Oval Dining Table

Most of the timber-look tables use real oak or walnut veneer over a dense engineered wood core, so the grain you see is genuine wood. They come in natural, oak, walnut and black finishes, and one foldable model adds a solid rubberwood pedestal. 

Sintered stone is the other option. It is made by compressing natural minerals under high heat and pressure, which gives a hard, dense top with a marble-look finish. 

Six-seater ovals suit most family dining rooms, and the longer tables take up to eight when guests join you. Check the seating count on each product page against the number of people you host most often. 

Allow about 90cm between the table edge and the nearest wall or sideboard so chairs can slide out. In a tighter room, a bench seat along one side takes up less space than two chairs. For a different shape, compare round dining tables . 

The extendable range starts as a round table for four, then opens to an oval for six and up to eight. It suits households that eat as a small group most nights but host larger gatherings now and then. 

The foldable oval is the most compact choice. Its drop-leaf design sits half-folded against a wall as a two-person breakfast table, then opens to seat six, and its centre cabinet holds up to two folding chairs. Another range has a concealed storage compartment built into the base. 

A central pedestal gives more legroom than corner legs, and guests at the curved ends are not stuck straddling a leg. 

For the rug, aim for one that extends about 60cm beyond the table edge on each side, so chairs stay on it when pulled out. Browse rugs in sizes to suit. Most tables here are for indoor use, so check the product page before placing one outside. 

For veneer, use a slightly damp cloth and dry the surface straight away. Use mats under hot dishes, lift the table rather than dragging it, and keep it out of harsh direct sunlight. Compare the oval dining room tables in this collection to find the one that fits your room and the number you seat.