We Tested (and Rated!) All the Dining Tables at Ashley — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space

One thing I’ve missed since moving to a big city is living in a house with a proper dining room. Anytime I go home to visit my parents, I look forward to family dinners around a real table. In my apartment, my roommates and I usually dine on the couch with our plates sitting on laptop trays, so owning a real table would certainly elevate the experience. Whenever I look at dining tables online, however, I find that most of them are way too big for an apartment. Even if the dimensions suggest that I might be able to fit a specific model in my apartment, I know that can be difficult to confirm as fact unless I actually visit a store and see the product in person.

Lucky for me, that’s exactly what I do for Apartment Therapy’s Personal Shopper series. In case you’re not familiar, for this series I visit the brick-and-mortar stores of top home retailers like West Elm, Burrow, Blu Dot, and CB2. There, I look at the furniture on the floor to help determine which dresser, bed frame, or accent chair is best for your space and lifestyle.

I looked at multiple product categories when I visited Ashley’s store in Secaucus, New Jersey, a couple of months ago. The time has come to review the brand’s dining tables, and I’ve narrowed down the list to 12 favorites after looking at more than 20 models. Keep reading to find out which one is best for you.

Despite a rising number of online DTC competitors in the furniture marketplace, Ashley has held its own as a legacy retailer and continues to produce high-quality pieces at reasonable prices. In addition to offering its signature traditional silhouettes, Ashley also has a wide selection of modern dining tables that would suit both busy family households and young adults’ apartments.

When you shop online from Ashley, you can expect a seamless experience, complete with yearslong protection plans on select pieces, as well as no-hassle or doorstep delivery in a matter of weeks. Returns are also accepted so long as your item is in new or unused condition with all of the parts it came with.

Best for Families: Galliden Dining Table
Best for Small Spaces: Lyncott Round Dining Table
Best Statement Maker: Jorlaina Extending Dining Table
Best Farmhouse Style: Ashbryn Dining Table
Best Drop Leaf Style: Gesthaven Drop Leaf Dining Table
Best with Built-In Storage: Gesthaven Counter Height Dining Table
Best Modern Style: Fawnburg Extending Dining Table
Best Oversized: Rencott Extending Dining Table
Best Fashion-Forward: Rowanbeck Dining Table
Most Versatile: Hyndell Extending Dining Table
Best Coastal Style: Isanti Dining Table
Best for Entertaining: Roanhowe Extending Dining Table

I judged every Ashley dining table in-store based on the following five criteria, giving each category an average rating between 1 and 5. These scores helped me determine who the dining table suits best.

• Capacity: How many people can fit around the table? Are any structural or design elements (i.e., beams, legs, etc.) obtrusive?
• Space Requirements: How much space does the table take up? Does it require a lot of horizontal floor space?
• Versatility: Can the table expand or change size? How difficult would it be to assemble, disassemble, or move? Can it be used as more than just a dining table?
• Appearance: What style does it best suit? Does it lean more traditional (i.e., detailing, dark wood) or more contemporary (i.e., sleek, light wood)?
• Quality: Is the table built for looks or to last? Are its materials more basic (and typically easy to maintain) or more luxe and uncommon?

What impressed me: The trestle legs and textured wood.

This modern farmhouse-inspired dining table is perfect for young families because it can seat up to six people, so it’s neither too large nor too small, and it pairs well with bench seating, which can be less fussy than chairs if you have small children. 

The focal points are its trestle legs and the support beam running between them. Its textured finish adds a rustic touch, but overall, the design is simple. In the store, the table was paired with black-framed and upholstered chairs, so you can style it any way that appeals to you. Even adorned with protective place mats, the Galliden will still retain its quaint, no-frills appearance.

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 78”, seats up to 6 people
• Hardwood solids and oak veneer
• Available in 1 finish

What impressed me: The small footprint and glossy finish.

I’ve seen similar versions of the Lyncott dining table online at other retailers, but in person, I was still struck by its charming crisscross base and rich dark brown finish. It’s a prime pick for small spaces because it has a relatively small diameter of 45 inches, but it can still seat up to four people. Plus, it’s not boring to look at.

The table’s mango wood veneer had a glossy sheen, which does show fingerprints. Ultimately, though, it’ll help the table look perpetually brand-new, so long as you take proper care of it. Whether you’re moving into your first home or merely moving into a new studio apartment, I highly recommend the Lyncott.

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 45”, seats up to 4 people
• Hardwood solids, mango wood veneer, and MDF substrate
• Available in 1 finish

What impressed me: The oversized pedestal legs and two-toned design.

Even amid all of the other oversized dining tables and king-size sleigh beds on Ashley’s floor, the Jorlaina table still stood out. The first things I noticed were its two pedestal-style legs, which boast a flared column design that’ll give your dining room an old-world touch. On top, the Jorlaina is not so traditional. A light gray surface contrasts against the white legs, sporting a textured square pattern. Together, these elements create a sort of glam farmhouse look. 

You can probably tell from the photo that the Jorlaina’s surface is extendable via two drop-in leaves, so it can go from being 72 to 90 to 108 inches long. It’s easily one of the largest tables I looked at, able to seat up to eight people. I would recommend this model for people with large family homes looking to add an antique-like flair to their dining space.

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 108”, seats up to 8 people
• Hardwood solids, oak veneer, and MDF substrate
• Available in 1 finish

What impressed me: The built-in linen drawers and medium size.

My childhood best friend lived on a farm, and I can easily picture the Ashbryn table in a home like the one her family lived in. It doesn’t look worn, per se, but it does have a lived-in quality because of its three-tone color scheme and black metal drawer pulls. It almost looks like it could’ve been fashioned by hand. And yes, you read that right — the Ashbryn has two drawers on each side of its surface. They’re not especially spacious, but their wide and short shape makes them great for storing place mats and other table linens.

If you like the farmhouse aesthetic, consider the Ashbryn your “Goldilocks” table. It’s a nice medium size and will contribute a homey vibe to your dining room. Best of all, its price is pretty reasonable.

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 86”, seats up to 8 people
• Hardwood solids, oak veneer, engineered wood, MDF substrates, and metal
• Available in 1 finish

What impressed me: The contrasting base and multifunctionality.

An alternative to the Lyncott table, the Gesthaven table is round, but it’s a tad more versatile because it has a drop-leaf design. I would recommend this pick for people who either live alone or with one other person. When it’s just you at home, you can keep the table’s leaves down to save space and expand the surface when you have visitors. No matter its configuration, the Gesthaven makes a wonderful dining, work, or crafting surface.

Also of note is the Gesthaven’s two-toned design. It’s one of the few Ashley dining tables that’s available in different colors, specifically for the base. I viewed a version with a deep forest-green base, which I found myself liking more than I expected to. It’s a subtle way to switch up the appearance of what can often be a boring piece of furniture.

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 42”, seats up to 4 people
• Rubberwood solids, mango wood veneer, and MDF substrate
• Available in 4 finishes

What impressed me: The side shelves and clean silhouette.

Also part of the Gesthaven collection, this counter-height table wowed me with its built-in shelving. As you can see, one of its short sides doubles as a three-tiered shelf, where you can store your most-used bowls, mugs, stemless wine glasses, or nonperishable condiments. The table also has a substantial surface given its relatively small size. You could have a family-style meal with your roommates on the smooth butcher block top.

Although the product page says this table seats up to four people, you could get away with seating a fifth person at the short end opposite the shelf. The only potential downside I see to this model is that it’s counter height, which won’t be ideal for people with mobility concerns or those who prefer a standard dining table height. But other than that, this pick is as practical as it gets and can double as a kitchen island.

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 60”, seats up to 4 people
• Rubberwood solids, mango wood veneer, and MDF substrate
• Available in 4 finishes

What impressed me: The thick surface and chunky block legs.

The Fawnburg table looks much more expensive than its $850 price tag. Not only is the table’s surface wide and expandable up to 98 inches long via the included drop-in leaf, but it’s also incredibly thick. This makes the table feel solid and durable, not to mention sculptural, especially with the equally chunky legs.

Another feature that makes the Fawnburg look exceptionally modern is its cool-toned finish. The grayish-taupe color only adds to its streamlined appearance. Obviously, this is not the table to buy if you’re after a cozy dining room vibe. Instead, it’ll make the area feel somewhat like an art installation, though you could offset the table’s austerity with a warm-toned rug and upholstered chairs.

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 98”, seats up to 8 people
• Wood, oak veneer, and engineered wood
• Available in 1 finish

What impressed me: The geometric base and silver surface detailing.

Another sculptural piece, the Rencott table stuns with its double-pedestal geometric base. Although I viewed a couple of tables that extend up to 108 inches long, this one looked the most oversized to me. This makes it a fabulous choice for people who frequently get together with extended family or enjoy hosting large dinner parties.

The other notable detail on the Rencott table is the silver inlay on each half of its surface, as well as the drop-in leaf. Other than that, the grainy light-brown finish is unpretentious, making the Rencott a suitable gathering spot for special occasions and casual weeknight dinners alike.

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 108”, seats up to 10 people
• Rubberwood solids, oak veneer, MDF substrates, and metal
• Available in 1 finish

What impressed me: The sleek black color and oval top.

Hands down the trendiest table I looked at was the Rowanbeck dining table, whose oval-shaped surface reminds me of some of the newer releases I’ve seen at retailers like West Elm and CB2. In addition to this eye-catching design feature, the table also has two curved pedestal-style legs. This, coupled with the black finish, make the Rowanbeck impossible to ignore, even if it’s admittedly not your style.

Because of its unconventional aesthetic, you can totally have fun styling it with chairs. Play around with upholstered or rattan chairs, or maybe opt for a set with similarly curved lines. Although the table seats up to eight people, it has an intimate vibe because of its rounded top.

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 86”, seats up to 8 people
• Hardwood solids, oak veneer, and MDF substrate
• Available in 1 finish

What impressed me: The metal touches on the legs and overall angular appearance.

Despite its stately appearance, the Hyndell table is on the smaller side at 88 inches long. Without its drop-in leaf, it measures just 70 inches long, making it a viable option for households of up to six people. Its linear silhouette and chunky corner legs give the table a modern look, but you can dress it up or down with your choice of decor. Really, the only flashy detail is the silver band on each leg.

Because it’s relatively simple, the Hyndell also makes a good spot for a variety of activities. I can just as easily picture someone enjoying lunch there as I can envision a remote worker taking a Zoom call. I also found myself loving its deep, espresso-brown finish. It’s so elegant!

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 88”, seats up to 8 people
• Wood, wood veneers, engineered wood, and metal
• Available in 1 finish

What impressed me: The rich medium-brown wood and plank-style legs.

I’ve seen other pieces from Ashley’s Isanti collection, and after looking at this one, I maintain that it reminds me of West Elm’s Anton collection. What’s especially impressive is that the Isanti table is made of solid mango wood, which would cost more than $1,000 at many other retailers. Here, though, it costs $800. 

Its skinny plinth legs remind me of surfboards, though that’s not the only reason this model would look great in a coastal setting. The patterned medium-brown wood has an undeniably laid-back vibe characteristic of the coastal aesthetic. Plus, the table’s silhouette doesn’t have any ornamentation — quiet luxury at its finest.

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 72”, seats up to 6 people
• Mango wood
• Available in 1 finish

What impressed me: The rounded corners and no-frills mid-century design.

The Roanhowe isn’t the longest dining table I looked at, but it would still be the best pick for people who like to entertain because its design is so unadorned. Even its tapered, mid-century legs sit out of the way, so everyone gets to enjoy maximum legroom and comfort. The cool-toned finish isn’t the coziest, but I think it’s nicely contrasted with the rounded corners, which prevent the table from looking harsh.

Also, this table isn’t quite as wide as some of the other large models I viewed. You still have plenty of space for a full spread, but you won’t feel like you’re seated too far away from your guests. This allows for easier conversation and a more intimate dining experience overall.

How I Rated It:

Specifications:

• 98”, seats up to 10 people
• Rubberwood solids, oak veneer, and MDF substrates
• Available in 1 finish