When choosing kitchen tables rather than a dining table, you might have noticed a lack of mid-sized tables. You are having to pick between either a family-sized farmhouse table or apartment-sized bistro table. And while it probably goes without saying that big kitchens can plump for an oversized table worthy of the mess hall and bijou rooms might be better off with a smaller surface, there are plenty of options out there offering really rather clever ways of saving — and even creating — space.
Below we have rounded up the best kitchen tables to suit all styles, sizes and budgets (you can thank us later). For more kitchen ideas, make sure you check out our feature and if it's kitchen design you are after then we have an in-depth feature that has all the info you need.
- After a dining table? We have a buying guide for that too
- Check out our pick of traditional dining chairs or contemporary dining chairs to complete your set up
If your ticklist for the family kitchen table includes 'solid wood', 'beautifully made' and 'big enough to seat the whole clan', then this oak table from John Lewis has you covered – and then some. This is truly a proper kitchen table, with chunky wooden legs, a beautifully finished surface with a rustic natural edge, and an official capacity of six, although some reviewers say they’ve comfortably seated nine. It’ll need a little oiling now and then to withstand the ravages of particularly raucous households, but aside from needing that little bit of TLC, it’s a hard-working investment piece that’ll become the centre of your kitchen for years to come.
Perfect for cramped diners, this streamlined breakfast bar and stool set adds a touch of the country kitchen, even if you’re several storeys up in a dinky flat. As well as its extra-small footprint, it really works for the little space that it does take up, offering storage solutions like an integrated drawer that’s ideally suited to storing silverware, and even three knobs on the end for hanging tea towels (ideal in small kitchens); the combination of the all-over cream paintwork and exposed rubberwood surface and accents is delightfully rustic.
The Calia is the ultimate kitchen table for frequent hosters or anyone in need of increased work space while trying out new (and invariably messy) recipes, with its ability to transform from an eight-seater table to a 12 seater with the simple application of the extending leaves. That gives it the best capacity of any of the tables on our list, making it perfect for dinner parties. But like all of our favourite things, it’s not only practical but beautiful too – the industrial-look metal legs are incredibly modern, while the thick solid oak surface is beautifully grained and grooved for a rustic feel.
If you like the idea of a big, family kitchen table being the heart of the home, but don’t have the space to indulge such fantasies, allow us to introduce you to the Harrogate extending dining table. It’s great if you like the family table concept, but unfinished wood just isn’t your aesthetic as, just like John Lewis’ Glendale, it’s sturdily built from solid oak, but goes that extra mile towards modernity, with a chalked oak top and on-trend matte grey paintwork. It also extends to seat up to 10 guests, so if the kids have a habit of turning up every time they smell a roast, this is a good ally to have.
This petite drop-leaf table is ideal for couples who like to host. It seats two to four people depending on the occasion, and thanks to its double drop-leaf design, it won’t take up more space than necessary day to day, but can equally be ready at the drop of a hat for unexpected guests. Extend it on one side or both for maximum flexibility, and whatever configuration you have it in, you’ll benefit from that slender design and perfect soft grey shade that its reviewers are so taken with.
If you’re in the market for a table that’ll form the centrepiece of your home but won’t cost the earth, the Jump dining table from Hazelwood Home is a great bet. It self-stores its extending leaf, so even if you’re stuck for space, you can whip up some extra capacity as if by magic when dinner guests come knocking, and its central pedestal base means there’s room for even the longest legs. And then there are its good looks – not content to be merely practical, the Jump’s super-fashionable grey and white colourway gives it a covetable clean, sleek look for a surprisingly small price.
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