Here at the Strategist, we like to think of ourselves as crazy (in the good way) about the stuff we buy, but as much as we’d like to, we can’t try everything. Which is why we have People’s Choice, in which we find the best-reviewed products and single out the most convincing ones. (You can learn more about our rating system and how we pick each item here.)
And while we’ve written about lots of things for your dining room — including the dining room decor, dishwasher-safe place mats, and artsy paper napkins — here, we’ve rounded up the best dining table sets, as praised by the most enthusiastic reviewers on Amazon.
Best-rated dining table set
More than 30 percent of five-star reviewers mention that this table is made from solid wood and many cite that fact as a selling point. “No particle board,” one reviewer confirms, noting, “Even the screw plugs are wood.” Another points out, “It seems very durable and I am sure that when my family scratches it to tatters I won’t have any issue sanding and re-staining it.” They also mention a few negatives when it comes to wood (i.e. the box being heavy and the seats being hard) but overall reviewers think this is a sturdy piece. One even says, “I am confident in saying that I think each chair and bench could hold 280-300 pounds just fine.” Many also say it is small making it a fan favorite among those who are tight on space. One apartment dweller says this “Makes the perfect little breakfast nook,” adding, “The benches can fit comfortably under the table to save even more room when not in use.” Unfortunately, many agree that the assembly isn’t easy. Even one “carpenters daughter and seasoned box furniture assembler” says “this was slightly challenging even for me. You will need or want some extra tools to assemble this table.”
Best-rated (less expensive) dining table set
“I love the height as well as the full dining table effect without taking up the room of an actual table and chairs,” one reviewer writes. Another appreciates that “The stools tuck neatly underneath when not in use so it saves a lot of space in my little apartment.” And while this table saves space for some, it creates room for others: “I have no extra counter space in my kitchen so I bought two of these and extended my own.” Customers are also impressed with the faux marble top. One adds it “is nicely coated and looks way more pricey than what I paid.”
And now for some micro-picks of every type of dining table set you might be looking for.
Best glass dining table set
“If you want [to add] something classy to your dining room,” according to one reviewer, this dining table set is it. And while one says it’s “not heirloom quality furniture, seems like it will last.” Another describes them as “pretty decent and a bit modern.” One points out that “The glass on top is tempered so it’s thick and can withstand extreme temperatures,” and apparently also cats according to a few. One explains it “works well for our cats — they jump up on everything and have scratched all of our wood furniture by doing so,” which is no longer a problem. As for assembly, one says “it wasn’t hard just time consuming,” and that seems to be the consensus. One does note that the chairs might be the most difficult part to put together since they require “lots and lots of screws,” according to one reviewer, but they don’t mind: “They feel solid when assembled, so it is worth.”
Best dining table set with stools
“We were looking for something that was rustic and modern and small enough to fit in our small dining area,” one reviewer writes. “This looked amazing on paper and even better in person.” Another says it “reminds me of a really nice wooden, pub table or brewery table.” No matter what look you are going for however, almost one fifth of reviewers say this will work for smaller spaces. “The table is superb and is great for small homes/apartments especially since the stools slide under the table perfectly,” one notes. Another even says they use it as a kid’s table: “I wanted an adult table instead of a kiddie one and it’s perfect even for my 3-year-old.”
Best wood dining table set with benches
“This table is EXTREMELY impressive,” reports one reviewer. “The packaging is very protective, and just the feel of the wood seems much expensive than it is.” Others describe how sturdy it is with one saying, “The wood is a good deep tone with a nicely finished feel.” They add, “There is a strong metal bracket and two strong bolts to attach each leg.” Another writes it’s an “Unbelievable price for 2 solid benches and table that will accommodate 4 people, but takes up little room in a small space.” But one reviewer reports comfortably fitting a family of five, with two extra chairs at the end. No matter how you finesse the seating room, reviewers like that the benches can be stored completely underneath the table, which for one user means “it really help bring down the amount of space it takes up and keeps my small dining room still open.” And while the consensus is that assembly is easy one recommends, “Be sure not to over-tighten [the legs] or else the legs will bow out.”
Best modern dining table set with benches
About 10 percent of five-star reviewers describe this dining table set as “modern.” But it’s still very functional: “This is a well constructed, sturdy dining table with a handsome wood finished surface that is a welcome addition to any modern home,” one writers. And about a third of reviewers agree that it’s sturdy, too. One even calls it, “BY FAR the sturdiest piece of assemble-yourself furniture I have ever had.” Another thinks “a combined total of somewhere in the range of 375-425 pounds,” can be supported by the bench,” while another says, “you could fit four people comfortable, but you can definitely squeeze six people total.”
Best drop leaf dining table set
“I don’t think you can beat the price for a drop leaf table and two very sturdy chairs,” one reviewer writes, calling out its main selling point: space-saving drop leaves. They continue, “It is nice to have the drop leaf so when I do need a little more table it is ample.” Another user living in a one bedroom apartment says, “I only need 2 chairs and I leave the sides down when not in use.” One reviewer’s mom “ Downsizing for a senior apartment” also thinks this is the right size, but is more impressed with chairs. They write, “The chairs with microfiber cushion are THE MOST COMFORTABLE side chair I’ve ever sat in.”
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