Designing and decorating a dining room is just as difficult as decorating any other room. Each room has a designated function and this gives it a solid starting point when it comes to choosing the right type of furniture and accessories. In the living room, the sofa occupies the central role. In the dining room, that place is taken by the table.The diversity of dining room table designs is not that large. There are some major differences in terms of shape and size and then there’s also the issue with the small details and all the little things. Each type of table has its advantages and disadvantages.

Modern dining room with a long table and a large rectangular chandelier

A round dining table, for example, brings everyone closer together and is great for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. A long dining table, on the other hand, is a less casual type and tends to be more suitable for elegant and large spaces. Long dining tables are great in the case of a separate dining room.

Separate dining room with a long and narrow shape and a matching tableOpen dining room with a long table featuring a black stripe in the centerCozy and inviting dining room with exposed brick wall, a long table and soft chair coversSpacious contemporary dining area with angled ceiling, long table and sliding doorsBright dining room with a long wooden table and a matching benchModern dining room featuring a minimalist wooden table and classic chairsContemporary dining room with a long wooden table and a starburst mirrorOpen space dining room with a sleek table and two hanging pendant lightsTraditional dining area with a long table, elegant chairs and arched entranceOpen-space traditional dining room with wooden table and comfortable chairsColorful open floor plan with a long dining table and bold chairsModern dining room with a long table and access to a terraceMediterranean kitchen with an integrated dining area featuring a wooden tableModern and stylish dining room featuring a long wooden table and sleek chairsVery cozy, traditional dining room with wooden ceiling, wooden table and matching chairs

Still, they can be successfully used in the case of open floor plans as well. In such cases the table will serve as a space divider, as the delimitation between the kitchen and the living room. The rest of the furniture pieces don’t necessarily have to match the table. However, since the table is long, a bench would work nicely. Long tables are great for large families or for family gatherings. But the that makes them less popular than small, round or extendable tables is the fact that they occupy a fix amount of space and should only be used in large spaces. But there’s also an advantage to that: they can also be used as work surfaces. Let’s now take a look at a few examples showcasing spaces with long dining tables.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 , 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.