Your dining table is inarguably one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home. It might sit at the cusp of your kitchen and living areas, or you may have a designated formal and/or informal dining room; either way, it’s not just a piece of furniture, but a place where meals are enjoyed, laughter is shared, and memories are made. If you’re looking to make the most of your dining space, you’ve come to the right place. B2C Furniture has all the tips and inspiration on how to style a dining table and create the mealtime area of your dreams.
How to Choose a Dining Table Shape
Dining tables come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be broadly categorised as round dining tables or rectangular dining tables. These shapes encompass many different dining table styles, including farmhouse, mid-century modern, Scandinavian, trestle-base, and traditional. But how do you choose the right shape and style for your space? A few key considerations include the dimensions of your dining area, the number of people it needs to accommodate, and personal aesthetic. For instance, if you’re an apartment-dweller or have limited space, a round table provides more space to move around while still offering a broad surface area. It’s also an informal style and creates an intimate feel when used for entertaining. Rectangular designs, on the other hand, can work well for both formal and informal dining. They typically require a larger space, but can seat several guests. Traditional styles are well-loved for their timeless appeal, while mid-century modern and trestle-base tables have thinner legs, meaning you can get away with squeezing in an extra seat or two when your in-laws show up unexpectedly.
(Our Bella Round Glass Dining Table)
How to Style a Glass Dining Table
Glass-topped dining tables (like the Bella Rectangle Glass Dining Table and the Bella Round Glass Dining Table) are a popular modern design that contributes an elegant, airy feel to a room. These minimalist pieces should be cleanly styled and kept free of clutter when not in use. A simple vase filled with flowers, greenery, or willow twig branches will add that perfect finishing touch.
How to Style a Round Dining Table
Being on the smaller side, round dining tables (like the Cannes Round Hardwood Dining Table) shouldn’t feature large centrepieces. To complement your table without overwhelming it, opt for a fruit basket, a vase, or a few candles. If you choose to style your table with a tablecloth and/or placemats, these should be round as well.
How to Style a Long Dining Table
A long dining table (like the Gaudi Hardwood Dining Table) is perfect for entertainers, large families, and those with a separate formal dining room. These tables have plenty of room for decorations, which can be changed seasonally. A 3-tier cake stand filled with sweet treats or fruit, for instance, is an ideal centrepiece for the warmer months, while a candelabra, hemstitched cotton placemats, and velvet napkins will give your tabletop a cozy and inviting feel in the cooler months.
(Our Cannes 7pce Hardwood Dining Set)
How to Style a Rectangular Dining Table
The most popular of table designs, a rectangular dining table (like the Cannes Hardwood Dining Table) can be styled in many different ways. For casual dining, consider woven placemats and a dining vignette complete with salt and pepper mills, napkins, and cutlery. A table runner can bring a hint of sophistication when entertaining guests, while a linen tablecloth and a trio of candles or vessels are the perfect accessories for formal dining.
What Dining Tables Are In Style?
When it comes to dining tables - and furniture in general - it’s best to steer clear of trends and go for pieces that are guaranteed to remain in style for years or decades to come. To choose an ‘evergreen’ dining table, look for designs made from high-quality materials like hardwood, glass, and marble. Craftsmanship is another important factor; spend time looking for furniture that is thoughtfully designed, structurally sound, and well-built. Hallmarks of poor furniture construction include wobbling, swaying, and general unsteadiness, as well as visible glue around the joints.
B2C Furniture combines expert craftsmanship with sustainably sourced, high-quality hardwood. Our dining tables are designed with versatility and durability in mind, and come with a 1-year structural warranty, ensuring your peace of mind, and that our pieces will be in your dining room for years to come.
(
How to Style a Dining Table When Not in Use
While your dining table is primarily a functional piece of furniture, its stylistic capabilities transcend mealtimes. With the right accessories, your dining table can become a focal point in your living space. You may want to crown your table with one or more of the following decorative pieces:
- Flowers or greenery: Most tables are made from earthen or inorganic materials like timber and glass. These textures are hard and durable, and are crying out for warmth. Flowers and plants add a touch of softness to your dining area, and can be changed seasonally. Display them in a vase that suits your aesthetic, whether glass, ceramic, stone, or metal.
- Candles: Candles contribute to your dining area’s style and atmosphere. When lit, they evoke warmth and intimacy; when unlit, they add character and rustic charm to your space. Consider grouping your candles in a group of three in varying heights, or display them on a candelabra.
- Table linen: Napkins, placemats, table runners, and table cloths can protect your table while enhancing your overall aesthetic. Create an elegant formal setup, or a seasonal or festive theme. Well-chosen table linen can transform your table into the stuff of Vogue Living dreams.
- Dining vignette: A dining vignette is a small group of accessories, kept on the dining table in a tray or caddy. They can be a stylish and convenient way to keep condiments within easy reach, or they can simply contain decorative accessories or serving items such as pitchers, creamers, jugs, and bottles.
(Our Gaudi 7pce Hardwood Dining Set)
Extra Tips for Styling a Dining Table
Once you’ve settled on a dining table that you love, it’s time to complete the setting with chairs. Many dining sets come with matching chairs (like our Cannes 7-piece Hardwood Black Dining Set), but you don’t have to take the path well-trodden. We sell our dining tables and dining chairs separately, which means you can add visual interest by creating an artfully mismatched look. Just make sure the dimensions of your dining table and chairs are compatible; the distance between the seat of your chairs and the tabletop should be no less than 8 inches and no greater than 14 inches. Now for the fun part: get shopping!
Explore B2C Furniture’s Collection of Dining Tables
Looking for more dining table styling and dining room inspiration? Our range of dining tables, dining chairs, and dining sets are eco-friendly and made from the highest quality hardwood. Come dine with us, and discover the B2C difference.
