The dining table guide

How to choose the right designs for your dining room

What size fits your needs, what shape is ideal, and which tabletop should you choose? We'll guide you through the many options in six easy steps, covering the most common questions and considerations, from size to design to material and maintenance – to help you make the right decision.

Step 1: How big should your dining table be?

The ideal table size depends on your space and lifestyle. If you have a large dining room and love to host lots of dinner parties, you might like to go extra-large. However, if you have a more compact area, a small dining table or an extension table could be the perfect solution. Either way, size is the first thing you should consider, and we recommend measuring to make sure your furniture fits – ideally, there should be at least 1 metre from table to wall.

  

Do you prefer oval, round, square or rectangular? It often depends on how much space you have and the dining room style and layout. Explore the different shapes below.

    • Dining tables with extension leaves

      A dining table with extension leaves gives you a lot of flexibility. A comfortable table for everyday life, while the concealed or supplementary extension leaves offer plenty more seating when needed. That’s why extension tables are particularly suitable for smaller spaces – for gathering lots of people around the table on occasion.

    • Round dining tables

      A round or oval dining table is a great way to create an intimate dining setting and soften up your space. The soft curves elegantly contrast the straight lines of a modern home to create a harmonious balance – and create an eye-catching focal point in the dining room.

    • Square dining tables

      A square or rectangular dining table is slightly more space-efficient than a round one, offering plenty of seating space in any room. It can be centred in the space or placed closer along a wall in smaller dining rooms. A classic choice that can be paired with both benches and dining chairs.

      

    Do you prefer solid, FSC® certified wood with lots of character, or perhaps veneer with a more uniform look? Regardless of whether you choose solid wood, veneer or laminate, you can be sure that it is of the highest quality. Explore our most popular materials and their qualities below.

    • Solid wood

      Solid wood is a natural material brimming with lots of character and warmth that live in the beautiful grains that give each piece a unique expression. Every single piece of wood is responsibly forested, dried and sorted with great respect for nature and craftsmanship. Since wood is a natural material, it is affected by its surroundings, and you should therefore treat it regularly – and with love. If you do this, you'll have a table that can last for generations and only become more beautiful year after year. Read more about solid wood and proper care of the material here.

    • Veneer

      Veneer consists of thinly sliced wood, which is added layer by layer. The manufacturing process ensures a uniform surface with excellent durability. Therefore, this enables veneer to retain the living, natural characteristics we know from solid wood, just in a more uniform and lighter version. Like solid wood, veneer is a vibrant natural material that lives and breathes, which is why it is affected by the room it is placed in. Wood can contract or expand depending on where you place it, which is why you should give the same care and maintenance to veneer as solid wood. Read more about veneer and proper care of the material here.

    • Laminate

      Laminate is a durable and versatile material and we work with both HPL high pressure laminate and FENIX NTM® nanolaminate from the Italian company Arpa Industriale. All laminate types have different properties, but they are all characterised by being resilient, durable and easy to clean. Usually daily cleaning with a wet cloth is enough, while we recommend our Bolia Laminate Cleaner for more thorough cleaning. You can learn much more about the material and proper care and maintenance here.

    • Marble

      Marble is a natural material, where large blocks are cut up and transformed into your furniture. All our marble types are of the finest quality from Italy and are available in different types and colours. But they all share nature’s qualities, which provide a beautiful and timeless piece of furniture that is only enhanced by lasting care and love. Read more about care of marble here.

      

    Step 4: Designed by you, for you

    Our dining tables and dining chairs are tailor-made just for you. Customise the material, colour, size, and the upholstery for your chairs. Each design allows you to play around with beautiful combinations, creating the perfect dining room.

      

    Need a little extra help or do you have any questions about the material or design you're interested in? We’d love to help you.

    Let us help you make your interior dreams come to life. Every Bolia store is designed to inspire, and we are always here to advise you. Stop by for a coffee and a peaceful experience, and let us help you curate the right designs, colours combinations and materials for your home.

    Book a private appointment, and let us help you create your dream home. Together, we will make you a personal offer – outlining all products, special offers, the total price, and home delivery details. You can take your offer home, along with your chosen fabric samples, so you can measure and match colours before you make your decision. Finish your order at home or stop by and let us help you.

    We are selective when it comes to choosing materials and manufacturers and only the best is good enough. That’s why all our designs come with a 10-year warranty.

    Proper care and maintenance can make your table last a lifetime. Explore our care guides and tips and tricks here, and find the right care products for your table. We offer full care kits that provide you with everything you need.

    Our designs are made for being loved a lifetime – that’s why we offer you a 10-year warranty on every single design.

    All our wood designs are FSC® certified to ensure responsible forestry that protects both forest workers and biodiversity. We only use the best timber and thoroughly quality check furniture before sending it home to you.

      

    The dining room is the heart of the home where friends and family gather. Create the perfect setting that can be easily transformed from everyday comfort to beautiful fine dining – with quality tableware, atmospheric lighting, inviting fabrics, and elegant accessories for festive occasions.