The best dining tables

The dining table forms an integral part of daily life, not only providing a place to eat, but a central spot for gathering with friends and family to engage in conversation. With this in mind, it's definitely worth putting some thought into your purchase.

From size to style, there's a lot to bare in mind when making a decision. With this in mind, we've come up with an edit of the best dining tables currently available. While varying in design, what they all have in common is quality, making it easier than ever to choose dining furniture that suits your space. 

Looking for a dining table with a more specific style? Check out our specialist guides...

• 10 of the best traditional dining tables
• 10 of the best contemporary dining tables

Crafted with solid pine wood, this gorgeous Iona Extra Large Dining Table from Made  may be simple in its design, but an abundance of knots and grains add distinct character and ensure that no two tables are alike. 

It's generous size – it will fit 6 to 8 people comfortably – make it perfect for larger families or homes that enjoy hosting regularly.

Tired of stooping over your dinner as you attempt to eat it from your lap? This 2-seater dining table is a cute little addition that's affordable and makes the perfect addition to a small kitchen or open plan space. Tuck it into a corner and slide the chairs underneath to make it even more compact when not in use. 

At less than £100, you are paying for function over quality, but that doesn’t mean that its wood and metal composition isn’t sturdy or won’t last.  An added bonus is that chairs are included in the price, which means you get a complete dining set with just one click of a button. 

The West Elm Box Frame Drop Leaf Extending Dining Table, available at John Lewis & Partners is perfect for smaller spaces that would feel dominated by the constant presence of a dining table, but don't want to sacrifice the capacity to host more guests every once in a while.

Its sleek and industrial design makes a stylish addition to a contemporary living or dining space, thanks to solid FSC certifies mango wood and an on-trend blackened steel frame. 

An alternative to the traditional, extendable dining table, the round design of this John Lewis & Partners Duhrer Extending Dining Table is perfect for small kitchens or dining spaces, with round tables making a space seem larger than the reality.

We love the warm tones of its solid oak surface, especially combined with dark painted legs. Complete your dining setting with our Durher painted grey dining chairs.

With a stylish and distinctly industrial design, the Edson Dining Table from Made is perfect for a space with more edgy or contemporary interiors. Made from metal and concrete, it's perfect for use indoors or outdoors, depending on where you most enjoy entertaining guests.

Proof that sometimes simple can be the most stylish, the Niklas Dining table from Swoon Editions makes the most of it's pared-back, fuss free design – probably something to do with the gorgeous mango wood table top and hairpin legs.

Seating four people comfortably, round tables have the benefit of appearing to take up less space, making them the perfect addition to a kitchen or dining room that's on the smaller side. 

Read more:

• Planning on dining outdoors? Find out how to create an outdoor dining area 
• 10 of the best dining sets for that co-ordinated look