When was the last time you purchased a dining table? Chances are, it’s been a little while. Folks go years or sometimes even decades between dining table or dining set purchases, so table shopping isn’t exactly part of most people’s regular, day-to-day existence. And that’s okay! However, when the time to go shopping for a new dining table does roll around, we get plenty of questions from our own shoppers as a result.
So, you know that you need a dining table — but what kind? A table isn’t always just a table. It could be a trestle table, farmhouse table, refectory table, pedestal table, double pedestal table, butterfly leaf table, or any number of other types of dining tables. But what are all these things? We’re glad you asked, because that’s exactly why we’re here!
Defining Popular Types of Dining Tables
Read on for our guide to dining table types. Once you know about the different kinds of dining tables available on the market, you’ll be one step closer to making an informed decision on a new dining table that’s just right for you and your home!
Bistro Table
Want to create a casual, laid-back atmosphere in your kitchen or dining space? Bistro tables, also known as pub tables, bar tables, or high-top tables, are a great choice. These compact tables are ideal for smaller dining spaces and for casual meals and drinks. But what are they, exactly?
Bistro tables or pub tables are bar-height tables with a height usually between 40 and 42 inches, making them taller than both traditional dining tables and counter-height tables. They are most often round or square in shape with a seating capacity for four people or less.
Breakfast Table
A breakfast table is a petite table designed for intimate meals, usually seating just two to four people. Typically round or square in shape, breakfast tables are ideal for a quick morning coffee or romantic dinner for two.
Is your dining area on the smaller side? Do you prefer to dine in a cozy nook in your kitchen? Is a massive dining table a bit overkill for your dining needs? If so, a small breakfast table might be the way to go.
Butterfly Leaf Dining Table
Similar to other dining tables with leaves, butterfly leaf dining tables offer an expandable dining surface. However, this is perhaps the most elaborate type of table leaf. As the name suggests, the center-folding design of a butterfly leaf table resembles the wings of a butterfly.
With butterfly leaf tables, the leaves are stored within the table itself and can be effortlessly unfolded as needed. As you expand the frame of a butterfly leaf dining table, it exposes a set of self-storing center leaves that fold outward from the center-line and lock into place. When you’re done, they simply fold inward and store inside the table. Voila!
Drop-Leaf Table
A drop leaf table is an expandable table where the leaves are attached to the sides or ends of the table using simple hinges. These hinged leaves can be locked in the upward position to provide more table space, but can fold down perpendicular to the table top when not in use.
Straight-forward and easy to use, drop leaf tables can be kept compact for everyday meals and quickly expanded for larger gatherings. You can find drop leaf designs in a variety of shapes and sizes, from full dining tables, to small breakfast tables.
Extension Dining Tables
An extension dining table, or expandable dining table, is any type of dining table that has a leaf or leaves used to increase the size of the dining surface. This feature is incredibly convenient as you can easily convert your dining table from its smaller, cozy, casual everyday configuration, to a larger table better for entertaining guests at your next family gathering.
In most cases, the leaves from an extension dining table are completely removable and must be stored elsewhere when not in use. In other cases, extension dining tables like drop leaf tables, butterfly leaf tables, or draw leaf tables have leaves that are attached or self-storing.
Farmhouse Table
The farmhouse table embodies both the rustic charm and warm, inviting atmosphere of rural, small town living. Farmhouse tables often feature a sturdy, solid wood construction and simple, function-driven design with clean lines. Their defining characteristic? A thick, robust, rectangular table top perfect for regular meals and family gatherings alike.
Farmhouse tables can be rough hewn or a bit more polished, and their color and finish can range from natural wood, to stained and sealed, to whitewashed. Although not always the case, farmhouse tables are frequently paired with dining benches on one or both sides.
Gathering Table
A gathering table is another name for a counter height dining table. Standing at 34 to 36 inches tall, they provide a more relaxed dining experience than a typical dining table. As a result, while they can certainly be used to furnish a proper dining room, gathering tables are best suited for use in the kitchen or other casual dining spaces.
But where does the name come from? Thanks to their height, gathering tables are perfect for gatherings where guests can either comfortably sit or stand at the table and socialize. This makes them a great fit for casual dining and impromptu get-togethers.
Glass-Top Table
Looking to add a touch of modernity and elegance to your dining space? If so, a glass-top table could be just right for you! These contemporary tables feature a glass surface supported by a variety of materials like metal or wood. Popular in shapes from round to rectangular, the transparent table top creates a sense of space and allows you to showcase a gorgeous rug or flooring beneath.
Sometimes everything is in the name – and that is certainly true with glass-top tables. However, this type of table is popular enough, so how could we ignore it?
Leg Table
Believe it or not, not all dining tables have legs. Take pedestal tables or trestle tables for instance. But the leg table does. This straight-forward industry term is simply used to describe any table with legs – usually four.
Live Edge Table
When making lumber, it’s standard practice to cut off all external edges, curves, and imperfections in the wood in order to make straight, uniform planks. However, live edge tables retain this natural, unprocessed edge of the original tree, giving each table a unique, curved, organic appearance.
Just as no two trees are exactly alike, neither are any two live edge tables. These tables are a celebration of the raw beauty found in wood grains and knots, making them perfect for those who want to bring a touch of the outdoors inside. If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, a live edge table may be just right for you.
Pedestal Table
As their name suggests, pedestal tables have a single central support or base in the middle of the table instead of table legs. This design feature gives them a stylish look that stands out. While most commonly available as round or oval dining tables, pedestal tables come in a variety of shapes, sizes and seating capacities.
The design of the pedestal table also maximizes comfort and helps you make the most of your dining space. Unlike leg tables, this means that there are no bothersome table legs keeping you or your guests from scooting all the way into the table while seated. This also means that you’ll have no issues pushing your chairs all the way into the table while not in use.
Additionally, there is a variation of the pedestal table called a double pedestal table. This variant is typically larger, rectangular, and with a second pedestal base similar to a trestle table.
Queen Anne Table
The Queen Anne table, sometimes known as a cabriole leg table, is all about graceful curves and sophistication. In addition to cabriole legs, Queen Anne tables often have a delicate, s-shaped curve that adds an element of old-world refinement to your formal dining room.
These antique-styled dining tables are perfect for those who appreciate tradition and the rich history of furniture design. Pair your new Queen Anne table with some Queen Anne chairs and you’re good to go!
Refectory Table
The refectory table, also known as a draw leaf table, is a timeless and sturdy expandable dining table. These tables are long and rectangular, especially when extended. This makes them great for those who love to entertain guests.
A refectory table’s leaves are stowed underneath each end of the table. When it’s time to expand the table top, these end leaves can be pulled out, raised, and pushed firmly back into place. The draw leaf mechanism found in refectory tables is a smooth, easy and convenient way to add extra seating capacity for two to four additional guests.
Trestle Table
If you’re after a dining table with a long, established history, the trestle table might be your pick. That’s because this dining table design goes back to at least medieval times. These tables boast a functional, traditional look while providing a stable, durable surface for dining.
Trestle tables feature a rectangular tabletop supported by a pair of crossed beams, known as trestles. On longer trestle tables, there may be a third trestle in the center. These trestles are supported by a horizontal beam that runs between them. As a result, the trestle table design provides a sturdy dining surface with ample legroom for everyone seated at the table.
Turned Leg Dining Table
If you’re drawn to classic furniture design, you’ll appreciate the craftsmanship behind the turned leg dining table. Also known as a spindle leg table, these rectangular, square, or oval tables feature intricately crafted legs with beautiful curves and stunning details.
The ornate legs on turned leg tables are carved on a lathe through a process called woodturning, often by hand. Want to bring timeless charm to your dining space? A turned leg dining table will certainly do the trick.
Which of These Types of Dining Tables Are Right for You?
Remember, the best dining table for you is the one that fits your style, space, needs and budget. However, now that you’re armed with this extra bit of dining table knowledge, you can shop for your next dining table with confidence. If you’re looking to continue your education on dining furniture, we recommend our guide to dining chairs, dining table size guide, dining table style guide, our primer on different table heights, and our piece discussing different styles of leaves and extension dining tables.
Do you have a question about a type of dining table that didn’t make our list of dining table terms above? No worries! Feel free to message our dining furniture experts on our easy and convenient live web chat. They’d love to assist!
Better yet, swing by the store for some perfect examples of these various dining tables right here in our furniture showroom. If you’re in metro Atlanta or elsewhere in North Georgia, we invite you to visit our 100,000 square foot flagship furniture store in Woodstock/Acworth, or our sister stores in Dallas/Hiram and Rome. See you soon!
