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By Ayn-Monique Klahre and Alex Arpaia 9 piece dining sets
The IKEA Jokkmokk Table and 4 Chairs appears to be replaced by the Hägernäs. We are currently looking into whether these are the same set.
For many people, the dining table is so much more than a place to eat. It’s where we pay our bills, work on our laptops, and play board games. It’s where we help our kids with their homework, have coffee with a neighbor, and connect with family and friends. With that in mind, we focused on durable and affordable designs that welcome everyone to the table, including messy toddlers and folks who prefer more than their share of elbow room.
Our five picks include small tables for two to four people, an apartment-friendly drop-leaf table, and dining-room-worthy models made to seat up to 10. This guide will also help you determine the best size, shape, and style of table for your space, as well as what a table’s material and construction can tell you about its longevity.
Ayn-Monique Klahre has covered home furnishings for more than 10 years as a lifestyle editor for magazines including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, and InStyle. In that time, she has written many home-goods shopping articles and interviewed dozens of interior designers, product testers, and other industry experts. Alex Arpaia is a former staff writer who covered home organization, decor, and furniture.
To decide which dining tables to recommend, we scoured the websites of furniture retailers including Amazon, Arhaus, Article, Ashley, Birch Lane, Blu Dot, CB2, World Market, Crate and Barrel, Design Within Reach, and many more. We looked for their best sellers and their highest-rated dining tables (which are not always the same thing).
We analyzed each table based on the following criteria:
From there, we picked the most promising models to test. The majority were tested in showrooms, including models at CB2, World Market, Crate and Barrel, IKEA, Raymour & Flanigan, Pier 1, and West Elm. Three were examined in Wirecutter’s offices. We did not perform side-by-side testing for this guide and instead evaluated each table individually, making sure each of the following attributes below passed muster:
These tables have a small footprint and work well if space is limited.
This table should resist dings and scratches better than softer-wood tables, and the understated mid-century styling complements a range of interiors.
It’s a good value. Hardwood tables under $700 are rare. For less than $600, the Article Seno Round Dining Table is not only constructed of oak, which is likely to last, but it’s also designed with thin, splayed legs that feel stylish and mid-century without being too trendy or exaggerated. Other mid-century-style tables we looked at were quite bulky, out of our price range, or made of wood veneer.
It’s easy to assemble. The Seno table arrived flat, and we needed only to screw the legs in one by one, without any tools.
The top might scratch easily. Owner reviews on Article’s site are positive overall, awarding this table 4.7 stars out of five across 469 reviews at this writing, but many of the two- and three-star reviews report that the top scratches easily. We’ll keep an eye on our Seno table as we continue to long-term test it.
Key specs: Dimensions: 47 inches in diameter, 29 inches high Materials: oak or walnut Warranty and return policy: one-year warranty; return within 30 days of delivery for a refund, minus a return shipping fee
This is the best budget option we’ve found for a solid-wood table and four chairs. It’s a good set for a first apartment. Just keep in mind that the soft pine dents and scratches easily.
The IKEA Jokkmokk Table and 4 Chairs has been replaced by the Hägernäs Table and 4 Chairs. While the price and materials are similar, the design is slightly different. We will test the new set soon.
It’s inexpensive without looking cheap. This is one of the most wallet-friendly solid-wood tables we could find. IKEA does have cheaper wood tables, but they are unfinished. Many of the other very inexpensive tables we saw were made of metal or plastic and had more modern styling, so they looked like cheap restaurant tables. This model’s traditional styling and medium-neutral stain give it a more expensive look. It also feels very sturdy.
It would look at home in a small apartment. Its compact size fits tidily into a common room, and it’s also easy to transport. If you upgrade to a larger space down the road, you could use it as a desk.
The table is quite small. It may feel comfortable for two or maybe three people, but it’s a bit cozy for four.
Chances are, its surface won’t look pristine for long. The floor sample we inspected had a few nicks, including indentations that seemed to be from someone writing too hard with a pen—a problem typical of a softer wood like pine. Fortunately, unlike with a wood veneer, this surface can tolerate stripping and refinishing.
Shipping is expensive, relative to the price of the dining set itself. You may prefer to purchase this in person.
Key specs: Dimensions: 46.5 by 29.125 by 29.125 inches (LWH) Materials: pine Warranty and return policy: no warranty; return within 180 days of purchase for a full refund
If you have a dedicated dining space, fill it with a great-looking table. These large-scale tables (ranging from 54 to 92 inches long) seat six to eight comfortably, and you can seat more if you’re willing to squeeze.
This table comfortably fits six to 10 people (when fully extended). But you need a spot to store the leaves.
You’ll have room for a pretty big crowd. The Article Seno Extendable Dining Table is our most spacious pick—providing plenty of room for 10 people when fully extended. When the leaves are not attached, it’s a great table for everyday use, comfortably seating six.
It’s a cinch to build. Though assembly is easier with two people, one person could manage if need be. You simply twist the legs into their dedicated spots while the table is upside down, and then flip it over—no tools needed. To attach the leaves, unscrew the knobs beneath the table to release the extension rods, then place the leaves on top.
The grain on the two leaves do not match the grain on the large table. One is vertical, and the other is horizontal, which looks odd aesthetically.
Storage for the leaves isn’t included. Unlike the case with many other models, the table doesn’t have a handy slot to slide the leaves underneath the table. So you need to find a place to store them when not in use (each leaf measures 19.5 by 37.5 inches).
Key specs: Dimensions: 71 by 37.5 by 29 inches without leaves; 110 by 37.5 by 29 inches when extended (LWH) Materials: white oak or black walnut Warranty and return policy: one-year warranty; return within 30 days of delivery for a refund, minus a return shipping fee
At just over 92 inches, this sturdy table is a good option for a large dining area. It’s cheaper than similar-size models and has cleaner lines than most rustic farmhouse tables.
It’s the biggest good-looking table we could find under $1,000. With a distressed finish and picnic-table-style construction, the IKEA Möckelby Table has a casual, rustic look, but its clean lines and slightly splayed legs make for a more-versatile style than that of other farmhouse-inspired tables. It felt hefty and solid, and you’d save even more by buying in-store as opposed to online, given the high cost of shipping.
It’s very comfortable. A shallow apron and widely placed legs provide more room for your legs, and the center bar is a surprisingly good footrest.
The seam down the middle of the table could be a crumb catcher. So, unless you lay down a table cloth or runner, cleaning may take some extra time.
It’s not solid wood. The pros we interviewed recommended against wood veneers mounted over particleboard because they tend to be less durable, and IKEA doesn’t offer a warranty. Still, the customer reviews we saw were very positive.
Key specs: Dimensions: 92.5 by 39.375 by 29.125 inches (LWH) Materials: oak veneer Warranty and return policy: no warranty; return within 180 days of purchase for a full refund
If you don’t have space for a dining table but want to entertain occasionally, the drop-leaf table tucks against a wall or between other pieces of furniture when you’re not entertaining.
Made of solid acacia, this affordable, antique-style round table folds to a mere 18 inches wide and seats four with the leaves open.
The size is a happy medium. With a diameter of 36 inches when open, the Jozy Round Weathered Gray Wood Drop Leaf Dining Table straddles the middle ground between a classic 30-inch-diameter bistro-style table and a standard round (42-plus inches)—making it comfortable for two and cozy for four. It folds down to 18 inches wide, which is a good size for a side table. It has a good leg-to-top ratio, and the style makes it look like an antique instead of a new purchase.
We think it’ll last. Even though it’s less expensive than similarly sized wood tables we saw, the floor model of this solid acacia table felt sturdy, even when fully expanded.
You have to take care not to scratch it. The floor model we saw was nicked but not as badly as some of the pine tables we saw at IKEA, and this table could tolerate refinishing because it’s solid wood.
It’s small but not tiny. This table looks bigger in person than it does online, more like a café table than a side table.
Key specs: Dimensions: 36 by 18 by 30.2 inches folded (LWH); 36 inches in diameter by 30.2 inches tall when open Materials: acacia wood Warranty and return policy: no warranty; return within 60 days of purchase for a full refund
The best dining table for you is the one that works for your budget, offers solid construction, fits your space, and has a style you’ll love for years. To make sure you find a model that does exactly that, consider these factors.
A dining table is a deceptively large piece of furniture. “In addition to the footprint of the table, you’ll want three feet of breathing room on all sides—more is better!—to comfortably sit in a chair and move around the space,” said Lucy Harris, an interior designer and principal at Lucy Harris Studio.
So whether your dining area is part of a multiuse space (such as a great room that’s divided into living and dining areas) or a separate dining room, start by measuring the length and width of the dining area. Then subtract about 6 feet from those two measurements to get your target table dimensions.
Next, think about how you’re going to use the table and how many people will typically sit at it, said Max Dyer, a vice president of marketing at La-Z-Boy. To not feel squeezed, each person sitting at the table should be allotted 22 to 24 inches along a table’s perimeter—even more, if the chairs are large. Below, we’ve listed size recommendations depending on the number of people you’re hoping to seat.
Round: 30 to 36 inches in diameter
Square: 30 to 36 inches in width
Rectangular or oval: 30 to 36 inches in length
Round: 36 to 48 inches in diameter
Square: 36 to 48 inches in width
Rectangular or oval: 36 to 48 inches in length
Rectangular or oval: 72 inches in length
Rectangular or oval: 96 inches in length
Rectangular or oval: 120 inches in length
In addition, the visual weight of a piece of furniture can influence how big it feels in a room. It may technically fit, but it’ll seem huge if it’s a dark or bulky piece or if it’s too close to other furniture.
If you’re tight on space, consider options that allow the table to contract and expand. Experts prefer expansion tables where the leaves are solid, separate units that you place on the base once you’ve opened the table. There are also flip-up or butterfly styles, but those tend to be less sturdy.
Finally, measure any area you have to bring the table through, including doorways, hallways, and hard turns into a room that will limit your maneuverability.
Tabletops come in two main shape families: square/rectangular or round/oval. Ideally, your table should fill your space proportionately. Scroll through the following gallery to see some examples:
Square or rectangular tables are the most common shapes, so they tend to carry the most styles, sizes, and extensions. But a round or oval table provides almost as much surface area while giving you more space to move around in your room because it cuts off the corners. The only downside? You lose a little space for serving pieces once you have all your place settings at a round or oval table.
A table’s base can affect how many people you can fit at the table. There are generally three types: legs, pedestal, or trestle. When you shop for a table in person, sit at it to make sure your legs can comfortably avoid hitting the table’s legs; also verify that you have enough space for your knees and to cross your legs when you scoot in all the way. The apron—the frame that holds the tabletop up—can cut down on room to maneuver.
If you want more flexibility in adding dinner guests, pay attention to the leg width and placement. “In general, a table with thinner legs, or where the legs are at the corners, will make it easier to squeeze an extra chair in,” said Harris.
With a pedestal or trestle table, you have more flexibility to add more people to the table. However, larger round pedestal-style tables could be a little less sturdy than a four-leg table. “You have to be able to lean on it and dine on it every day without it tipping over,” said Christophe Pourny, master furniture restorer and author of The Furniture Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Identify, Restore & Care for Furniture.
As for trestle tables, look out for spots along the table where a chair would be straddling the base. This can make sitting in that spot uncomfortable, not to mention make pushing in chairs impossible. To ensure space for your knees, look closely at how much space a trestle design has between the edge of the table and where the trestle supports are attached.
Because a dining table is a big investment, your best bet is to find something you’re going to like for a while. “If you get something too funky, with too many weird details, one day you may wake up and wonder what you were thinking,” said Pourny, who is also the founder of Christophe Pourny Studio. “Keep it simple and sturdy.”
In general he found that lighter woods (such as white oak or bleached woods), raw or natural finishes, and weathered materials done in cleaner lines tended to stand the test of time. Mid-century-style furniture has become more popular in the past 10 to 15 years, and that popularity continues to grow.
Solid wood is a classic material because it is durable and easy to repair, but it also can be pricey. Pine, acacia, mango, and teak are less expensive woods that are becoming more popular, but different woods have different hardnesses: Pine is much softer than acacia, for example, which in turn is softer than walnut. Generally speaking, the cheaper the wood, the softer it is, and the more prone to nicks and scratches.
Even though wood expands and contracts with heat and humidity and can show scratches and wear, it’s fairly easy to repair. “If it’s good wood, in 10 years you can strip it and you’ll still have something to work with,” said Pourny. “Still, it’s always best to use pads, cloths, mats, or trivets to protect the finish,” added Hirschhaut.
Wood veneer is often a more economical alternative to solid wood. To create wood veneer, a manufacturer glues a very thin layer of solid wood (or material printed to look like wood) to a plywood or other wood core. “Generally, veneer is used to achieve one of two objectives: a decorative patterned top (for better goods) or a faux solid wood appearance (to reduce cost),” said Dyer. “A well-made veneer will be a little thicker (1/36 of an inch, or greater) and use multilayer, cross-banded plywood as the core that it is glued to.”
Depending on the maker and the materials, wood-veneer pieces can be just as sturdy as solid wood—or quite flimsy. You can usually touch up a good wood veneer with a bit of stain or paint, but as with solid wood, try to avoid direct contact with heat and moisture. You can expect to pay under $500 for a less expensive veneer piece, but the higher-end ones go into the thousands.
Stone and stone-look Stone tabletops can include marble, quartz composite, or cement. “There are both natural and man-made options in the stone category, but it is not a big category in dining tables,” said Dyer. Although stone is durable, it can be porous and can absorb stains easily. “Depending on how it’s made, it can chip or crack,” added Hirschhaut—and once that happens, it can be tough or impossible to repair. Such tabletops can also be quite heavy.
Glass Glass tabletops can be clear, frosted, or tinted. They’re relatively inexpensive and “can create a feeling of space and openness,” said Hirschhaut. Though glass isn’t susceptible to moisture, it can chip, scratch, or crack from heat. It also shows every fingerprint, making it a higher-maintenance material. A good glass tabletop can start to look bad in a few years if you’re prone to chipping the edges or dragging plates across the table.
Metal Metal, including stainless steel, brass, zinc, and lacquered or painted versions of those, sees use more frequently for table bases than for tabletops. “Metal is durable and not easily damaged,” Hirschhaut told us. But because it has a higher shine, it shows every fingerprint and can require special cleaning tools, so it’s a higher-maintenance option. And Harris has found that painted metals can be hard to repair: “If you nick a high-gloss or lacquered table, it’s hard to touch it up. I’ve had to try to match nail polish to finishes to try to repair them.”
Plastic and laminates Man-made materials, either molded into a shape or glued onto plywood or another core, are an inexpensive option. “They can last a long time but aren’t considered the nicest-quality material,” noted Harris. These materials tend to resist staining and require little upkeep, but the pieces often appear cheap.
A good dining table should have some heft to it. “The material is a major part of good construction, but a table is only as good as the joinery,” said Dyer. “Joinery” is the industry term for the places where the base and tabletop fit together—the more solid this fit is, the longer the table will last.
At a store, check underneath the floor sample: Wood joined directly with wood is very strong, whereas too many attachments and hooks can weaken the construction. In general, the simpler, the better—and the more moving parts (whether they’re intersections joined with screws or expansion mechanisms for leaves), the more opportunities for the table to malfunction.
“Look at the connection points where the legs meet the tabletops and at the corners—if the pieces are starting to separate, you see gaps at the corners, or it’s wobbly when you move it, it’s not well constructed,” cautioned Harris. Beware, too, of tables held together with just staples and glue, which, of course, aren’t sturdy.
As for the tabletop, look for a smooth surface; deep grooves (say, in between boards or within a distressed finish) can catch crumbs.
The most important thing in shopping for chairs is to make sure they fit the table. If you’re starting from scratch and buying online, your best bet is to buy the table and chairs as a set to make sure the scale and finish work well together. But if you’re in a store, you can try different floor models.
“Feel free to mix and match,” said Pourny. For a small space, Pourny recommends buying a couple of extra chairs and using them in other rooms when you don’t need them at the table, to save space.
This article was edited by Daniela Gorny and Joanne Chen.
Max Dyer, vice president of marketing, casegoods division, La-Z-Boy, email interview, April 23, 2017
Lucy Harris, interior designer and principal at Lucy Harris Studio, interview, April 14, 2017
Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of public relations and marketing for the American Home Furnishings Alliance, email interview, April 11, 2017
Christophe Pourny, master furniture restorer, founder of Christophe Pourny Studio, and author of “The Furniture Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Identify, Restore & Care for Furniture,”, interview, April 12, 2017
Thomas Russell, then senior editor at Furniture Today, interview, May 10, 2017
Meredith Mahoney, founder and design director of Birch Lane, email interview, May 10, 2017
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