A dining room table sets the stage for everyday get-togethers and special celebrations, but finding the right one can be frustrating. With so many options, narrowing it down to just one dining set isn't always easy. That's why we're here to help you sort through the different types, styles and features so you can find your perfect dining set, dining table, or dining chairs.

7 Minutes, 7 Key Decisions

• Key Decision 1: Dining Table Type
• Key Decision 2: Dining Table Shape
• Key Decision 3: Dining Table Style
• Key Decision 4: Seating Capacity
• Key Decision 5: Table Base Design
• Key Decision 6: Material and Finish
• Key Decision 7: Special Features

Quality and Value

Key Decision 1: Dining Table Type

A dining room table's type refers to its height. Because shorter, standard height dining tables are the most common, they're more readily available in various designs, styles and finishes. However, counter height dining tables and dinettes are quickly growing in popularity for casual get-togethers.

Dining Table - At roughly 30” tall, standard height dining room tables and dinettes are approximately waist high and can comfortably seat most guests. Standard dining tables are well suited for large households, formal dining and people who have difficulty climbing into a taller chair.

Counter Height Dining Table - Counter height dining room tables and dinette sets are roughly 34-36” tall. Excellent for casual dining, their increased height enables people who are sitting or standing to easily talk with one another without awkwardly craning their necks.

Key Decision 2: Dining Table Shape

Ideally, your dining room table's shape should provide enough comfortable seating and enhance the overall look of the room. Fortunately, dining tables and dinettes are available in a variety of shapes so you can find one that comfortably fits the space available and still provide adequate seating.

Rectangular Dining Table - Rectangular dining tables are the most popular because they're the same shape as most dining rooms and can comfortably seat more than four people at a time.

Square Dining Table - Ideal for seating four people or less, square dining tables and dinette sets are best suited for nooks and smaller dining rooms such as those found in apartments.

Round Dining Table - Round dining tables and dinettes are ideal for creating an intimate, casual dining area in which everyone seated at the table can talk without shouting from one end to the other.

Oval Dining Table - Like rectangular dining room tables, oval dining tables are well suited for seating a large group of people, but their rounded corners provide a softer, more inviting look.

Other Shapes - Dining room tables and dinettes are also available in non-standard shapes for those who prefer a more unique look and style.

Key Decision 3: Dining Table Style

Because your dining table sets the tone for the rest of your dining room, it should provide a comfortable, inviting place for family and guests to gather. And, it should complement the structure of your dining room and the rest of the décor for a clean, coherent look.

Modern - One of the most popular styles, modern dining sets feature clean lines and minimal detailing. And, in addition to wood, many modern dining tables and dinette sets incorporate alternative materials such as glass or ceramic to create their table top.

Traditional - Most traditional dining room sets feature more curved lines and decorative detailing than modern dining tables. Traditional dining tables and dinettes are also available in a variety of designs ranging from the comfortably casual to the classic and more formal.

Transitional - Transitional dining room sets combine the clean lines of modern dining sets with the curved, decorative appeal of traditional dining sets. Depending on the design, many transitional dining room sets fit in well with most styles of décor, including country, antique and contemporary.

Country - Comfortable and inviting, country dining room tables feature rich wood grains, white finishes and rustic decorative touches. Country dining tables can be used to create an easy going family area, a formal country dining room or even add a softer element to a modern dining room or kitchen nook.

Industrial - Often ultra-modern in appearance, industrial dining room sets are usually constructed of glass, steel, aluminum or ceramic. Industrial dining sets commonly feature unconventional designs and are best suited for more contemporary styles of décor.

Exotic - Made from exotic woods and alternative materials such as bamboo or rattan, each exotic dining room set features a distinctive look all its own. Because of their unique appearance, exotic dining tables make a bold statement wherever you place them.

Key Decision 4: Seating Capacity

First and foremost, your dining room set should feature enough seating for your average size gathering. While dinette sets and counter height dining tables can seat small gatherings comfortably, standard height tables, especially extendable tables, are the better option for seating more than four people.

2 Person Dining Tables
4 Person Dining Tables
6 Person Dining Tables
8 Person or More Dining Tables

Key Decision 5: Table Base Design

A dining room table's base is key to its overall look and comfort. Each type of table base provides a certain amount of leg room and may be better suited for particular table shapes, so be sure to choose one that fits your needs and the needs of your guests.

Dining Tables with Legs - Dining room tables with a leg base feature a leg at each corner so that the weight of the table top is distributed evenly. This design allows for more open space beneath the table so that guests can comfortably stretch their legs in front of them.

Dining Tables with Pedestal Bases - Pedestal table bases feature a single pedestal column that supports the table top at its center and provides each guest more leg room to the sides. Typically found on round and square dining tables and dinette sets, pedestal bases easily support the addition of more guests around the table.

Dining Tables with Double Pedestal Bases - Double pedestal bases feature a supporting column at each end of the table rather than in the center. Designed for supporting long, narrow tables, double pedestal bases are often found on rectangular and oval dining room tables.

Dining Tables with Trestle Bases - Similar to leg and double pedestal bases, trestle table bases feature an additional support that runs the length of the table to connect two or more supports. While they frequently provide additional support for longer dining tables, trestle bases can also be found on tables of various sizes and shapes.

Key Decision 6: Material and Finish

What your dining room table or dinette set is made of plays a large role in its style, durability and price tag. While many dining room tables are constructed of a single material such as wood, other dining tables may feature a table top that's made from a different material such as glass or marble.

Wood is the most popular material for dining tables because it's readily available, highly versatile and comes in a wide variety finishes. And, you can find one to fit just about any style of decor, including traditional solid wood tables and modern tables that feature a glass top.

All Wood Dining Tables
Light Wood Dining Tables
Medium Wood Dining Tables
View Dark Wood Dining Tables

Metal Dining Tables - Metal dining room tables are either modern in style or feature intricate wrought iron framework for a traditional or country look. Ranging from popular smaller sizes to large, industrial-style tables, metal dining tables often feature glass, marble or matching metal table tops.

Stone/Granite Dining Tables - Many of the more traditional and modern dining room tables feature a marble table top supported by a heavy wooden base or matching marble base. While these dining tables are often an investment, they're also built for timeless style and lasting durability.

Glass Dining Tables - Dining tables and dinette sets with glass bases or table tops are usually smaller and available in either round or square shapes. Some of the more contemporary dining tables feature metal, wood or combination bases that support square, rectangular or alternatively-shaped glass table tops.

Bamboo/Teak Dining Tables - Bamboo and teak dining tables feature a more exotic, eco-friendly style that often blends in well with country and modern dining rooms. Available in a variety of unique designs and finishes, bamboo and teak dining tables are excellent for friends to gather for dinner.

Stainless Steel Dining Tables - Most stainless steel dining room tables are industrial and ultra-modern in style, often with various patterns polished into their surface. Stainless steel dining tables are available in a wide range of standard and alternative shapes and may also feature glass or marble table tops.

Table Top - Unless the dining table is strictly for formal occasions, its table top is going to be its most-used feature, especially if it's for a family with children. When choosing a dining table, be sure its table top can hold up to how much you anticipate it being used.

Wood Dining Table Tops
Glass Dining Table Tops
Marble/Granite Dining Table Tops
Laminate Dining Table Tops
Other Type of Dining Table Tops

Key Decision 7: Special Features

Your new dining room set is going to be your highest profile, hardest working piece of dining room furniture, and as such, should be comfortable, functional and stylish. Consider choosing a dining set whose table features additional storage, eco-friendly materials or an extendable section for additional guest seating.

Drop Leaf Dining Tables - Drop leaf dining tables feature one or more leaf sections that provide additional table space when raised and hang vertically when folded downward.

Butterfly Leaf Dining Tables - Dining tables with a butterfly leaf feature a middle section that can be added to increase the table's length or stored away under the table when not in use.

Extendable Dining Tables - Extendable dining room tables can be made longer by adding an expansion section so that you can comfortably entertain large groups whenever you need.

Dining Tables with Drawers and Storage - Some dining room tables feature a drawer, shelves or cubbies to provide additional storage and provide a more versatile family area.

Eco-Friendly Dining Tables - Many of today's more eco-friendly dining room tables feature non-toxic finishes or are constructed out of reclaimed materials, responsibly harvested wood or renewable resources.

Quality and Value

Your dining room table is going to be a high profile, often used piece of furniture that you'll most likely have for years. And, getting the best one you can afford can go a long way towards making sure it will look great and stand up to regular use for as long as you have it.

Dining Tables Under $500 - Choose one of these straightforward, affordable dinettes, dining tables or small dining sets for a comfortable, relaxing eating area that won't break your budget.

Dining Tables between $500-$1,000 - Expand your options to include dining tables and dining sets in more styles and with more options for larger seating capacities.

Over $1,000 - Invest in one of these elegant, premium quality dining room tables or dining table sets for the ultimate in sophistication and style.