The humble dining table does more than host meals — it’s a desk, a crafting space, a homework hub, and the heart of family life. So, when it’s time for a new one, you want something that suits your lifestyle and grows with your needs.

Best dining tables for entertaining

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Maine dining table set | @2flats1house

If entertaining is your thing, the right table can make all the difference — both functionally and as a statement piece. Looking to impress your guests with a showstopper? You can’t go wrong with a modern industrial look. With its galvanised legs and warm solid oak top, our Maine dining table is the perfect centrepiece for your dining space. Plus, it’s a flexible piece that offers the choice of having benches, chairs or a combination.

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Bentley dining table set | Clouds rug

If, however, you don’t have the footprint for a 6ft. dining table, or you need more flexibility, extendable dining tables can stretch to accommodate up to 12 guests comfortably without taking up permanent space. The easy-to-use mechanism means that when the party ends, your table can shrink back to a smaller size and maximise space in your dining room once again. Benches are another smart space-saving choice — easy to pull out for guests, and just as easy to tuck away when you need the room back.

Best dining tables for small spaces

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Venice dining table set | Maine console table | Maine sideboard | Clouds rug

Whether you live in the city or just love a minimalist setup, there are plenty of stylish dining tables designed to make the most of compact spaces. For a quick meal or a chat with friends, a small round table works beautifully with its sociable yet space-saving shape. Round tables typically have a smaller footprint than their rectangular counterparts, and the softer edges help create the illusion of more space.

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Dorset dining table | @dzinia_design

If you need something a little more versatile, a slim-framed 4 seater extendable dining table is a smart choice. It keeps your space feeling open day to day, and easily expands to welcome a few extra guests.

Best dining tables for families

Vibrant green dining room with a Parquet dining table and a little boy reaching up to the in-built shelves.

Parquet dining table | @hausfifteen

When choosing a family table, you’ll need to keep both function and form in mind. They go through their fair share of mess — but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. A solid oak table is a great solution as it’s built to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. Why not explore some of our rustic oak styles? The warm honey tones not only highlight the natural grain pattern but also help to hide everyday spills and messes. If you’ve got little ones, easy-to-clean seating is a must, so opt for natural oak chairs or leather chairs.

Dorset dining table and matching chairs in a modern kitchen, with peonies displayed on the table.

Dorset dining table | @our_radleigh_home

Whether it’s crafts with the kids or your own creative projects, a larger or extendable table gives you room to spread out. Benches can be a great choice too — easy to move or tuck away when you need to stand and work.

Ready to find the perfect dining table for your space? Browse our full collection of dining furniture to find your ideal shape, size, style, and seating. Don’t forget to share your setup on Instagram using #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome — and if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our guide to top dining room ideas.