How to choose the perfect dining table?

Maybe your dining table feels too small when guests come over.
Or maybe you’ve never found one that really fits your style.

And when it comes to materials, the questions never end:Marble or wood? Is glass safe with kids? And let’s not even talk about layout: Too big and it blocks the flow. Too small and it looks... underwhelming.

You’re not alone.
Choosing a dining table should be easy, but when you want something

beautiful, functional, and full of soul

your options shrink—and the doubts multiply.

This is the guide we all wish we had before choosing.
Because a table isn’t just for meals…
it’s where memories are made, toasts are shared, and life happens.

1. How Many People Are You Really Seating?

One of the most common mistakes is choosing based on looks, without thinking about how you actually use the space.

👉 Do you host often?
👉 Do you want extra room, or prefer a cozier feel?

Quick size guide by number of people:

4 people: 120–140 cm in length
6 people: 150–180 cm
8+: 200–250 cm minimum
Standard height: 75 cm
Ideal width: 90 cm or more
✅ Space per person: 60 cm
✅ Clear space around table: At least 90 cm for comfortable movement

📌 Tip: If you have a tighter space, consider adding a bench on one side—it gives flexibility and warmth.

2. Where Should You Place It?

A table can look amazing… but if it’s badly placed, it won’t get used.

📍 Near natural light: daylight adds warmth and makes the space feel alive
📍 Away from direct pathways or door swings
📍 Avoid placing it in front of a TV if you want to spark real conversation
📍 In small spaces: go for round or oval tables to keep the flow soft and open

🎯 Bonus tip: Layering a rug underneath helps visually frame the space and adds intimacy.

3. Which Material Is Right for Your Lifestyle?

Choosing the wrong material is a common regret. Think about how you live, not just how it looks on Instagram.

✔ Solid wood (oak, walnut, teak)

Warm, timeless, and alive. Perfect for families or everyday use.
Salaterra uses noble, durable woods that age beautifully

✔ Marble

Bold, sculptural, and unique.
Every piece tells a story through its natural veining.
👉 Ideal for statement dining spaces—or even covered outdoor areas.

4. What Table Shape Works Best for You?

The shape of your table affects how people interact and move around it. Choose based on space, vibe, and how you host.

🔵 Round: intimate and egalitarian—great for 4 people
🥚 Oval: soft edges, perfect for long narrow spaces
▭ Rectangular: the classic choice—versatile and easy to dress up
◼ Square: compact, modern, great for open-plan kitchens or smaller rooms

✅ The Ultimate Dining Table Checklist

Make sure your table ticks all these boxes before you commit:

Matches your home’s style and doesn't feel generic
Fits comfortably in your space (no cramped corners!)
Seats the number of people you typically host
Made of a material that fits your lifestyle (kids, guests, daily use)
Makes you proud to show it off
Has that something special—personality, charm, soul

❌ The Most Common Dining Table Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Choosing only by looks, not by daily use
Failing to measure your space properly
Forgetting to leave enough space around the table
Not visualizing how it will actually look in your home
Picking a material that doesn’t match your routine
Not checking if your chairs will fit underneath
Settling for what everyone else has
Choosing something too fragile or high-maintenance
Overlooking whether it feels like you

The Salaterra Difference

At Salaterra, we don't just make tables.
We create pieces with soul, crafted with noble materials and timeless Mediterranean essence.

Tables that anchor a room, invite slow meals and long talks,
and make your home feel more like you.

👉 Explore our dining table collection

📌 Need Help Choosing?

We’d love to help.
Tell us about your space, your style, and your rhythm—we’ll guide you to the table that makes you fall in love with your dining room. Contact us