Dining rooms are where we nourish ourselves, convene with loved ones, and host special celebrations. Sometimes dining rooms even double as meeting rooms or study areas. Since they get so much traffic and are one of the most visible parts of the home, choosing the right dining room furniture can impact how you experience the space.
For one, it’s important to consider the durability of furniture pieces. “Dining furniture should be sturdy and made to withstand anything from big family meals to kids doing messy crafts,” Cortney McClure, founder and principal designer of Cortney McClure Design, explains. The furniture design is also key. “Look for retailers that offer a range of styles, materials, and customization options,” McClure suggests.
When you’re not shopping in person, a comprehensive return policy can come in handy, too. “This is true for dining tables in particular since they can be quite large and heavy, but also dining chairs, which could look great but be wildly uncomfortable,“ Madelaine Mayer, founder and principal designer of AD:ROIT, says.
We researched dozens of dining room furniture retailers, shortlisting the best based on the products’ durability, comfort, style, and functionality.
Lulu and Georgia
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Quality, durable materials
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Classic silhouettes with modern flair
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Customizable colors and finishes
Lulu and Georgia focuses on quality craftsmanship and materials, often offering furniture made in collaboration with designers or as part of curated collections. We like that many of the large pieces—like dining room tables, sideboards, and cabinets—are made with durable wood materials, often the likes of oak, walnut, or ashwood.
Many of the larger pieces feature clean-lined silhouettes with artistic touches, like beaded legs, scalloped edges, and fluted surfaces that can add a unique edge to a dining space. We love that there are ample shapes and fabrics to choose from, in both the tables and chairs, so you can customize pieces to your space and aesthetic.
One note is that because of the craftsmanship, there is sometimes a limited stock of items—so you may have to snag pieces ahead of time or wait a couple of months for a restock. The pieces also require careful care when it comes to cleaning.
West Elm
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Good options for small spaces
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Sets and separate pieces available
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Many Fair Trade-certified pieces
West Elm offers a wide range of styles and price points, catering to different buyer preferences. We love that you can browse the pieces as collections or separates. The collections allow you to easily build a set, with suggested furniture pairings—though we like that you can also choose your own to swap out chairs for different occasions or as your style evolves.
Many of West Elm’s pieces are Fair Trade certified, meaning they are built under healthy working and environmental conditions, or sustainably sourced. We also appreciate that most of the furniture is contract grade and kiln-dried, ensuring the pieces are built to last. There are plenty of opportunities to customize, whether you’re looking for drop-in leaf tables, different finishes, or specific colors and shapes.
Despite being a more accessible retailer, it can take a month or so to receive your furniture after purchasing from West Elm—so you’ll want to plan ahead if you need it by a certain time frame.
IKEA
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Modern designs
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Quick delivery
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Good starter-home pieces
IKEA keeps things simple, with classic designs and streamlined sets. We like that the furniture features timeless, clean-lined silhouettes that can easily blend with any furnishings you already have on hand. Plus, they are set at affordable price points with quick shipping times, which can be beneficial for those setting up a rental space or first-time home.
We like that many pieces are small-space friendly, with two-seater and extendable tables available. You can choose to buy pieces separately or as a set—with options that seat up to eight people.
Many of IKEA’s pieces are made from particle board, which is not as durable compared to other retailers on this list that primarily use solid wood; however, there are some solid wood or metal options. It can also take extra time and hands to assemble IKEA furniture before use.
CB2
If you’re looking for a statement piece, CB2 has you covered. We love the eye-catching, unique designs, which are made in collaboration with designers. The tables showcase everything from head-to-toe black-and-white marble, to a slab of glass sitting atop sculptural stones, and more. Still, there are more classic silhouettes and colorways for those who prefer pared-back pieces.
CB2 also has a beautiful selection of chairs, stools, and credenzas to mix and match with. We like that the wood pieces are largely FSC-certified, meaning that they are made sustainably—a bonus for the higher price point of the items. One note is that there is a stricter return policy compared to other retailers, as a 50 percent deposit is required upon purchase.
Pottery Barn
For an ample stock of high-quality classics, Pottery Barn has you covered. The over-70-year-old brand has an easy-to-browse selection of chairs, tables, and accessories—as well as dining collections. We love that you can filter based on color, material, and sales so you can quickly siphon off pieces that don’t fit your style or budget.
Plus, there are plenty of features to choose from, whether you need an extendable table, extra storage, or contract-grade pieces. We like that most of Pottery Barn’s wood furniture is made sustainably and that the chairs can be customized with different colors or finishes.
The durability of the pieces is also a standout feature for us. One note is that Pottery Barn furniture leans more traditional in style, which can be limiting if you prefer contemporary or statement pieces.
Castlery
Castlery offers durable dining room staples that work well in any space—casual or formal. We love that compared to other retailers, the solid wood pieces are set at reasonable price points. The table designs feature clean-lined silhouettes that can easily mesh with a range of aesthetics; however, the chairs offer more shape and fabric options, so you can infuse character in your desired doses.
We like that Castlery has outdoor-friendly options, great for al fresco dinners or seasonal swap-outs. The brand has dining sets as well, which make it seamless to coordinate your seating and table. Most of the Castlery furniture has set tones and finishes, which can be limiting when it comes to customization.
Article
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Clean-lined silhouettes
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Various size options
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Sturdy construction
Similar to Castlery, Article also has a streamlined selection of dining room furniture that’s easy to mix and match with various design styles. We love that the clean lines and simple silhouettes bring in subtle mid-century modern flair. The wide selection of shapes and sizes also make it apt for any size group or home. We like that there are extendable and stout options for petite apartments or solo dwellers, as well.
Most of Article’s tables are made from solid wood, ensuring a durable design. There are more options to play with materials and silhouettes for chairs, though there’s still less table variety compared to retailers like Pottery Barn or West Elm.
Costco
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Options for large groups
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Wide variety of dining sets
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Functional, durable pieces
Costco offers reliable quality at hard-to-beat price points. We like that the retailer has ample options for dining sets compared to many others on this list, with ones that can seat up to 10 people—though you can also buy pieces separately. We love that Costco prioritizes functionality in its dining room furniture, as there are plenty of tables that are extendable or have storage features.
Many of Costco’s pieces are constructed from sturdy fabrics or solid wood, so they’re made to last through spills and scratches. Still, what Costco offers in functionality it sometimes lacks in style, as the designs lean more traditional and there is less variety. You also need a membership to purchase the items.
Wayfair
Looking for a retailer that has every style and shape under the sun? Wayfair fits the bill. We like that the retailer has the widest selection of dining room furniture on this list, whether you’re looking for a piece that is more artistic, functional, round, or short. The variety, however, does mean that there can be inconsistency when it comes to quality. Make sure to check the materials to ensure they meet your standards for durability.
Still, we like that you can easily mix and match styles, colors, and finishes with Wayfair. The retailer also has very fast delivery times for most pieces, as well as helpful user reviews, so you can see how the furniture looks in a room before hitting “Check Out.”
Final Verdict
For high-quality furniture that meets the mark in design and durability, we like retailers like Pottery Barn, CB2, and West Elm thanks to the ample variety and customizable features. When it comes to sturdy construction and evergreen pieces, Article and Castlery offer reliable options that meld with different styles.
How We Picked the Best Places to Buy Dining Room Furniture
Many of the retailers were selected for the furniture’s ability to stand the test of time when it comes to style and construction. Others were selected for customizability and versatility, particularly for smaller homes or apartments.
We also consulted industry experts for their insights into retailer selection. We researched dozens of today’s standout dining room retailers and checked for the products’ performance in terms of durability, design, and versatility. We carefully evaluated each retailer based on these characteristics before landing on the final picks.
What to Look for in a Dining Room Furniture Retailer
A Variety of Furniture for Different Design Styles
A retailer that offers a wide selection of styles can be helpful, as you can easily find a piece that matches with your particular preferences. Ones like Pottery Barn and Wayfair, for example, accomplish this. “A retailer that offers both new and vintage or one-of-a-kind pieces can give your dining room unique character,” McClure says.
Other retailers like Article and Castlery have less variety but more curated simple silhouettes that blend with a myriad of styles—which can be easier to choose from than a sea of options.
Durable, Quality Materials and Construction
Dining rooms get a lot of traffic—so it’s important that they can handle it. Solid wood is more durable compared to MDF or particle board, which are more prone to chips and scratches. Some retailers prioritize this quality of construction and materials, like Lulu and Georgia.
Contract-grade furniture is specifically made to withstand heavy use, as well, made with the likes of hardwood and reinforcement bars. This standard can be found at retailers like West Elm.
Knowing how you’ll use your furniture is ultimately what’s helpful when deciding on material. “Are you using your dining area every day or just on holidays? Do you sit down for a quick bite or do you enjoy hosting three-hour-long dinner parties? Do you have several small children who might spill things or an adult-only home?” are some questions Mayer suggests asking. “All of these will determine your requirements for comfort [and] durability.”
Popular Furniture Size and Shape Options
The most common dining table shapes are square, rectangle, circle, and oval. Based on the layout of your space, you’ll want to choose your furniture accordingly. Retailers like Pottery Barn have ample style options for each of these shapes, as well as customizable sizes.
In small spaces, adaptable designs can be helpful. “I love gate-leg and self-storing leaf expandable tables,” Mayer says. “Lulu and Georgia and West Elm both have great options, not to mention IKEA, whose Norden gateleg table with storage is basically an NYC rite of passage.”
Should You Choose a Dining Room Furniture Set or Individual Pieces?
The answer to this key question comes down to personal preference. “Dining sets are convenient and take the guesswork out of pairing pieces, which might be a huge plus for some people,” McClure says. “However, buying separate pieces allows for more customization and creativity—mixing a vintage table with modern chairs can add charm to a space, which is something I love doing in my own designs.”
If you opt for the latter option, Mayer suggests double-checking that the seats’ heights and arms meet the table’s clearance. “One advantage of a set is that the spatial logistics have already been worked out,” she says. Costco is a reliable retailer if you end up opting for a set, as it carries several options for different-sized groups.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This roundup was written by Shagun Khare, a freelance interior design and home decor writer specializing in furniture, room layouts, and lifestyle. She has been in the design space for over three years and has been writing for The Spruce since 2021, where she covers home trends, furniture shopping, and expert-backed design advice.
Our Experts:
- Madelaine Mayer, founder and principal of AD:ROIT
- Cortney McClure, founder and principal designer of Cortney McClure Design
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