A Quick Guide to Different Dining Room Table Styles
Dining room tables serve as the centerpiece of family gatherings and social events, making their style and functionality particularly significant. Choosing the right dining room table can transform your space, reflecting personal taste while accommodating the needs of your household. Check out this quick guide to different dining room table styles to discover the perfect design for your home!
Solid wood dining tables are organized by the type of base each style has. Here are the three main categories of dining tables.
Pedestal Dining Tables
A pedestal table has its base centered in the middle, not four legs at the corners. Most round tables have a center pedestal, as well as many oval shaped tables. Center pedestals may make it easier to add extra chairs around the table, without fighting the corner legs.
Pedestal dining room tables have a wide range of styles and sizes. Small round pedestal tables may only seat 2–4 people, while large double pedestal base tables may seat 12–16 people.
The width of the table is an important factor with pedestal tables.
Consider a tabletop that is 36 inches wide. The pedestal is 6 inches in diameter. That leaves only 15 inches of space on each side of the pedestal for chairs to push in. Most chair seats are around 18” deep, so chairs may not push in all the way.
Amish furniture makers have created many pedestal styles to fit chairs neatly. The Newport, Carlisle, and Farmhouse pedestals have a wide top and base, but are narrow in the middle to fit chairs comfortably.
Center pedestal bases range in diameter to support the overall size of the tabletop. Long tables may require a double pedestal version. The number of leaves available varies for each pedestal table, based on the ability to support the extended tabletop.
Leg Dining Tables
Another standard design for kitchen and dining tables is the classic version with legs at the four corners. The legs can be a simple tapered Shaker style, straight square legs, or a decorative turned leg style.
Leg tables are the most versatile, available in all sizes. Small 30”–36” wide tables fit chairs neatly without a bulky, center pedestal. Tables with legs on the corners will have a fifth leg in the center of the table if it extends with leaves longer than 84”. Our craftsmen add extra support legs to tables that use 8–10 extension leaves for expansion.
Trestle Dining Tables
Trestle tables are like pedestal tables in that the base is centered under the table. Trestle bases feature two support ends with a horizontal stretcher connecting the ends of the base. The Biltmore, Farmhouse, and Heavy Mission tables are classic trestle styles. Trestle bases are ideally suited for long dining tables.
Classic Elegance: The Traditional Dining Table
Traditional dining tables refer to a standard size and layout rather than a specific interior design style. A traditional dining table is often rectangle shaped, designed to extend with leaves for hosting family and friends. Most standard dining tables are designed to self-store at least two leaves inside the tabletop. Gear slides allow the table to open easily when adding leaves.
Formal settings may feature traditional dining tables with classic pedestal bases in rich dark wood tones. Cherry wood sets a formal dining room with classic elegance. A rustic Hickory wood table paired with upholstered dining chairs creates beautiful contrast around a traditional design.
Turned leg dining tables are another traditional classic. Style it formal with solid color, rich wood stain or set a casual tone by painting the turned legs.
Other traditional Amish dining table styles include the Heavy Mission Trestle table, a classic mission style typically made using quarter-sawn white oak wood and Michael’s Cherry stain. Country style tables such as the Traditional Oval Double Pedestal table often feature oak wood with Fruitwood stain.
Standard size options for traditional tables include 36” x 48” rectangle for 4 people, 42” x 60-66” for 6 people, and 48” x 72” or larger for 8 people. Round table sizes include 48” round for 4 people and 60”–66” round for 6 people. Sizes vary by the type of base and the shape of the tabletop.
Sleek and Modern: The Contemporary Dining Table
Solid wood is an excellent material for sleek and modern dining tables. Mid-century modern tables such as the Monroe Mid-Century and Modern Shaker styles have a contemporary feel. The Scandinavian designs emphasize light, natural wood tones and clean lines.
Modern table shapes are usually round or rectangular. There are no beveled edges or rounded corners to the tabletop.
Rustic Charm: The Farmhouse Dining Table
Farmhouse dining tables are a perfect design for using solid wood. Farm tables often feature thick, sturdy tabletops. Distressed plank tops hide the knicks and scratches that naturally happen to wood tables over time.
The details in the tabletops vary by wood choice. Maple and Cherry wood have a smooth, subtle grain texture. To add weathering, our craftsmen often display these wood options with lightly distressed plank tops.
Hickory and White Oak wood have a rustic grain texture that naturally complements the farmhouse design style. Bonus points for also being the hardest wood options available! These wood options may be shown with a smooth top or plank distressed. Choose how rustic you want the overall feel of the table to be.
Farmhouse tables are available in a wide variety of base styles and size options. The style is often characterized by the color more than actual design. Small shaker style tables exude farmhouse charm when opting for a white painted base and rustic plank top.
For large farmhouse table options, the farmhouse trestle is a classic design. We often pair it with a thick, built-down top to create a stunning focal point in your dining room. Other large farm tables include the Albany Round Dining Table and the Arcadia Farm Leg Table.
Mix and Match To Create the Perfect Dining Table Set
Solid wood dining room tables are the backbone of your dining set. We encourage mixing and matching your wood table and chairs with a dining bench or upholstered dining chairs. Dining benches are a wonderful space-saving option that push underneath the table when not in use. Small-space kitchen tables may also benefit from a drop leaf.
These are just some of the many different dining room table styles to consider for your home. Use this guide and explore our wide selection of genuine Amish dining tables here at Dutch Craft Furniture—your partner for making dream redecorating a reality! Contact us for more information on the many custom options that our dining tables feature.
