Take your measures.

The most important factor in choosing a dining table is the size of your dining room. A large dining room demands a large table, but the small dining room is dwarfed by one. There are a few good rules of thumb in determining which size table to buy. Ideally your dining table should be no narrower than 36”/90cm. Any less than this and you’ll struggle for central serving space. While you’ve got your tape measure out make sure there’s a minimum 48”/120cm clearance from the back of the chairs to allow for traffic to pass comfortably. And work on the basis that each diner will need approx 24”/60cm of space. 

Once you know the maximum size of the table you can fit into the room, think about how the table will be used. If you only ever need increased capacity on occasions like Christmas and the odd dinner party, a smaller table with leaves is the smart choice. If you serve roast beef and trimmings to the masses every Sunday you’ll need a big table that stays big.

Raw materials & finishes

Contemporary tables are available in stone, glass and steel, while wood remains the traditionalist’s choice. Walnut and mahogany lend quite a formal boardroom feel whereas oak and pine have a less polished finish which you’ll feel less precious about when the kids do their colouring and sticking! Glass table tops are reinforced which makes them surprisingly durable but the flipside is the painstaking fingerprint removal. With finishes and material, it's again best to consider how you'll use the table and the look you're trying to achieve. Remember to consider durability, colour and who will use the table most.

Shape

Rectangular tables are traditional in most households as they best suit the dimensions of the classic dining room shape. Circular and oval tables encourage the flow of conversation and are said to symbolise stability, but they don’t work in narrow or small rooms. Also bear in mind that circular tables are best suited to smaller groups of less than eight.
If you have a smaller room to work with and are looking to create an intimate ambiance, buy a square table proportionate to the room's measurements. Square tables can seat two to four people and serve as real space savers. The only downside of a square table is that it can't accommodate a large group for the occasional dinner party. 

When you're turning a larger room into a dining space, a rectangular table is a good option because it seats more people than a square table. It also maximizes the space and making the room look larger.

With round tables, everyone can see each other easily without having to crane their necks or move forward or backward to see someone at the other end. However, though they're easy to move around without sharp angles, sometimes round tables aren't space efficient.

Occasional Tables

Pick the right size

The standard height for coffee tables is from 16 to 18 inches, but may go as high as 21 inches. A higher table is a smart choice if you entertain frequently so that guests don't have to bend too much to set down their drinks. But, ultimately, the height of your upholstery should determine the height of the table. One guideline is that a coffee table should be about the same height or one or two inches lower than the seat height of the sofa. The length of a coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of the sofa (not including arms). The width should be determined by how much room you have between the soft upholstered pieces and the table in your seating arrangement – leave at least 16 inches around each side of the table.      

There are three broad categories of classic occasional tables – glass-topped, parsons & tray-topped. Below is a brief guide on how to choose the best one, which will fit your setting.

Glass-topped tables

This type of table visually enlarges a small space because it appears to take up less room than a solid table of the same size. The popular French Country look, with its swirly wrought-iron base, works well in a traditional yet slightly informal setting and is ideal in a garden room. If you have children, choose a table where the glass sits in a frame rather than floats on top.

Parsons table

Whether rendered in wood, metal or laminate, the simple shape of the Parsons table, with its clean lines and long, lean profile, makes it a classic piece - especially matched with modern and contemporary interiors. Its beauty comes from the balanced proportions, with a length at least twice the width. 

Tray-topped tables

The tray-topped table suits a living area which is busy. Handles make entertaining easy – just pick up the tray and pass the hors d'oeuvres – or for a cosy fireside dinner, carry the tray to a floor cushion near the hearth. A variety of styles – from traditional tole tray to contemporary clean-cut editions – proves this table's versatility. The tray table is most often smaller than standard coffee tables, so it works best in intimate seating areas. 

Side Tables

Be bold

Side tables are statement, stand-alone pieces. They are big on looks, but low on storage. You should avoid co-ordinating them with living room furniture, which will help you create the bold look.  However, for those of you who prefer to mix and match every occasional or dining collection have its specially designed side-tables.

Pick the right size

An end table or lamp table should be no taller than the arm of the chair or the sofa that it sits beside. If you're using a reading lamp, make sure the lower edge of the lamp shade comes no higher than the eye level of the person sitting in the chair - the light should cast on the page, rather than the eyes. If you plan to use your table for eating at or for working on a laptop, go for something with a little more height.

Save space by choosing nesting tables. They can be easily tucked away when not in use.

Timeless style

Choose a beautifully curved base to add artistic character to your room. This would definitely  be a piece you'll love forever.

• Always buy the best quality you can afford. Your table isn't for Christmas, it's for life.
• If you're buying dining table and accompanying chairs from separate suppliers make sure the chairs fit comfortably beneath. 
• Take your digital camera with you when viewing dining tables or by the time you arrive back home they'll all have morphed into one.
• Watermarks appear more obvious on sleek wood than rustic finishes.