Tremezzo Dining Table
2010s Belgian Modern Tables
Stone
People Also Browsed
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Side Tables
Marble, Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary British Organic Modern Wall Lights and Sco...
Plaster
2010s Modern Tables
Hardwood, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Wool, Oak
2010s South African Modern Dining Room Chairs
Brass
2010s Canadian Modern Cabinets
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Console Tables
Travertine, Marble, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Chandeliers and Pen...
Brass
2010s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Marble, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Marble
2010s American Modern Dining Room Tables
Limestone, Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Brass
2010s American Modern Benches
Bouclé, Maple
Recent Sales
2010s Belgian Modern Tables
Stone
2010s Belgian Modern Tables
Stone
2010s Belgian Modern Tables
Stone
2010s Belgian Modern Tables
Stone
2010s Belgian Modern Tables
Stone
2010s Belgian Modern Tables
Stone
A Close Look at Modern Furniture
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
Finding the Right dining-room-tables for You
No matter your furniture style of choice, a shared meal is one of life’s true rewards. Why not treat your family and friends to a luxurious dining experience? Browse our top picks to find the perfect antique, new or vintage dining room table for this important occasion.
Modern furniture design borrows significantly from the trends of yore, and this is especially apparent in dining tables. Ancient Egyptians made practical use of the earliest four-legged tables of wood and rock — their models bear striking similarity to the dining tables of today — while common large medieval dining room tables in England were made of oak or elm. Romans and Greeks, renowned for big banquets that involved entertainment as well as good food, used early dining room tables made of marble or wood and metals such as bronze for meals.
On 1stDibs, find a range of dining room tables that offers no shortage of options to accommodate modest interiors, midsize family homes and even lavish banquets (entertainment not included).
Beginning in the mid-19th century, more American homes featured dining rooms, where families could gather specifically for a meal together. In the States, upper-class families were the first to enjoy dining room tables, which were the centerpiece of the dining room.
Dining room tables of the Victorian era were created in a range of revivalist styles inspired by neoclassical, Renaissance, Gothic and other traditions. Furnishings of the period were made of various woods, including oak, rosewood and mahogany, and referenced a variety of decorative arts and architectural motifs. Some dining room tables finished in the Rococo style feature gorgeous inlaid marble tabletops or other ornamental flourishes handcrafted by Parisian furniture makers of the 18th century.
In many modern spaces, there often isn’t a dining room separate from the kitchen — instead, they frequently share real estate in a single area. Mid-century modern dining room tables, specifically those created by designers such as Osvaldo Borsani, Edward Wormley and Alvar Aalto, are typically clean and uncomplicated designs for a dining area that’s adjacent to where the cooking is done. Furniture of this era hasn’t lost its allure for those who opt for a casual and contemporary aesthetic.
If you’re of the modern mindset that making and sharing meals should be one in the same — and perhaps large antique dining tables don’t mesh well with your style — consider a popular alternative. Working with a tighter space may mean that a round or oval dining room table, a design that references the festive meals of the medieval era, may be a better fit. Round dining room tables, particularly those that originated in the Art Deco period, still endure as a popular contemporary substitute for traditional rectangular dining tables. Giovanni Offredi’s Paracarro table for Saporiti Italia is a striking round table option that showcases the magnificent Italian industrial design of the 1970s.
Find a collection of antique, new and vintage dining tables on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024How thick a dining table should be varies. Many tables feature tops that are between 0.75 and 1 inch in thickness. However, some tables may have tops that are up to 2 inches thick. Typically, tables with thicker tops will have a more rustic appearance. Shop a large selection of dining tables on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024How high a dining table should be varies. If you already have your dining chairs, look for a table that is 10 to 12 inches taller than the seat height to provide ample legroom. The standard height for dining tables is around 30 inches. However, you can opt for taller pieces, such as 34- to 36-inch counter-height tables or 40- to 42-inch bar-height tables. Shop a large selection of dining tables on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A dining table with leaf is a dining table that has its middle part as solid and remains in place, but the two sides of the table drop down on a hinge, so they hang at the side. This is where the name 'drop leaf' comes from. Many homeowners have decided to go with leaf tables as they offer a lot of flexibility to their homes. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of dining table options as well as a range of vintage and antique drop-leaf tables.
- What is an MCM dining table?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An MCM dining table is a table that reflects the mid-century modern style. Typically these tables are functional and have clean minimalist lines. MCM furniture is made with a variety of materials and colors, but wood is the most common. Find a selection of mid-century modern tables and furniture on 1stDibs.
- What is the best dining table?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Dining tables come in a huge variety of styles and are often chosen according to individual preference. The best dining tables are ones that are sturdy, well-made and able to withstand wear and tear. You should also consider your space limitations as well as budget. Find a versatile collection of antique and vintage dining tables on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The narrowest a dining table can be is 36 inches. This leaves 18 inches of space for each of the guests on the opposite side of the table, as well as room in the center for serving dishes or platters. Find a collection of antique and vintage dining tables on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024How wide a dining table should be largely depends on its shape. Most rectangular and oval dining tables are 36 to 40 inches wide. Round table widths or diameters vary and will determine how many people can sit comfortably at one time. Generally, a round table 36 to 44 inches in width is ideal for up to four people, while ones that are 44 to 54 inches in diameter can accommodate four to six. Tables between 54 and 59 inches in width are suitable for six to eight people. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of dining tables.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024The height of a dining table varies from piece to piece. However, standard dining tables are usually 28 to 30 inches tall. Counter-height tables are taller at 34 to 36 inches, and bar-height tables are the highest at 40 to 42 inches high. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of dining tables from some of the world's top sellers.
- Is a dining table necessary?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024No, a dining table isn't always necessary. People who eat only a few meals at home may not need a dining table, and some people prefer to eat at kitchen counters using counter-height stools. Or, they may choose to sit on the floor in front of a coffee table or to take their meals at a desk or on a TV tray or end table. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of dining tables.
- Is onyx good for a dining table?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024Yes, onyx can be a good material for a dining table. The mineral is strong, but it is relatively lightweight, making tables easy to move throughout a room as needed. Many people find the color and luster of onyx tabletops to be visually appealing. Since the material can become scratched or damaged by heat, it is important to take steps to protect an onyx dining table by using felt-backed trivets or heat-resistant fabric mats beneath hot dishes. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of onyx dining tables.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A small dining table is also called a dinette. A table and two to four seats are frequently included. Designed for small spaces, dinettes are most often used in kitchens and breakfast nooks. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage and antique dinettes.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Whether mahogany is good for a dining table is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people may prefer the hardwood for their dining room furniture owing to its natural beauty, durability and stain-resistant qualities. Mahogany also features a striking natural grain that renders it ideal for use in that part of your home, specifically as dinner guests will be able to experience it! Shop a range of mahogany dining tables on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A drop-leaf table is a type of table that has a fixed portion in the center and foldable portions on either side joined by hinges. These foldable portions can be dropped and closed to save space when the table is not in use. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage drop leaf dining tables.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To protect your maple dining table, use placemats or a tablecloth to reduce the risk of scratches. Always place a trivet underneath hot serveware to avoid scorching the finish. Set glasses on coasters to keep rings off the wood. Shop a selection of vintage and antique dining tables on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Large dining tables are usually called banquet tables due to their ability to seat a crowd. Normally, banquet tables measure over 10 feet in length. Some standard dining tables convert to banquet tables with removable leaves. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique and vintage dining tables.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023There isn’t a single most durable material for a dining table. Solid hardwood and stainless steel can hold up to wear and tear, but the quality of the craftsmanship also impacts durability. Find a variety of dining tables on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023There is no single most durable type of dining table. Materials like solid hardwood, stone and marble can make for long-lasting tables, but other factors like how you care for the piece and how well it's made also help determine durability. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of dining tables from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Dining room tables with butterfly leaves look like they have wings when they’re being opened, which is why they’re called butterflies. A butterfly leaf affords you more space at your dining table for additional house guests. Owing to geared slides, butterfly leaf tables should open easily.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A draw-leaf dining table means that the table’s leaves are stored under the main tabletop. The top of the table is lifted slightly on its frame and the leaves pulled out on each end. Relatedly, a drop-leaf table is a table with a fixed center section, but on either side of that, there are hinged leaves that can be raised or lowered according to your specific needs. The purpose of a drop-leaf table is to save space when the table is not in use. Drop-leaf tables can also be used as nightstands, side tables, coffee tables, and desks. Find a collection of antique and vintage draw-leaf dining tables on 1stDibs today.
- Are ceramic dining tables good?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021Yes, ceramic dining tables are really good as they are very strong and durable. Made from sturdy materials, ceramic dining tables are resistant to spills, cuts, scratches and extreme heat. You can select from varying styles of ceramic dining tables, including Antique, Vintage, 21st Century, Mid Century on 1st Dibs.
Read More
Why Drew McGukin’s Colorful Home Differs from Those of His Clients
The New York–based designer has a high-impact style that's all his own, as his loft in the Chelsea Flower District makes abundantly clear.
New Orleans’ Lee Ledbetter Makes Design Magic by Mixing Past and Present
The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.
How a Modernist Hamptons Home on the Water Became the Ideal Weekend Refuge
Damon Liss and Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects collaborated on this serene getaway for a minimalism-minded Manhattan family of four.
Desert Modern Designer Arthur Elrod Finally Gets His Day in the Sun
The Palm Springs interior decorator developed a mid-century style that defined the vacation homes of celebrities and other notables, including Bob Hope and Lucille Ball.
Artelinea, Mexico City’s One-Stop Contemporary Design Shop, Paves the Way for a New Wave of Mexican Designers
Wielding her influence on the international scene, founding partner Andrea Cesarman expands the platform for Mexican artisans.
From the Hamptons to Palm Springs, FormArch’s Homes Embody Both Comfort and Cool
The houses from this New York studio cloak modernist tendencies within what are often more traditional trappings.
Wendy Haworth’s Luminous Spaces Epitomize L.A. Ease
For the California designer, authenticity and the unusual are the keys to cool, timeless interiors.