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The Gallery Home buying guide

Choosing the perfect dining table

A dining table is where family and friends gather, conversations unfold and lasting memories are made. It is often the true heart of the home.

Choosing one is an investment in beauty, practicality and timeless craftsmanship. Size, shape, material and proportion all shape how your dining space feels. Our design team shares what to consider before you choose.

Lucente Shangrila green marble oval dining table by The Gallery Home
90–100 cm
Clearance around the table
4 to 12+ seats
Sized to how you entertain
Made to measure
Size, stone, edge and finish
01

Choosing the right size

Size shapes comfort more than anything else.

One of the most common mistakes is choosing a dining table on looks alone. A table that is too large restricts the room, while one that is too small feels out of proportion and struggles to seat family and guests comfortably.

Measure your dining room carefully and think about how people move around the space. A well-proportioned table anchors the room while leaving plenty of space to circulate.

90–100 cm clearance

Leave this on every side so chairs pull out and people move freely.

Measure first

Note the room, doorways and any furniture that shares the space.

Consider your chairs

Wider or carver chairs need more length per place setting.

Balance the room

The table should anchor the space without overwhelming it.

Aldo travertine oval dining table with fluted pedestals by The Gallery Home
02

How many should it seat?

Plan for how you live and entertain, not the minimum.

SeatsSuggested lengthBest for
4120–140 cmApartments and compact dining spaces
6160–180 cmGrowing families and everyday dining
8200–240 cmEntertaining with generous personal space
10240–300 cmLarger villas and formal dining rooms
12+300 cm or moreRegular hosting of family and guests

A general guide only. The ideal size depends on your room, the width of your chairs and the space you leave around the table. Many of our tables can be made to your exact dimensions.

Lorenzo travertine oval dining table set for six by The Gallery Home
03

Choosing the shape

Shape changes how people gather and talk.

Square

Works beautifully in symmetrical rooms and creates an intimate setting for smaller families.

04

Marble, travertine or wood?

Each creates a very different atmosphere.

05

Common mistakes to avoid

A dining table should be as practical as it is beautiful.

  • Choosing style over practicality
  • Buying a table that is too large for the room
  • Forgetting chair clearance
  • Ignoring natural light
  • Overlooking material care
  • Choosing trends over timeless craftsmanship
  • Not planning for future entertaining
06

Frequently asked questions

What size dining table do I need?

It depends on your room and how many people you want to seat. Allow around 90–100 cm of clearance around the table for comfortable movement, and use the seating guide above as a starting point.

Is marble suitable for everyday dining?

Yes. Properly sealed marble is well suited to everyday use and, with routine care, gives exceptional beauty and durability for many years.

Is travertine a good choice for a dining table?

Absolutely. Travertine offers timeless elegance, natural warmth and understated luxury, making it one of today's most desirable materials for contemporary dining.

Should I choose a round or rectangular table?

Round tables encourage conversation and suit compact spaces, while rectangular tables seat more people and are ideal for larger rooms.

Can I customise my dining table?

Yes. Many of our dining tables can be customised in dimensions, materials, edge profiles and finishes, so the table is tailored to your home.

Burlington Verde Alpi marble dining table by The Gallery Home
A final thought

Where everyday moments become lifelong memories.

Whether you are drawn to Italian marble, the warmth of travertine or the enduring beauty of solid wood, the right dining table should reflect your lifestyle and the character of your home. Visit our Dubai showroom to see our stones and finishes in person.

Showroom
Retail 1A, 2 Park Lane, Dubai Hills
Open
Seven days a week