Gather ’round and let us tell you our favorite thing about dining room tables. Actually, that is our favorite thing about dining room tables — this piece of furniture gives us a place to gather with our loved ones and enjoy good food and good company. It may sound old fashioned, but in our busy, modern world, it’s more important than ever. And modern style makes that clear.
A modern dining table with its minimalist design puts the focus where it should be — on your food, friends, and family. Don’t get us wrong, there are many striking elements of modern style, but this style always remembers one thing: There’s beauty in simplicity.
If you’re ready to invite your guests to gather ’round a modern dining table, take a look at the key elements of modern design so you can decide which are most important for your space. Then, browse our seven favorite tables to start redecorating your dining room.
Elements of modern design to bring into your dining room
Modern style strives to create spaces that feel clean and open. Here are the practical elements that designers use to achieve that look.
Contrasting textures
A modern dining table can bring nature into your home while acknowledging our modern, industrial world. To do this, you’ll often see solid wood, stone, or marble tops paired with steel legs. Or you could see a glass top with wood legs. Both of these designs are creating interest with contrasting textures.
Clean lines
Modern style typically relies on straight lines and geometric shapes. You won’t see the ornate turned table legs of traditional style dining furniture.
Modern table legs are usually straight or tapered, and modern tabletops are geometric shapes — this can include round, oval, square, rectangular, or even hexagonal designs. But, you should expect a rectangular dining table to be a true rectangle without additional flourishes or scroll work.
Neutral colors
Modern style is heavily influenced by Scandinavian design, and like Scandi style furniture, most modern furniture comes in neutral colors and earth tones. Natural and reclaimed wood is a popular way to achieve these earth tones, but clear materials — like glass dining tables — and tables with white finishes or white marble will also match your modern neutrals.
Although lighter colors are more typical in modern design, some darker tones, like black, navy blue, and forest green, are having a very modern moment. Benjamin Moore even named Aegean Teal its color of the year, so don’t feel like color needs to be banned from your modern dining space.
Reflected light
One of the reasons lighter, neutral colors made their way into modern design is because they make the space feel bigger and brighter. Another way to do this is to play with reflected light using materials like glass, acrylic, reflective metal, or mirrored surfaces. While it may be rare to find a mirrored or acrylic dining table, you can bring these materials in with your other dining room furniture, like a sideboard, accent cabinet, or console table.
Unlike a solid wood dining table, which absorbs light, these materials will allow the light to filter through or reflect back into the room. If your dining space is low on natural light, opt for a reflective material to make the room feel brighter and make small spaces feel bigger.
7 modern dining table styles for your modern life
Now that you’re an expert in modern design, you’re ready to shop the styles. Here are our favorite tables that incorporate the design elements we outlined above.
1. Parkersburg Square Counter-Height Table in Paladina and Natural Walnut
This square dining table is made from Asian hardwood and recycled saw dust — an eco-friendly and extremely durable material that can handle anything your modern life throws its way. The faux-stone surface is stain, UV-light, weather, abrasion, and scratch resistant, making this a good choice for households with small children or rambunctious dinner parties.
The legs have an elegant boomerang silhouette that draws the eye, and the wood and stone-look helps bring those natural elements inside.
This kitchen table is counter height, making it taller than your average dining room table. At 36 inches, you’ll pair it with counter-height chairs or stools to complete your dining set.
2. Arkell 40-Inch Round Pedestal Dining Table in White
For small spaces, this tulip-shaped table adds iconic style. The white faux-marble top sits on a sturdy metal base. It’s coated in a high-quality polyurethane lacquer that makes after-dinner clean up easy.
You can fit a family of four or invite a few of your favorite guests to your next dinner party. In the image above, this round dining table is paired with contemporary-style dining chairs. Choose modern dining chairs instead to complete your dining room‘s modern design.
3. Bexley Live Edge Trestle Dining Table in Natural Honey and Espresso
This modern farmhouse table brings natural beauty into your dining room with its dramatic live edge. The darker colors are ideal for a dining space with plenty of natural light and for anyone who wants to bring warmer tones into their modern decor.
The tabletop has a honey-colored mahogany and hickory veneer finish that shows off the natural knots and wood grain of this material. And the wood base provides contrast with its matte espresso finish and sturdy trestle design.
This table offers flexible style. Pair it with minimalist wood chairs for a modern design. Then, when it’s time to redecorate, swap out your dining chairs for a tufted design, like you see above, and you can transform your space with transitional style.
4. Oval Bar Table in Wire-Brushed Black
Add a hint of industrial design to your modern dining space with this oval dining table. It features the sharp contrast of natural and industrial materials with a wood-finished top and matte black metal base.
This style will help you create a casual space. The bar-height table is tall enough for you to stand while you enjoy finger food and drinks, or you can pull up a bar stool and settle in for a longer meal. The slimmer width on this tabletop also makes it easier to hear all the conversation at your social gatherings.
5. Nogales Wood Dining Table in Acacia and Coastal Grey
This two-tone table features a solid acacia wood top and contrasting wood legs in a neutral grey. The lines created by the angled table legs are clean, yet striking because of the color contrast.
You can seat six around this kitchen table, with enough room leftover on the spacious tabletop to serve your main course and multiple side dishes.
6. Asbury Dining Table Base in Natural Teak
For a table that serves as both the center of your meals and the center of conversation, the Asbury Dining Table offers remarkable style. This table base is made from sustainable teak tree roots sourced from Indonesia. Each table is handcrafted, and because no two tree roots are the same, each is one of a kind.
Pair this wood base with a glass top and understated dining chairs to bring an elegant nature-inspired design to your dining space.
7. Alfredo Rectangular Dining Table in Natural Walnut
This extendable dining table offers multifunctional design — it’s ideal for everyday dining and large family gatherings. On a regular day, you can seat six, but this butterfly-extension dining table can accommodate even more of your friends and family when you add the extension leaf.
With its slim tapered legs and a natural walnut veneer, this table has an elegant finish, and you can complete your dining set with chairs, benches, or a combination of the two.
Dine in modern style
When it comes to redecorating, the dining room and living room are our favorite places to start. These social spaces allow us to share our home with friends and family.
Adding a modern dining table to your space will give you a comfortable place to share a meal and catch up with the ones you love — no matter how busy modern life gets.
To find your perfect table, stop scrolling and shop in person. That way, you can make sure the shape, size, and finish of your table are exactly what you’ve been picturing.
CoasterEveryday
Parkersburg Square Counter Height Table Paladina and Natural Walnut
view details
Where To Buy
FAQs
What type of dining tables are in trend? ›
- Statement Legs.
- Mixed Materials.
- Circular Tables.
- Bold Colours.
- Compact Tables.
Square and rectangular tables are the most common, so you'll find the greater number of choices there with styles, sizes and extendable options. But a round or oval table can give you a little more space to move around since it cuts off the corners but still has a good surface area.
What is the most efficient table shape? ›Rectangular tables are the most efficient at seating diners for their size, particularly at larger dimensions. Room can be left for table service in the middle of a rectangular table, if desired. And there is minimal wasted space on the tabletop.
What shape should a dining table be? ›The two most common shapes for tables are rectangle and round. Rectangular (or oval) shapes are ideal for long, narrow rooms and will provide the most amount of table space for a room this shape.
What is the table setting trend for 2022? ›We know that 2022 is the year for bringing chic colours onto the table with the use of coloured dinner sets. You might think it's just a plate but it can add to your overall dining experience by carefully selecting colours. Colour sets mood, after all, and this year we are favouring earthy tones and pastels most.
What is the trend for 2022 wooden furniture? ›Wood Coffee Tables are among the most popular wood furniture trends for 2022. Every home needs a coffee table, and why not have one that's functional yet beautiful at the same time. Solid wood coffee tables are an excellent choice for people who want to add warmth to their home and make it feel cozier.
What makes a beautiful table setting? ›Simplicity is the best – use simple but good quality fabrics, crockery and cutlery and try to stick to one palette (or use complimenting colours). For a rustic feel, swap flowers for potted herbs, and swap a table cloth for newspaper when serving messy foods like shellfish – and then serve right on the table.
Which countertop is best for dining table? ›A good tabletop material should be lightweight, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. The surface of a dining table has to endure a lot over its lifespan, from scratches and nicks to heat and impact. As such, some of the most popular materials for dining tabletops are quartz, granite, wood, marble and glass.
What shape dining table saves the most space? ›Because there are no corners, a round dining table generally has a smaller footprint than a square or rectangle making it suitable for smaller spaces. They also tend to fit more people around when you have additional guests.
What shape dining table takes up less space? ›If you have a small house or dining room, bear in mind that round tables take up less space. They have a smaller surface area than their rectangular counterparts so will fit into tighter spaces much more easily.
What makes a table aesthetically pleasing? ›
Making figures and tables look good requires you to consider elements such as color, organization, readability, and visual clarity. To be certain your figures and tables have aesthetic appeal, heed these practices: Do not crowd a table or figure, neither within itself nor within your text; give it room to breathe.
What are the five 4 basic types of table setting? ›The five most common table settings are formal, informal, Basic, Buffet and five-course.
Is it better to have a round or rectangular dining table? ›In general, round tables are perfect for small dining corners. On the other hand, rectangular tables have a flexible advantage. It can be placed against the wall to save space or pulled out to accommodate an extra guest. You get even more versatility with extendable tables.
Are round or square tables better? ›Round tables are excellent for smaller spaces with less room and intimate dinner settings. Rectangular tables do the opposite, providing accommodation for bigger groups and bigger spaces.
What shape of dining table is best for rectangular room? ›Rectangular Dining Tables
Ideally, a rectangular table should be between 36 inches to 42 inches wide. Narrower rectangles can work well in a narrow room, but if the table is any narrower than 36 inches, you may find it difficult to fit place settings on both sides and enough room for food on the table.
Pantone's Very Peri
Pantone's 2022 Color of the Year is making history with its best reveal yet: an entirely new hue created, for the first time ever, to serve as Color of the Year. They call it Very Peri (17-3938).
Winter 2023 is going to be about comfort and oversized statement pieces. Street style trends from November and December 2022 point toward fur and fleece-lined jackets, oversized pants, and gender neutral silhouettes. Bags are small, bright, and often crossbody. Utilitarian cargo pants and vests are also trending.
What is the next furniture trend 2023? ›“Curved upholstery, such as curved back sofas and barrel chairs, as well as round pillows and accessories, seem to be making a comeback for 2023,” Joyner says.
What are the new furniture trends for 2023? ›Some of the most popular interior design trends for 2023 include the return of bold color, natural stone surfaces, closed floor plans, mixed metal finishes, luxe living, statement lighting, and 60s and 70s influences — particularly in furniture design.
What color trends in furniture 2022? ›Mustard golds, terracotta, avocado green, soft blush pink, minty green and wicker tans will be popping up in everything from furniture, rugs, pillows, candles, wall art, to planters.
What is the golden rule of table setting? ›
The first and basic rule to get you started is: Utensils are placed in the order of use; from the outside in. A second rule, with only a few exceptions, is: Forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right. (The oyster fork is the only fork placed to the right of the setting if it will be used.)
How do you decorate a dinner table like a professional? ›- centerpiece ideas beyond flowers. potted plants. mass candles. fresh cut herbs. ...
- Fun Details to Add. favors at place settings. a piece of fruit. name tags. ...
- Table Design Elements to Try. mixing and matching. creating movement down the table. utilizing different textures and materials.
Pick Classic, Neutral Colors
When choosing a quartz countertop that's designed to last through the decades, stick with neutrals like beiges, grays, off-whites, and bright whites.
Recently quartz or manufactured stone beat out granite as the most popular kitchen countertop material. While on the surface, natural stone may seem to offer more resale value, that might be changing! As of right now, granite, marble, travertine, soapstone, and so on will typically give you bigger resale value.
What is the most durable material for dining table? ›Solid wood and quartz are two of the most durable materials to use when it comes to tabletops. Solid wood tables are renowned for their durability with Oak and Maple being extremely hard-wearing when looked after correctly. The best thing to do is choose a tabletop best suited to your lifestyle.
What tables make rooms look bigger? ›Clear End Tables
By seeming to disappear into the surroundings, see-through furniture can make a room feel larger. These clear acrylic end tables blend into a room with zero intrusiveness, providing a little storage without adding to the clutter.
A rectangular dining table is the most popular shape because it fits so nicely in so many rooms. They also tend to have a clean, classic look that will never go out of style. A 70″ rectangular dining table can seat between 4-8 people comfortably. An 84″ rectangular dining table can seat up to 8 people comfortably.
What is the best width for dining table? ›Most rectangular tables are between 36" and 40" wide. A table that seats four should be about 48" long. To seat four to six people, look for a table that is at least 60" long. For six to eight guests, your table should be at least 78" long.
How do you make a table more visually appealing? ›...
Four tricks you can use to make your presentation tables fancier:
- Replace the default black table grid.
- Add shapes under the table headers.
- Illustrate items with icons to create a mnemonic association.
- Highlight the key information in the table.
A round dining table provides a better use of space in a smaller area so that there is less bumping or crowding when trying to sit down. Round tables also have smaller footprints than rectangular tables of the same size and are well designed to squeeze more people around the table for additional seating.
Do round or rectangle tables fit more people? ›
Let's think of this question spatially first: Round tables can seat more guests per square foot. One 60″ round will seat 6-8 guests and one 72″ round will seat 10-12 guests. Compared to a standard 8′ rectangle table that will only seat 8 guests, round tables can seat more people in your space.
What is the most elegant form of table service? ›French Service – This is the most formal table service available, which is used in clubs, hotels, and restaurants. In French service, there is a side table that is wheeled to the table where your guests are seated.
How do you make a table look professional? ›3. Click the "Design" tab, then the "More" button in the Table Styles box and then "Modify Table Style…" to open the Modify Style dialog box. Click the drop-down box next to "Style Based On" under the Properties section, then scroll down and click "Table Elegant."
What are the three most important factors for setting tables? ›Choosing the right table setting for your event will depend on several factors, including: the formality of the event, how many courses to be served, and how it will be served. You'll want to choose a table setting that will give the guest the best experience at your event.
What are the 3 essential items needed when setting a table? ›The basic table setting comprises the implements you would need for an everyday meal. You would use a basic table setting for a daily dinner, or perhaps a special brunch. To set your basic table, you will need a charger plate, a knife and fork, a water glass and a napkin.
What are the three 3 basic types of table set up? ›Types of Table Settings. The three most common types of table settings are formal, casual, and basic. Each place setting includes the utensils and dinnerware pieces that would normally be used with the corresponding style of dining.
What are the table setting trends for 2023? ›Trending patterns for 2023 include Art Deco, Marble, Rustic, and Tactile (think hobnail). Trending colors include silver and gold, which are perpetually popular, especially for trim.
What are the design trends for 2023? ›In 2023, home décor and design trends are primed to shift into earthy, texture-rich territory via brown and wooden furniture, handmade pieces, neutral color palettes, and bespoke touches that lend warmth and character to a space.
What are some major trends in modern day dining rooms? ›- Make the most of multifunctionality. (Image credit: Robert Stilin) ...
- Seating that's comfortable enough for WFH. ...
- Oversized lighting. ...
- Feature walls that feature nature. ...
- Casual tablescaping. ...
- Freshen up traditional pieces. ...
- The broken-plan kitchen diner.
Investing in a dining room table is no small purchase, but there's no need to worry about a dark wood one going out of style anytime soon—or ever, even. “Darker wood harkens back to a somewhat more traditional and formal style, which has been around for centuries,” Christopher says.
What is the color trend for 2023? ›
The Pantone Color Institute named Viva Magenta as its official color of the year for 2023 for its joyous yet powerful nature. A red with subtle notes of purple, magenta flawlessly complements many different color palettes from those on the richer, jewel-tone side of the spectrum to even a lighter, earthy palette.
What will be the color for 2023? ›Pantone recently announced its 2023 Color of the Year: Viva Magenta.
What are the five 5 basic types of table set up? ›What are the 5 types of table setting? The five most common table settings are formal, informal, Basic, Buffet and five-course.
Is grey out of style 2023? ›The consensus is that grey is out and warm neutrals will continue to dominate in 2023. “The color trends have gone from all white to warm neutrals, and in 2023 we will be warming up those neutrals even more,” says Brooke Moore, Interior Designer at Freemodel.
What trend is replacing farmhouse? ›Cottagecore. The new hot style that is on the rise is Cottagecore. According to an article published on realtor.com, “While slightly similar, this trend is replacing the popular modern farmhouse trend, which may be on its way out, according to designers.
What is the next big design trend? ›Graphic Design Trends 2023: Inclusive Character Illustrations. Graphic Design Trends 2023: Abstract Botanical Background and Patterns. Graphic Design Trends 2023: Retro Cartoon Stickers. Graphic Design Trends 2023: Modern Display Type Meets Organic Shapes.
What is the modern trend in furniture design? ›Sustainable Rattan Is A Trend In Furniture That's Creating A Buzz This Year. This year is all about sustainability and eco-friendly design trends, and rattan furniture tops the list. It was also a popular choice in outdoor furniture trends of 2021. Rattan sofas are easy to maintain and add an earthy tone to your space.
What colors should you not use in a dining room? ›- It's best to stick with warmer-toned neutrals. So, avoid opting for blue-based neutral colors or shades with a cold undertone, as these colors can leave your dining room feeling dull and uninviting. ...
- It's better to avoid harsh whites. ...
- Try not to go overboard with color.
According to Color Matters, shades of blue can suppress your appetite – which isn't an ideal feeling to collect in the room that's built for dining.
What color should a dining table be? ›It is advisable to use basic colors like yellow, brown or white on the dining table instead of trendy bright ones as they merge in with room decor easily and last longer. However, you should remain open to experimenting with other colors as per your choice!