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10 best dining tables for entertaining in style

We’re serving up the best dining tables, from extendable to solid-oak and industrial designs

Ali Howard
Monday 14 April 2025 13:10 BST
We’ve tracked down quality dining tables that are ideal for special occasions and everyday life
We’ve tracked down quality dining tables that are ideal for special occasions and everyday life (iStock/The Independent)
Our Top Picks

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the dining table is where all the action happens – from long, lazy Sunday lunches to rushed weekday breakfasts, and everything in between. The best dining table designs will earn a spot as a room’s centrepiece, doubling as a WFH desk during the day or a poker table come games night.

Whether you’re after something sleek and Scandi, rustic and farmhouse-inspired, or a statement piece with sculptural appeal, there’s a design out there to match both your space and lifestyle.

Smart designs can also help you make the most of your space – think extendable tops or compact round options for a tighter squeeze.

Meanwhile, materials range from solid oak to toughened glass and powder-coated steel, so you can match your table to your interiors style, without compromising on durability.

We’ve pulled together a list of standout options that bring both style and substance. Whether you’ve got a separate dining room or you’re carving out a spot in an open-plan kitchen-diner, keep scrolling to discover the tables that deserve pride of place.

How we tested

A selection of the dining tables we tested
A selection of the dining tables we tested (Ali Howard)

To find the best dining tables, we considered style, size, material and overall build quality, as well as how well each one fits into real homes – from compact flats to open-plan spaces. We looked at how easy they were to assemble, how versatile they felt for both everyday meals and hosting, and whether they offered any clever space-saving features. Bonus points went to tables that balance good looks with long-lasting design.

Why you can trust IndyBest reviews

Ali Howard is a journalist who specialises in all things home interiors. She became a regular contributor to IndyBest in 2019, and likes to champion little-known designer-makers, pushing sustainability wherever she can, as well as bringing readers the latest design trends. In her reviews, she only recommends products she believes offer good value for money and are worthy of a spot in your home.

The best dining tables for 2025 are:

  • Best overall – Barker and Stonehouse modi reclaimed wood 180cm dining table: £445, Barkerandstonehouse.co.uk
  • Best budget buy – Habitat tulip four-seater round dining table, white: £180, Habitat.co.uk
  • Best extendable design – John Lewis poise 6-10-seater extending dining table: £880, Johnlewis.com
  • Best for industrial style Oak Furnitureland Maine 6-seater fixed dining table: £514.99, Oakfurnitureland.co.uk

1
Barker and Stonehouse modi reclaimed wood dining table

Barker and Stonehouse best dining tables review indybest
  • Best: Overall
  • Dimensions: 77.5cm x 180cm x 100cm
  • Shape: Rectangular
  • Materials: Wood, metal, brass
  • Seats: 4-6
  • Why we love it
    • Crafted from reclaimed and recycled wood
    • Assembled by the brand on delivery
    • Two-year guarantee
    • Matching benches available

We loved the contrast going on here – warm, reclaimed wood on top, chunky industrial legs below. The modi table feels solid and grounded, like it’s been around forever (in a good way), but the design keeps it feeling fresh. It’s a good size for smaller dining rooms or open-plan spaces – we easily fitted six around it – and the wood grain gives it loads of texture and character. Each one’s slightly different, thanks to the natural finish, which makes it feel even more special. If you’re into that rustic-meets-industrial vibe, this one definitely earns its spot at the table.

Barker and stonehouse testing dining table review indybest
We loved the contrast between the tabletop and legs (Ali Howard)
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2
Habitat tulip 4-seater round dining table, white

Habitat best dining tables review indybest
  • Best: Budget buy
  • Dimensions: 73.5cm x 90cm x 90cm
  • Shape: Round
  • Materials: MDF, metal
  • Seats: 4
  • Why we love it
    • Stylish
    • Pedestal base gives extra leg room
    • Compact
  • Take note
    • Only one-year guarantee
    • Finish not as premium as some other options

This one’s a bit of a design classic – and for good reason. The Habitat tulip table feels fresh and retro at the same time, with that smooth round top and sculptural pedestal base giving it a proper mid-century moment. We liked how the single-leg design keeps the space underneath nice and open – no awkward leg-squashing when you’re trying to squeeze four people around it.

The semi-gloss white finish is clean and crisp, and it works with loads of different chair styles. If you’re after something compact but still statement-worthy, this is one we’d happily sit around any day.

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3
John Lewis poise 6-10-seater extending dining table

John Lewis best dining tables review indybest
  • Best: Extendable design
  • Dimensions: 75cm x 180cm x 90cm (extending to 230cm)
  • Shape: Rectangular
  • Materials: Oak
  • Seats: 6-10
  • Why we love it
    • Top-quality craftsmanship
    • Discreet extending feature
    • Solid oak construction
  • Take note
    • Fairly tricky assembly required (assembly service available at £90)
    • Only one-year guarantee

The aptly named ‘poise’ is a lesson in minimalist design with a Scandi twist. Its clean lines and softly rounded edges create an inviting silhouette that feels both modern and timeless. It’s crafted from durable oak that showcases the wood’s natural grain, adding warmth and character to a dining space. We loved the splayed legs – not only do they enhance the table’s aesthetic appeal, giving it a bit of contemporary edginess, they also provide sturdy support. Designed to comfortably seat six, the table extends – via a discreetly hidden leaf – to accommodate up to 10 guests, making it perfect for both everyday meals and much larger gatherings. We loved this one for its versatility, and it pairs effortlessly with a range of chair designs.

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4
Oak Furnitureland Islington fixed 6-seater dining table

Oak Furnitureland best dining tables review indybest
  • Best: Marble-topped option
  • Dimensions: 76cm x 180cm x 90cm
  • Shape: Rectangular (but rounded)
  • Materials: Italian marble, solid acacia
  • Seats: 4-6
  • Why we love it
    • Seriously stylish
    • Beautifully made
    • Top-quality materials
  • Take note
    • Legroom may be an issue for those sitting at the end of the table

Boasting a blend of natural materials and contemporary design, the Islington is a real head-turner. Its smooth marble top gives modern elegance, while the geometric acacia base provides a weighty foundation in a rich, warm tone: the combination of cool marble and dark wood creates a sophisticated contrast that adds depth to any dining space. At 180cm in length, it will happily seat six – although, you may find some knee-knocking if you sit at either end. The table’s clean lines and minimalist aesthetic enable it to complement a variety of interior styles, from modern to classic. Pair it with upholstered chairs for a touch of luxury or with dark wooden seating for a sleek, cohesive look.

Oak furniture land testing best dining tables review indybest
The marble top gives this table a touch of luxury (Ali Howard)
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5
Made Arlo 4-seater round dining table in dark mango wood

Made best dining tables review indybest
  • Best: For mid-century charm
  • Dimensions: 75cm x 120cm x 120cm
  • Shape: Round
  • Materials: Mango wood
  • Seats: 4
  • Why we love it
    • Retro design
    • Solid construction
    • Speedy delivery
    • 15-year guarantee

The Arlo is all about clean lines and clever details, and we couldn’t resist its mid-century charm. The cut-out base gives it a bit of a sculptural moment with its nifty use of negative space, but this is not just for show – there’s decent legroom going on, too. The round top keeps things sociable (no corners, no awkward angles), while the dark wood finish brings a welcome richness – its visible grain giving textural depth. The compact table seats four comfortably, making it ideal for smaller dining spots where space is at a premium, and we found it equally easy to pair with a set of retro or modern dining chairs – although, nothing too chunky. The table works beautifully across a range of interiors and adds a warm, considered feel to the room. It’s small but mighty.

  1.  £779 from Made.com
Prices may vary
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6
Oak Furnitureland Maine 6-seater fixed dining table

Maine best dining tables review indybest
  • Best: For industrial style
  • Dimensions: 77cm x 135cm x 80cm
  • Shape: Rectangular
  • Materials: Solid oak, metal
  • Seats: 6
  • Why we love it
    • Compact
    • Simple design
    • Speedy delivery

We were immediately drawn to this dining table’s blend of natural solid oak and chunky angular looped metal legs. The 130cm size is perfect for cosier dining spaces, as it will comfortably seat four, without feeling cramped. The oak top has a lovely grain that adds warmth, while the metal legs provide a modern, industrial edge. It’s a sturdy piece that feels built to last, and its fixed design makes it a solid piece. If you’re after a table that combines classic materials with contemporary style, this one is a great choice. Plus, its simple design pairs well with various chair styles.

Maine testing best dining tables review indybest
If you’re looking for robust style, this is a great option (Ali Howard)
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7
Next dark Lloyd mango wood dining table

Next best dining tables review indybest
  • Best: Decorative option
  • Dimensions: 74cm x 170cm x 90cm
  • Shape: Rectangular
  • Materials: Mango wood, engineered wood, metal
  • Seats: 6
  • Why we love it
    • Quality craftsmanship
    • Matching benches available
    • 15-year guarantee

There’s a lot to love about this dining table – from the rich, dark mango wood to the bold brass-effect legs. The geometric inlay detail across the top gives it a design-led edge, without shouting for attention. At 170cm, it’s a great mid-size option that seats six without dominating the room. The mix of materials keeps things looking luxe but still relaxed, and the slim, tapered gold legs stop it from feeling too heavy. It’s the kind of piece that works hard in both modern and more-traditional spaces, bringing a bit of drama to your dining setup. Best of all, it’s a dining table that looks and feels much more expensive than it is.

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8
Atkin and Thyme Westbourne marble dining table, natural

Atkin and Thyme best dining tables review indybest
  • Best: Design-led option
  • Dimensions: 75cm x 120cm
  • Shape: Round
  • Materials: Marble, mango wood
  • Seats: 4
  • Why we love it
    • Contemporary design
    • Sculptural
    • Top-quality craftsmanship
  • Take note
    • Pricey for a four-seater

The Westbourne nails that relaxed, modern look with its mix of white marble and natural mango wood. It feels effortlessly stylish – like it belongs in one of those calm, sun-drenched interiors we’re always saving on Pinterest. We loved the round shape for keeping things sociable, and, at 120cm, it’s spot-on for four people, without taking over the whole room. The base is sturdy but sculptural, and the contrast between the warm wood and cool stone gives it a proper designer edge. This is a great option if you’re after something stylish but still easy to live with.

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9
Dusk Hattie panel oval dining table, natural

Dusk best dining tables review indybest
  • Best: Oval option
  • Dimensions: 76cm x 160cm x 90cm
  • Shape: Oval
  • Materials: Oak veneer, MDF
  • Seats: 4-6
  • Why we love it
    • Chic, contemporary design
  • Take note
    • Limited leg room at the ends

We loved the soft curves of this design – its oval shape feels instantly more relaxed than your standard rectangle dining table. The natural wood veneer brings warmth and texture, while the smooth, matte finish keeps things looking clean and modern. Its panelled legs, placed at either end, give it a subtle design detail without dominating the space. There’s room for four to six diners, so it’s a good option if you want flexibility without the need for an extendable table. This oval design slots in easily with a light, pared-back scheme, but there’s enough character here to carry bolder styling, if that’s more your thing.

  1.  £359 from Dusk.com
Prices may vary
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10
Swoon Metz 6-seater dining table, natural mango wood

Swoon best dining tables review indybest
  • Best: Handcrafted design
  • Dimensions: 74cm x 150cm x 85cm
  • Shape: Rectangular
  • Materials: Mango wood, engineered wood, steel
  • Seats: 6
  • Why we love it
    • Exceptional craftsmanship
    • Parquet patterning
    • Tapered legs for extra legroom
  • Take note
    • Made and sold in small batches, so there may be a wait time

The Metz’s natural mango wood construction brings a warm organic feel to a dining area. The wood’s distinctive grain patterns and subtle variations in tone give each table its own character, too, so, really, you’re getting a unique piece here – and we wouldn’t expect anything less from Swoon. The table’s clean-lined silhouette and gently tapered legs lend a contemporary edge, while the spacious tabletop comfortably accommodates six diners – ideal for everyday meals and special gatherings. The Metz’s minimalist design allows it to blend seamlessly with a variety of interiors styles, too, from modern to rustic.

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The verdict: Dining tables

Barker and Stonehouse’s reclaimed wood table gets our top spot, thanks to its chic industrial stylings, simple design, and the brand’s commitment to sustainability. We also love the compact, sculptural shape and rich mango wood finish of Made’s Arlo. For something with more flexibility, John Lewis’s ‘poise’ really delivers – we love the discreet extending mechanism and the way it balances clean, Scandi lines with solid oak craftsmanship. If you’re after a bit more drama, Oak Furnitureland’s Islington gets our vote for its sleek marble top and bold acacia base – a proper statement piece that still feels easy to live with.

Looking for functional furniture with plenty of style? Read our review of the best bookcases

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