How to Buy a Dining or Kitchen Table ... and Ones We Like for Under $1,000

A comfy place to sit and eat is essential to any home. To find out what makes a good dining table, we interviewed a master furniture restorer, an interior designer, and four more industry experts, we read dozens of articles, and we looked at hundreds of tables online (and 50 in person). Our buyer’s guide will help you determine the right size , shape , and style of table for your space, and what the table’s material and construction can tell you about its longevity. We also recommend 11 tables that we think offer an exceptional combination of quality materials, solid construction, attractive design, and a good price.

Our picks include small tables for two to four people, apartment-friendly drop-leaf tables, and dining-room-worthy models made to seat up to 10. We focused on tables under $1,000 (and in many cases much less) to find affordable options for first-time homeowners, renters, families with destruction-prone kids, and anyone else who might not be ready to purchase their “forever” table. Of course, you can always spend more, but the pros we talked with agreed that for more than $1,000 you’re often paying for the brand name or pricier materials. Most of our picks are made of either solid wood or high-quality veneer, but we also feature tables made of marble, glass, and metal.

Regardless of whether you’re purchasing new or used, online or in a store, our goal is to help you bring home a table that will work for your lifestyle for many years to come.