners

Got your heart set on a statement piece to pin your dining room together? Made from solid Indian marble and a dramatic gold-coloured base, friends and family will soon be fighting for a spot on your next dinner party invite list. It barely needs dressing (although some flowers and nice tableware would up the ante) making every meal feel like a luxury.

Buy now £999.00, John Lewis

Cult Furniture​ Maria round marble and brass dining table

Style: Art Deco decadence

Seats: Up to 4 people

A marble and brass combination is an instant game-changer for upping the glamour stakes. This compact piece adds opulence to any space but remains inviting and warm. A statement, eye-catching dining table that would look at home in modern or vintage decor schemes. Also comes in a two-seater size for cosy-chic date nights in smaller spaces.

Buy now £677.00, Cult Furniture​

Barker & Stonehouse Ercol Corso dining table

Style: Mid-century modern

Seats: 6 to 8 people

Calling all design-led retro fans! This classic Ercol dining table, inspired by the iconic Plank table, is an elegant piece that’s been given a modern feel, sizing up for every day family use. Its simple, flowing lines and soft grain create a sophisticated piece that’s also robust, making the perfect understated yet statement talking-point table that will play a central role in memory-making fun with family and friends for years to come.

Buy now £1229.00, Barker & Stonehouse

Graham & Green Fay Parquetry Dining Table

Style: Timeless glamour

Size: 8 of your favourite faces

The art of parquetry isn't just for floors - why not bring the texture up a level to your dining table? Graham & Green's generous Faye table shows how to do it in style, with the table top sitting on iron legs with brass finish for extra elegance. Add colour coordinating chairs or G&G's matching bench to complete the look. An investment you won’t regret.

Buy now £1095.00, Graham & Green

Loaf Parquet Pie Kitchen Table

Style: Blonde beauty

Seats: 4 to 6

Pale, minimalist wood is having a moment and it’s not hard to see why with this little looker. A round table by day and oval by night when those extra guests arrive, it’s a handy piece that will see you through everything from the breakfast rush to sophisticated evening soirees. Ideal for the kitchen or more compact dining rooms. Now, who’s popping the kettle on?

Buy now £1195.00, Loaf

Verdict

We’re sitting up (or should we say down?) and taking notice of Next’s burgeoning choice of stylish kitchen and dining tables. The Brooklyn extending dining table adds a bit of NY-worthy loft-style cool to any home and, not only is it rather handsome, it’s also versatile and practical; whether you want a low-key family tea time or a dinner party to end all dinner parties, it’s got all bases covered.