How to Choose the Perfect Solid Wood Dining Table for Your Home
The dining table: the piece that brings your family together every day
Of all the furniture in a home, few pieces get as much daily use as the dining table. It's where you grab breakfast before rushing out the door, where you enjoy a relaxed Sunday dinner, and where homework, laptops, and kids' crafts often end up spread out. That's why it's worth thinking it through carefully before buying one, instead of choosing based only on price or the first table you come across. Here's a practical guide to help you get it right.
1. Measure the space before browsing catalogs
A common mistake is falling in love with a table only to find out later it doesn't quite fit the dining room. As a general rule, leave at least 90-120 cm of clear space around the table so chairs can be pulled out and people can move around comfortably, with a bit more if there's a walkway to the kitchen. Measure the actual space you have, mark it out with tape on the floor if you're unsure, and use that to set the maximum size you can go for.
How much space to allow per person
For everyone to eat comfortably, plan for about 60 cm of table width per person. A 150x90 cm table, for example, comfortably seats 6 people, and up to 8 if you add chairs at the head ends.
2. Choose the shape based on how you live, not just what's trendy
Rectangular tables make the most of long, narrow dining rooms and are the most versatile option if you need to seat extra guests. Round or oval tables encourage conversation and work well in square rooms or high-traffic areas, since there are no corners to bump into. If you live in a small apartment, a narrow rectangular table (under 85 cm deep) is usually the most practical choice.
3. Why solid wood is worth choosing
Unlike particleboard or melamine, solid wood ages gracefully: it can be sanded and re-oiled if it gets scratched, it doesn't swell with humidity the way particleboard does, and every piece has a unique grain that no imitation can replicate. It's a longer-term investment, but a well-cared-for solid wood table can last for decades, and even get passed down through generations.
At ErgoNatureWood we work with solid woods like elm, walnut, and Iberian pine. A great example is this 150x90 cm solid elm dining table, with a warm grain and sealed finish, ready to ship. If you'd like to see more tables and bars for your home, take a look at our kitchen tables and bars collection.
4. Consider height and chairs
The standard dining table height is around 75 cm, designed for chairs with a seat height of about 45 cm. If you're pairing it with benches or tall stools, check that the difference between seat height and tabletop is around 28-30 cm so knees stay comfortable.
5. Long-term care and maintenance
A solid wood table doesn't need much, but it does need a little attention: use trivets or coasters for hot dishes, clean with a damp (never soaked) cloth, and apply a protective oil once or twice a year to keep the finish looking good. Avoid placing it right next to radiators or in direct sunlight, since sudden changes in temperature and humidity are what dry out wood the most over time.
Frequently asked questions
What table size do I need for 6 people?
As a reference, a 150x90 cm rectangular table or a 150 cm round table comfortably seats 6 people, leaving enough room for plates, glasses, and serving dishes in the center.
Does solid wood get damaged by humidity in the kitchen or dining room?
No, as long as it has a good seal and protective finish, like our pieces do. What you should avoid is leaving standing water on the surface or exposing it to extreme temperature swings on a regular basis.
How long does a well-cared-for solid wood dining table last?
With basic maintenance, a solid wood table can easily last several decades, and unlike particleboard, it can be restored and sanded down to look like new.
Rectangular or round table for a small dining room?
In smaller spaces, round or oval tables tend to make better use of the traffic flow, while a narrow rectangular table works best if the dining room is long and narrow.