In the strangeness of 2020, the dining room has truly become the new center of the home. For many households, this (newly) multipurpose room has taken on the roles of home office, homeschooling zone, and arts and crafts space, as well as hosting all our family meals. So, this space now needs to be functional for far more than dining! On top of all that, our typical plans for holiday hosting have probably gone out the window. Basically, our dining rooms have been turned on their heads!
But, even as things look different this year, we’re taking any chance we can get to make this space feel extra special. And the best way to do this is with a dining table that you really love. It sets the tone for your space, bringing in unique style and functionality.
But here’s the thing: there are so many dining table styles to choose from, you’re probably wondering where to begin. A dining table can be a big investment, so you want to make sure you pick one that fits your style and meets all your daily needs. So, whether you’re doing some holiday entertaining prep for a small group, figuring out how to make a dining room office work, or simply just dreaming up some dining room design ideas to give this workhorse space a refresh, we’re here to guide to our favorite dining tables for 2020 and beyond.
There are so many dining table styles to choose from, you’re probably wondering where to begin. A dining table can be a big investment, so you want to make sure you pick one that fits your style and meets all your hosting needs. To help, we’re breaking down the different dining table styles here so you can find the one that works best for you.
Farmhouse Dining Table Style
A farmhouse dining table design is generally an expansive, warm, and welcoming option. This style is great for complementing rustic styles and makes for an extra cozy vibe. It adds a rugged, vintage-inspired touch to your dining room that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into an old country farmhouse, even if you live in a high-rise apartment. And, since farmhouse tables are usually made of rough, solid wood, they tend to be very sturdy.
Get more farmhouse dining room design inspiration!
The Perks: This is a versatile dining table style. You can pair a farmhouse table with a dining bench for a more family-friendly style or turn up the sophistication with upholstered chairs.
The Vibe: Solid, sturdy, and timeless—this is the workhouse of dining tables. And its rustic style makes your dining room feel extra cozy and inviting.
See More Farmhouse Style Dining Tables:
Classic Formal Farmhouse Style
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Rustic Gatherings
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Countryside Farmhouse Charms
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Pedestal Dining Table Style
Pedestal dining tables are generally composed of a wide (usually round) table top sitting on a single solid leg in the middle. (Though some more contemporary options sit on two legs instead of one supporting pedestal.) They are stylish, architectural, and just plain useful in a dining room. They come in a variety of styles and can blend in with an assortment of dining room designs.
The Perks: Despite their more streamlined design, pedestal tables have plenty of surface space. And round or oval styles can seat more people than a square or rectangular table, since you can squeeze more chairs around the table in a pinch!
The Vibe: Smart, symmetrical, and stylish. These tables can put the fun in functional in any dining room design.
See More Pedestal Dining Tables:
Minimal Marble Pedestal Table
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Modern Dual Pedestal Table
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Cozy Pedestal Dining Vibes
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Parsons Dining Table Style
A Parsons dining table is the perfect table for a super streamlined and contemporary style. There are a myriad of incarnations of its simple, balanced form, but this modernist style is always distinguished by clean angles and straight lines with absolutely no frills or ornamentation.
The Perks: The pared-down aesthetic makes this table incredibly versatile and timeless.
The Vibe: Dress it up for an elegant and dramatic look. Dress it down for a simple, laid-back style.
See More Parsons Dining Tables:
Modern Rustic Style
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Traditional Take on Parsons Style
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Sleek and Streamlined
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Trestle Dining Table Style
Trestle dining tables have a tabletop that sits upon two trestle supports. This timeless style was very popular in the Middle Ages and the simple look is a natural fit in many dining rooms today. This style was built to be portable and flexible; back in the Middle Ages, people didn’t have dedicated dining rooms, so dining tables had to be easy to take apart, transport, and reassemble. Trestle tables remain popular today because they’re sturdy, attractive, and great for hosting large groups.
The Perks: Trestle tables come in so many styles that you can find one that will work with your aesthetic no matter what.
The Vibe: This is the kind of table that makes you think of gathering friends and family for a jovial night of eating, drinking, and merrymaking.
See More Trestle Dining Tables:
Modern Style Trestle
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Cozy Rustic Dining
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Mid-Century Modern Dining Table Style
Mid-Century Modern seems to be the forever favorite aesthetic—after all, the trend is still going strong after 60+ years! You can usually spot a mid-century modern style dining table by its warm natural wood construction and slender, tapered legs. The sleek silhouette and medium-to-light woods of the era feel both polished and fresh and bridge the gap between comfortable living and aesthetic delight.
The Perks: A style of furniture designed during an era when American families were moving into more urban, smaller spaces, mid-century modern furniture is great for smaller dining rooms.
The Vibe: Clean lines, geometric shapes, and sleek simplicity give these tables a timeless appeal.
See More Mid-Century Modern Dining Tables:
Mid-Century With a Chic Twist
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Scandi Modern Vibes
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Traditional Dining Table Style
A traditional dining table is usually made of sturdy wood with a darker finish. You’ll often find these tables with more ornamentation and carved features on the legs. You can keep with the traditional vibe by pairing it with traditional dining chairs, go more farmhouse with upholstered options, or even play up an eclectic vibe trying on the mismatched dining chair trend.
The Perks: These tables are large and in charge, with plenty of room for guests. They make a lovely centerpiece and are substantial enough to call for a big, beautiful chandelier to illuminate the dining area.
The Vibe: Traditional dining tables are elegant, super-versatile and never go out of style.
See More Traditional Dining Tables:
Bold Traditions
Shop This RoomNeed some extra guidance? Check out our guide on how to choose a dining table, our dining table shape and size guide, and our dining room layout guide to get your space looking good and working for your life!
Thanks for the dining table style tips. I want to get new furniture for my dining room. I’ll consider these tips as I look for furniture to purchase.
I totally agree when you said that there are so many tables to choose from, and one should pick the right type of table since it can be a big investment as well. With that in mind, I will make sure that I will look for the table that I really envision for my dining room. Hopefully, I find a table with a glass top since it is what I think will match with other wall decorations in that room.
That’s a great idea, Mia. If ever you need design help, by purchasing a design package, a dedicated designer can help find the perfect dining room table for you.