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Your dining table is more than just a surface for meals. It’s the place where family stories are shared, celebrations unfold, and everyday moments become cherished memories. Whether you host formal dinners or enjoy casual family breakfasts, your dining room furniture plays a pivotal role in creating a welcoming and functional environment.
With the growing trend of dining at home, 70% of people eat most meals at home, and 43% rarely or never dine out, according to Inspired Magazine. With that information in mind, it’s no surprise that homeowners are paying more attention to how their dining spaces look and feel.
Choosing the right dining table style can help you create a space that reflects your personal taste, complements your home layout, and fits your everyday lifestyle.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover six distinct dining table styles, from rustic and farmhouse to modern and contemporary
- Learn how your home’s layout, open concept or traditional, can influence the best table style
- Understand how accessories, lighting, and materials like fabric and wood tones enhance your table’s impact
- Explore custom dining table options available through Canadel at La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston
In This Article...
Why Layout and Function Matter in Dining Design
Before diving into table shapes, leg styles, or finishes, it’s essential to consider how your dining space functions within your home.
Are you working with a formal dining room, or is your table part of a larger open-concept space? The layout of your home will directly affect which dining table design will feel natural and functional.
If your dining table is adjacent to the kitchen or part of an open layout, consistency in colour palette and materials is key. A table that matches or complements your cabinetry, flooring, or nearby furniture will create flow and harmony throughout the space. This is particularly important in modern homes where the dining area is visible from multiple angles.
Michelle MacLellan, the interior designer at La-Z-Boy Hunt Club, recommends paying attention to textures when defining an eating area in an open space. “The table can work as a focal point. Select textures that add character, for example, a distressed wood table and leather chairs.”
What’s more, Michelle says strategic lighting, like a statement chandelier or linear pendant, can help delineate the dining area while reinforcing your chosen style. Even in a shared space, subtle visual boundaries can create a sense of intimacy and purpose.
In contrast, if your dining room is enclosed or separate from other rooms, you have more freedom to make bold stylistic choices. Rich wall colours, patterned wallpaper, large rugs, and formal accessories like hutches or china cabinets can elevate the ambiance and set the mood for more refined dining experiences.
Finding Your Personal Design Style
It’s common for homeowners to feel uncertain about their design preferences. In fact, one of the first things Michelle hears from clients is that they simply don’t know what their personal style is or how to start defining it.
“I’ve been working as an interior designer for about 15 years now, and many of my clients tell me they don’t know what their own personal style is,” Michelle says.
If you’re unsure where to begin, start by observing the types of spaces and décor that make you feel most at ease. Create a digital mood board using Pinterest or Instagram, paying attention to recurring elements, whether that’s a particular wood tone, a mix of metals, or a preference for curved vs. angular lines.
Consider what environments inspire you: a rustic café, a clean-lined urban restaurant, or a cozy family cottage. These emotional responses can help guide you toward a dining table that resonates with your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
Additionally, Michelle recommends starting with an anchor piece, such as a piece of art or an area rug, that sets the tone. From there, the rest of your furniture and accessories can align with the mood and feel of that foundational item.
Six Dining Table Styles to Consider
With your layout and personal style in mind, it’s time to explore some of the most popular and versatile dining table styles. Each offers unique characteristics, ideal for different design goals, lifestyles, and room configurations.
Farmhouse Dining Style
The farmhouse style remains a top choice for homeowners seeking warmth, tradition, and a sense of coziness. These tables are often made of solid wood and feature distressed finishes, natural textures, and classic lines.
Pair the table with bench seating for a family-friendly vibe, and accessorize with cotton or linen throws, striped fabrics, and potted herbs or wildflowers. A buffet or hutch in a complementary wood tone can complete the look.
Canadel’s Champlain Collection is a prime example of farmhouse styling, which you can learn more about with this review article.
Modern Dining Style
Modern dining tables reflect clean lines, minimalism, and functionality. Typically rooted in mid-century modern design, these tables use streamlined shapes, tapered legs, and sleek materials such as glass, metal, or matte-finished wood.
Modern styles work particularly well in open-concept homes and urban condos, where less visual weight allows other architectural features to shine. Keep the space clutter-free, using only a few statement pieces like an abstract centrepiece or sculptural candle holders.
Canadel’s Modern Collection is a great example of this style, and you can learn more about it with this article.
Rustic Dining Style
Rustic tables celebrate natural materials and a connection to the outdoors. You’ll notice thick wood planks, visible grain, and handcrafted details. Unlike farmhouse tables, rustic designs often feature dark stains, raw edges, and organic imperfections.
This style works best in homes with exposed beams, stone features, or wood floors, and complements earthy textiles like plaid, paisley, and linen. Accessories like iron lanterns, wicker baskets, or pottery round out the rustic aesthetic.
While not associated with a particular collection, Canadel has many rustic dining tables available across all of its collections.
Industrial Dining Style
Industrial dining styles bring a loft-inspired look to the home, combining metal, wood, and reclaimed materials. Tables often include steel legs or pipe frames with wood tops, making them both stylish and durable.
Incorporate open shelving, exposed brick, or Edison-style lighting to enhance the industrial vibe. Michelle notes that multifunctional furniture is key:
“A bookshelf can be used as a buffet to display dinnerware. Show off your ceramic dishes on open shelves that light up.”
Add leather chairs, neutral patterns, and greenery to soften the room and keep it balanced.
Canadel’s Loft Collection is the perfect example of this dining style. You can learn more about it with this article.
Traditional Dining Style
Traditional dining tables embrace timeless elegance with carved legs, polished wood, and ornate detailing. This style is perfect for formal dining rooms, often paired with upholstered chairs, symmetrical layouts, and decorative accents like crystal chandeliers or oriental rugs.
Accessories like nailhead trim, floral centrepieces, and matte fabrics in flower or paisley patterns reinforce the classic aesthetic. If you love sophistication and heritage, traditional style is a lasting investment.
La-Z-Boy’s Canadel Core Collection has many traditional dining styles available, which you can learn more about with this article.
Contemporary Dining Style
Contemporary dining design blends current trends with clean aesthetics and a focus on innovation. Tables in this category often include glass tops, lacquered finishes, and geometric bases.
This style relies on neutral backgrounds with bold statement pieces, such as a sculptural light fixture or abstract art. Furniture should be streamlined and functional, while accessories remain minimal to let standout pieces shine.
Canadel’s Gourmet Collection, as well as the Downtown Collection features both European and angular contemporary pieces, respectively.
Custom Dining Tables at La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston
If you’ve found a style that suits your taste but need something more personalized, La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston proudly offers Canadel custom dining furniture, crafted in Canada and known for its unmatched customization.
With Canadel, you can personalize every detail:
- Shape: round, rectangular, oval, or square
- Size: from compact nooks to full-size family tables
- Material: glass or solid wood
- Finish: hundreds of wood stains and paint colours
- Leg/Base Style: pedestal, trestle, or classic legs
- Extensions: butterfly leaf or drop-leaf options
Whether you're designing for a small space or a sprawling dining room, Canadel offers a solution that reflects your unique personality and functional needs.
To learn more about La-Z-Boy Dining Room Furniture in-depth, including Canadel’s dining selection, take a look at this comprehensive Dining Room Buyer’s Guide.
What's Next?
Decorating your dining room doesn’t have to be complicated. With a thoughtful plan, smart furniture choices, and a few creative touches, you can find a dining table style that’s both beautiful and practical.
If you're looking for expert guidance, visit your local La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston showroom. Our Canadel dining collections offer fully customizable options. Choose the size, shape, finish, and upholstery that suits your space and style.
Prefer personalized help? Book a complimentary interior design consultation online and work with one of our in-house designers to bring your dining vision to life. To learn more about La-Z-Boy Dining Room Selection, take a look at our comprehensive Dining Room Buyer’s Guide.
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