The ten dining table trends to try this season are rounded rectangle tops, fluted and reeded detailing, smoked glass, dark chocolate and burgundy palettes, deliberately mismatched chairs, sculptural lighting, banquette seating, the return of leather, sleek high gloss surfaces and compact tables designed for multipurpose rooms. Together they point towards dining spaces that feel richer, more personal and better suited to real homes.
Where earlier trends leaned towards pale, pared back minimalism, many of these ideas embrace depth, character and comfort. Some are subtle changes you can make with a single piece; others suit a full redesign. Here is a closer look at each.
Sometimes called a capsule or racetrack shape, the rounded rectangle combines the length of a traditional rectangular table with softened, curved ends. It seats more people than a round table of similar width and avoids the sharp corners of a standard rectangle.
This shape is particularly useful in narrow rooms, where the curved ends make it easier to walk past. It also has a gentle, organic look that sits comfortably in both contemporary and period homes.
Vertical grooves, known as fluting or reeding, have become a signature detail on dining bases, table aprons and sideboards. The texture catches light and adds a sense of craftsmanship without heavy ornament. On a pedestal base, fluting creates a striking column; on a table edge, it adds subtle interest.
Fluted details work well in wood, stone effect and painted finishes. They pair nicely with smooth, plain tops, which keep the overall look balanced.
Glass dining tables are enjoying renewed interest, but the look has changed. Clear glass is being joined by smoked, bronze and grey tints that feel moodier and more sophisticated. Tinted glass also shows fingerprints less readily than clear, which is a practical bonus.
Smoked glass tops look particularly good on dark metal or sculptural stone effect bases. They add reflection and depth without the stark effect of clear glass, and they keep a dining area visually light. Our modern glass dining tables UK include a variety of tints and base styles.
The colour palette around dining tables has deepened considerably. Chocolate brown, burgundy, oxblood and aubergine are appearing on walls, chairs and textiles, bringing a cosy, enveloping feel. These colours work beautifully in the evening, when a dining room is most used, and flatter candlelight and warm pendant lighting.
Dark tones suit rooms of all sizes when balanced carefully. In a small dining room, painting walls and ceiling in the same deep shade can blur the edges and make the room feel more intimate rather than smaller.
Matching chair sets are being complemented by carefully curated mixes. The idea is not random variety but intentional contrast: perhaps upholstered carver chairs at each end with wooden side chairs, or two different chair designs in the same colour.
To make this look considered, keep one element consistent. A shared colour, material or seat height ties the chairs together. Mixing works particularly well around simple, plain tables, where the chairs become the focal point.
The pendant above the dining table has become a statement piece in its own right. Oversized paper lanterns, pleated fabric shades, glass globes in clusters and asymmetric metal forms are replacing simple, understated fittings.
A sculptural light draws the eye upward and gives a dining area presence, which is especially helpful in open plan spaces where the table needs to be defined. Scale matters: a pendant roughly half to two thirds the width of the table usually looks well proportioned.
Banquettes, or fitted bench seating along a wall, are becoming more common in kitchen diners and compact dining rooms. They make efficient use of space, seat more people in less room, and often include storage beneath the seat.
A banquette pairs naturally with a pedestal or rounded rectangle table, since there are no corner legs to obstruct seating. Adding two or three chairs on the open side creates a relaxed, café style arrangement that suits family life.
Leather dining chairs are enjoying a quiet revival, particularly in tan, cognac, chocolate and black. Leather is hard wearing and easy to wipe clean, and it develops a pleasing patina over time. It works well with wooden tables, industrial style metal bases and dark stone effect tops alike.
Contemporary designs favour slim frames, stitched detailing and softly curved backs. For a practical, handsome choice, our leather dining chairs UK sale include styles to suit a range of tables.
Alongside the richer, more textured trends, there is a parallel interest in crisp, minimal design. High gloss tables in white, grey, black and deep colours provide a clean counterpoint to earthy materials, and they reflect light around the room.
High gloss works especially well in modern apartments and new build homes, where clean lines suit the architecture. It also pairs nicely with velvet or leather chairs, which add softness against the reflective surface. Our high gloss dining tables UK range covers a variety of colours and sizes.
As more people live in flats, terraced houses and homes where one room serves several purposes, compact dining tables have become a design focus. Four seater tables with generous proportions, drop leaf designs and small extending tables allow a dining space to exist without dominating a living room or kitchen.
These tables are often designed to double as desks, craft tables or homework stations, with durable surfaces and practical heights. Our 4 seater wooden dining table sets UK sale suit this approach, combining a manageable footprint with warmth and character.
Not everyone can paint walls or fit built in seating. Renters and those planning a move soon can still bring several of these ideas into their homes. Mismatched chairs, sculptural lighting and leather seating are all portable, and they will move with you to the next property. A plug in pendant or a large floor lamp positioned beside the table can create the effect of statement lighting without any rewiring.
Deep colour can be introduced through textiles rather than paint. A burgundy linen tablecloth, chocolate velvet seat pads or an aubergine rug all bring richness to a neutral rental without breaking the terms of a tenancy. A freestanding bench can offer many of the benefits of a banquette, including extra seating and a relaxed feel, while remaining entirely movable.
Several of these trends work well alongside pieces you already own. A fluted sideboard beside an existing plain table introduces texture. New leather carver chairs at each end of an older table can refresh the whole arrangement. A smoked glass table combined with inherited wooden chairs creates an interesting contrast between modern and traditional.
This approach is often more satisfying than replacing everything at once. It also produces a room that feels personal and layered, rather than one that looks as if it was bought in a single afternoon. The key is to let one element lead: if a new table is the star, keep the chairs quieter; if new chairs are the focus, a simpler table lets them shine.
Some of these finishes need particular care. Smoked glass should be cleaned with a soft cloth and a gentle glass cleaner to avoid streaks. Leather benefits from occasional conditioning to keep it supple. High gloss surfaces are best wiped with a damp microfibre cloth and dried straight away. Fluted details collect dust in their grooves, so a soft brush attachment on the vacuum is useful. A few minutes of regular care keeps each piece looking its best for years.
It is rarely wise to follow every trend at once. Instead, pick one or two that fit your home and lifestyle. A family with young children might favour leather chairs and a banquette for their practicality, while a couple in a city flat could lean towards a compact high gloss table with a sculptural pendant.
Think about longevity too. Structural choices such as table shape and material are harder to change, so they benefit from a timeless approach. Colours, chairs and lighting are easier to update, making them the natural place to experiment with bolder ideas.
At Furniture in Fashion, we offer dining tables, chairs and lighting across a broad range of styles, making it straightforward to bring one or more of these ideas into your own home.
It is a table with a rectangular shape and softly curved ends. It seats as many people as a standard rectangle while being easier to move around, which suits narrow rooms.
They can be. Dark walls and ceilings blur the edges of a room and create an intimate atmosphere, particularly in the evening. Balance them with good lighting and lighter textiles.
Keep one element consistent, such as colour, material or seat height. Using matching chairs at the sides and different carvers at each end is a simple way to start.
Yes. High gloss remains a strong option for modern homes, offering a clean, reflective finish that is easy to wipe and pairs well with softer upholstered chairs.
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