IF YOU'RE looking to switch up meal times, you might need our round-up of the best dining tables.

After all, meal times are a good time to get together around a table fit for purpose.

Whether you’re big on entertaining or simply like to gather the family or your housemates in one place for dinner to chat about your day as you eat, a dining table is an essential part of any home.

While it’s true that formal, separate dining spaces have long gone as we’ve embraced open-plan living, that doesn’t mean we should do away with a dining table – with so many sizes, shapes and styles to choose from, it’s easy to incorporate one into your home.

Why not slot a compact design into that unused corner of your kitchen, or tidy up a dumping ground at one end of your living room and use it for something more functional?

Round tables with folding sides are ideal for small spaces, but if there’s more than four of you, you’ll probably want a larger option.

Or, if you have little ones, a table with a rounded or curved top is a safer option.

Regular entertainers should consider an extending table that can be pulled out when needed. And then there’s the question of seating – do you want a dining table that comes with a bench or matching chairs?

Material is another factor to keep in mind. Glass looks elegant and can give the impression of a larger, lighter space, but be aware it also shows scratches more than a wooden or composite table. If you’re looking to add glamour to your space, then you can’t go wrong with a marble design, or one with metallic legs.

All you have to do is decide how much space you have to play with, work out what you want to use your new dining table for, and what style will fit in with your decor, and you’re away. We’ve found a few of our favourites to help you get started.

Best Industrial-Style Dining Table

1. Lomond Dining Table Set

• Lomond Dining Table Set, £499 from Made.com – buy here

Modern, industrial style your thing? Then you’ll love this unfussy yet functional wood-and-metal table with relaxed bench seating.

Its welded cast-iron frame means it’s sturdy enough for hosting a big crowd, while the beautiful grain of the solid mango wood tabletop and bench seats adds plenty of interest.

Plus, the benches slot neatly under the table for a streamlined look when not in use – exceptional value for less than £500.

2. Ellis dining table from Swoon

• Ellis dining table, £679, from Swoon – buy here

Also crafted from a welded metal frame and solid mango wood tabletop is the Ellis dining table from Swoon. But with a difference.

The tabletop of this dining table is inlaid with classic parquet, to add a bit of extra jazz to the industrial, chic design.

It's makes quite the statement, and draws the eye in a way few other similar styles can.

Best Statement Dining Table

• West Elm Silhouette Pedestal 4 Seater Dining Table, £999 from John Lewis – buy here

If you want your new dining table to take centre stage, go glam!

This strikingly beautiful design marries on-trend marble with eye-catching metallics that will add a touch of opulence to your room. It’ll comfortably seat four and is a good bet if you want to make a statement but don’t have oodles of space – size isn’t everything.

Pair it with leather or velvet dining chairs for a look that’s all-out luxury.

Best Extendable Dining Table

• Etta 6-8 Seater Black Stained Oak Extending Dining Table, £562.50 from Habitat – buy here

The option of having more space around a dining table is invaluable, especially if you have a large family or entertain a lot, so invest in an extending design to make sure everyone has plenty of elbow room.

Made from black stained oak with gently tapering legs and curved tabletop edges, this smart, Scandi-style table can seat six or eight people.

Complete the look with a mix of bench seating and upholstered chairs for a relaxed feel.

Best Dining Table For Small Spaces

• Norden Gateleg table in White, £179 from Ikea – buy here

Flat-dwellers rejoice! You shall have a dining table, even though trying to fit furniture into your home is like trying to complete a Tetris puzzle.

This nifty drop-leaf table can be collapsed on both sides when you’re not using it, leaving just a small, console-style design with handy drawers (a great spot for storing cutlery, tea towels and the like).

It can seat four people at its biggest – or six if you don’t mind getting friendly with your neighbour.

Best Cafe-Style Kitchen Table

• Dante Chess Board Table, £279 from Barker & Stonehouse – buy here

Inject a dash of rustic French chic into your dining space with this cute wooden table and cafe-style chairs.

The distinctive table has a stunning chequerboard design that’s made from reclaimed elm with a distressed painted finish; the rustic metal chairs come with simple jute seat pads.

Simply serve up a coq au vin, pour yourself a glass Beaujolais and you could almost be in France.

Best Round Dining Table

• Garden Trading Hambledon Round Table, £700 from Amara – buy here

Need a good all-rounder that can withstand family life but is also elegant enough for entertaining?

You can’t go wrong with a timeless, solid-wood dining table.

The beauty of this design is that it works equally well in a modern or traditional setting, while its raw-oak construction means it will benefit for a little wear a tear and will only get better with age.

MORE FROM SUN SELECTS HOME

Take a look at Sun Selects for more of our recommendations.

Enjoyed our roundup of the best dining tables? Then be sure to check out Sun Selects' dedicated home section.

Thinking about switching up your kitchen? Why not take a look at our round up of the best coffee grinders?

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