A dining table is more than a place to eat. It's where families gather after a long day, where children work on homework, where friends linger over coffee, and where holidays and special occasions become lasting memories.
Because a dining table plays such an important role in your home, choosing the right one deserves some thought. The best table isn't necessarily the biggest, the most expensive, or the one that's currently trending. It's the one that fits your home, your family, and the way you live.
At Minnesota Farmhouse, we build custom dining tables in Cambridge, Minnesota, designed around the needs and preferences of each customer. Here's what to consider when planning a table of your own.
1. Start With How Your Family Uses the Table
Before choosing a wood species or table base, think about how you'll use your table every day.
Does your family eat most meals together? Do your children use the table for schoolwork, crafts, or games? Do you regularly host extended family and friends? Or do you need a smaller table for a kitchen or breakfast nook?
Your answers will help determine the size, shape, and features that make the most sense.
For a busy family, a spacious table with a durable finish may be the priority. If you regularly host large gatherings, an extension table could give you additional seating when you need it without taking up extra space every day.
The goal is to create a table that works for real life, not just one that looks good in a picture.
2. Choose a Size That Fits Your Space
A beautiful table won't be enjoyable if there's not enough room to walk around it or pull out chairs comfortably.
Measure the dining area before deciding on dimensions. As a general guideline, try to leave approximately 36 inches or more between the edge of the table and nearby walls or furniture. More space may be helpful in busy walkways.
Next, consider how many people you want to seat regularly and how many you need to accommodate for special occasions.
A table for six people may be perfect for everyday use, while a family that frequently hosts holiday dinners might prefer a longer table with extension leaves.
Because we build custom furniture, you don't have to limit yourself to standard dimensions. We can discuss the space you have available and help you determine what size will work best.
3. Select a Wood That Fits Your Style
The wood you choose has a major influence on the appearance and character of your finished table.
At Minnesota Farmhouse, we work with furniture-grade woods including white pine, knotty alder, red oak, white oak, black walnut, and hickory. Other wood options may also be available upon request.
Each species has its own appearance. White pine offers a softer, natural look, while knotty alder brings distinctive knots and character. Oak provides a pronounced grain pattern, and walnut is known for its rich, warm color.
Think about the overall look you want in your home. Do you prefer a lighter, more natural appearance? A rustic table with plenty of character? Or a darker, more refined finish?
You can explore examples of our tables on our custom dining tables and furniture page.
4. Find a Style That Complements Your Home
The table base and tabletop details can dramatically change the look of a dining room.
A traditional X-base can create a classic farmhouse appearance. Turned legs offer a more traditional feel, while a Craftsman-style base can give a table a substantial, distinctive look. Live-edge tops highlight the natural outline of the wood.
You can also consider details such as tabletop grooves, circle-sawn marks, painted bases, or a custom stain color.
Don't feel that you need to follow a particular decorating trend. The best design is one that fits your home and that you'll enjoy looking at for years to come.
5. Think About Benches, Chairs, and Extensions
The tabletop is only part of the equation. Your seating choices affect both comfort and how the entire dining area functions.
Matching benches can create a coordinated farmhouse look and offer flexible seating. Chairs provide individual seats and may be a better fit for those who prefer a backrest.
You can also combine the two, using chairs at the ends of the table and a bench along one side.
If you occasionally host more people than your everyday seating accommodates, ask about extension options. An expandable table can provide additional room for birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings.
When planning your table, consider the complete set rather than choosing each piece independently.
6. Consider How the Table Will Hold Up Over Time
A dining table is an investment you'll likely use for many years, so construction matters.
At Minnesota Farmhouse, our tables are built using solid, furniture-grade wood rather than veneers or imitation wood products. We use kiln-dried lumber sourced from local sawmills, and we pay attention to the construction and finishing details that help make a table suitable for everyday use.
Proper care also makes a difference. Use appropriate cleaning methods for the finish, wipe up spills promptly, and follow the care instructions provided for your particular table.
Wood is a natural material that responds to changes in its environment, so choosing quality materials and caring for the finished piece are both important.
7. Make It Your Own With Custom Furniture
One of the biggest advantages of ordering a custom dining table is that you can make decisions based on your needs rather than trying to find a standard table that comes close.
Perhaps you need an unusual length, a particular stain to coordinate with your kitchen cabinets, a specific base design, or a matching bench. Maybe you've seen a table you love but want to change a few details.
Bring us your ideas, pictures, dimensions, or inspiration. We'll work with you to explore the possibilities and develop a design that fits your space and preferences.
You can start by browsing our table collection or contacting us to discuss a custom project.
Let's Build a Table for Your Family
At Minnesota Farmhouse, we believe a good dining table should do more than fill a space. It should provide a welcoming place for meals, conversations, celebrations, and the everyday moments that make a house feel like home.
Our tables are handcrafted in Cambridge, Minnesota, with your design preferences and practical needs in mind.
If you're ready to start planning a custom dining table, we'd love to hear what you have in mind.
You design it, we create it.
Visit Minnesota Farmhouse to explore our furniture or contact us to start a conversation about your project.
