7 Best Editor-Tested Small Dining Tables
Ahead, you’ll find seven options that range in price, style, size, and material, so you know you’ll find something that suits your fancy (and fits in your home!). The best part is that most of the tables we have and love come in various sizes and shapes, so if you see something you love, but need a slightly different dimension, you can still get it. After your new table arrives and gives your dining area that major upgrade, gather as many people as will fit and enjoy a fabulous meal at a proper table—even if it’s a small one.
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Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Best Small Dining Bistro Table
West Elm Chroma Restaurant Table
Pros
- Available in multiple colors and sizes
- Includes four built-in levelers
- Finished with tempered glass surface for added durability
Cons
- Biggest size is only 36 inches
Most tables are made of wood, glass, or even metal, and they’re rarely colorful. So, if you’re looking to pump a little color into your space, start with this West Elm bistro table. “About six months into the pandemic, I decided to redecorate my former apartment, and the first thing I got after I gutted it (aesthetically, not architecturally) was this table,” admits Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner. “My apartment got so much natural light, so keeping the furniture pale and sunny felt appropriate. I surrounded it with these vintage Marcel Breuer chairs, and the combination of the cane and the glossy pink made me so happy.”
The best thing about this table is that it’s topped with tempered glass that you can’t see, so whether you put a piping hot plate, heavy stock pot, or anything else on here, it won’t crack. There are also four adjustable levels on the bottom so that it will never tip or lean in any direction.
| Dimensions | 30″ D x 29.4″ H |
|---|---|
| Material | Powder-coated iron and tempered glass |
| Assembly | No |
Best Scandi-Inspired Small Dining Table
Ethnicraft Pi Solid Wood Dining Table
Pros
- Available in multiple sizes and two finishes
- Free full-service delivery included
- Hard wax oil finish for added durability
Cons
- Heavy (231 pounds)
If you’re looking for a high-quality, rectangular wood table that has a Scandinavian feel, go for this Ethnicraft piece. “When my husband and I were looking for Scandi-inspired rectangular tables that could seat at least six people and would fit in the small patch of space between our couch and kitchen island, which also has stools, the options in terms of width were limited,” Senior Commerce Editor Marina Liao says. “We found the Pi table during a random internet search and immediately fell in love with the dark wood, sleek design, and the rounded corners. It had that Scandi feel, too, especially when paired with our vintage chairs from Lanoba. Though I got the biggest size I could, the Pi table also comes in shorter dimensions, so I would say the piece is small space-friendly if you want a non-circular table.”
Since the entire dining table is crafted from solid oak with a hard-wax oil finish, this piece requires a bit more care and maintenance. “Our house is old, from the 1890s, so the air gets so dry from our baseboard heaters in the winter, which actually led to the wood cracking on our dining table. We purchased a humidifier to place next to the table, which seems to have solved the problem,” Liao says. “In terms of daily cleaning, we always use placemats and coasters or a tablecloth when we have parties (my husband is obsessed with protecting this table), and I wipe up any stains and spills immediately with a damp microfiber cloth.”
| Dimensions | 31.5″ W x 55.2″ L x 30″ H |
|---|---|
| Material | Oak |
| Assembly | Yes |
Best Small Tulip Dining Table
Williams Sonoma Home Tulip Pedestal Dining Table
Pros
- Available in multiple configurations
- Extremely durable materials that hold up against spills
- Seats four comfortably
Cons
- Long lead times
This classic pedestal table is small enough to squeeze into even the tiniest New York City studio. “Technically, my apartment is a studio, but since it’s such an old building (it was constructed in 1930), the layout is kind of odd, so there aren’t multiple rooms, but there are several ‘areas,’ if you will,” explains tester Rachel Elliot. “I have a little breakfast nook in my kitchen (it’s in the corner between the kitchen and the dining room), and this table fits perfectly. I’ve had it for about two years, and it has held up against spills of pretty much every variety.” Get it in two sizes, four top materials, and four base finishes. Personally, we love the Carrara marble-antique brass combination, but they’re all fabulous.
| Dimensions | 42″ D x 29.5″ H |
|---|---|
| Material | Carrara marble and stainless steel |
| Assembly | No |
Best Small Glass Dining Table
Willa Arlo Interiors Lunado Dining Table
Now 11% Off
Pros
- Made of durable, long-lasting materials
- Glass top does not take up visual space
- Pairs well with any chairs
Cons
- The glass top is secured to the base via suction cups only, so this may not be the most sturdy for some families
Our advice is to invest in a high-quality table you love because you’ll want to bring it with you each time you move. Such is definitely the case for tester Betty Ann Gilrain, who has had this table for 10 years and through four apartments.
“I bought this for my first New York City home because it was small and came with a glass top, which meant it didn’t draw your eye to it. The table kind of just disappeared because it was, for the most part, completely transparent,” she explains. “My current apartment is definitely a little bigger, but this table is still perfect. I stuck it in the little area between my kitchen and living room, and it doesn’t look like I’m trying to cram too much in there because, again, the table is glass and doesn’t take up much space.” Plus, it’s lasted a decade without a scratch, and that definitely counts for something.
| Dimensions | 36″ D x 29″ H |
|---|---|
| Material | Glass and wood |
| Assembly | No |
How We Chose the Best Tables
Normally, I cast a wide net when researching which products to recommend to our loyal readers, but when it comes to small space-friendly furniture, I kept the search tight. In fact, I didn’t even have to consult the internet for some inspiration because my fellow editors and I, along with our friends, all have small dining table recommendations. We New Yorkers are clever when it comes to making furniture work in our spatially challenged homes.
I kept the checklist of must-haves broad, so that you could find the table that suits your aesthetic and space best. That said, I did ask our testers several questions about their dining tables, including their pros and cons, whether assembly was required, and if the table had held up over the years. What’s more, all of these tables were pieces we picked out and purchased ourselves, so they are what we personally consider the best. You can’t beat that!
What to Look for in a Small Dining Table
Number of Seats: Here’s the thing: If you’re buying a small table, you can’t really expect to host a large gathering around it. That said, you don’t always have to settle for a table that barely seats two. Most of the tables on our list seat at least three comfortably. You won’t be banging elbows with the person next to you as you cut your food. Think about how many people live in your household and will be using the table, and use that number to guide your decision.
Material: The material is more a preference than a dealbreaker, but if you want your small dining table to last without requiring too much care, we recommend opting for wood or a tempered glass top. Wood is famous for its durability—especially if it’s coated in a finish that makes it less prone to stains. One thing we will note about wood, though: If it’s not finished in a sealant, you may need to moisturize it with a wood polish every so often. Tempered glass requires probably the least maintenance, as it is easy to clean and doesn’t need any special attention.
Assembly: Some of the tables on our list come with white-glove delivery, while others ship in multiple boxes with assembly instructions. If you’re considerably dextrous, feel free to assemble your table yourself. Otherwise, you m.ay want to opt for one that either comes fully assembled or includes white glove service.
Why Trust House Beautiful?
House Beautiful is dedicated to finding the best pieces for your home, no matter what your budget or design preference is. As a shopping editor on a non-stop mission to incorporate the best of the best furniture into my own home, I am constantly surveying my favorite brands’ new releases to test for myself. When it comes to recommending products, I love to combine my own expertise with thorough research and testing to give you first-person accounts of the market’s best home products. Plus, the editors at House Beautiful have covered small space pieces from all angles, including recommending the best apartment sofas and mini sectionals. If you’re on the hunt for something attractive for your small space, we’ve got you covered. Our editors made sure every story is well-researched and, if needed, testing is involved, so that you can feel good about the products we’re recommending.
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