10 Tables That Deserve a Spot in Your Kitchen

• Gold and Marble Leilani Tulip Dining Table, $500

The Saarinen Tulip reigns as one of the most beloved shapes in table history. It’s been endlessly remixed, and this iteration might be the most glam yet. With a marble top and gold coating on that iconic stainless steel base, this 35.5-inch diameter table screams, "Champagne breakfast!" Pair it with painted black chairs to give it an edge.

• California Dining Table, $2,000

The iconic table that dots national parks and neighborhood green spaces is coming home. Serena & Lily have tweaked the standard design for use in the kitchen, slimming down the legs and giving it a coat of crisp white. Pull it up to bench seating to keep a ready-for-fun vibe.

• 1069 Chrome with 8mm Tempered Glass Dining Table, $192

If your kitchen is smaller than small, a glass table is just the trickster you need. Because it’s transparent, it takes up almost zero visual space, meaning the eye glances over and sees what’s behind it, barely registering the table as there. Pair it with leggy, streamlined chairs to match the lean visual.

• French Kitchen Round Bistro Table, $900

Call it the kitchen table that’s launched a thousand Parisian daydreams. The bistro table is the classic spot for grabbing a quick bite solo or with one other person—a.k.a. the perfect piece for the kitchen. It’s just the thing to give plain-Jane kitchens a luxe touch. Pair it with classic bistro chairs in black or subvert the norm with something modern like acrylic “ghost” chairs.

• Emmond Mid Century 72" Dining Table White & Brown - Project 62, $400

In a post-Mad Men world, there aren’t a lot of well-priced mid-century modern pieces to go around. That’s why Target’s take on the pared-down lines and warm wood that are hallmarks of the style is so welcome. For a remarkably affordable number, the look of a circa-1962 kitchen table is yours.

• Liberty for Anthropologie Tamsin Dining Table, $400

Some mornings you need more of a pick-me-up than your French press can offer. Consider this petite kitchen table with a peppy Liberty floral top a triple espresso shot. It’s just so happy. It’s just the right diameter for two or three seats (try a set of gold wire chairs)—and skip the tablecloth.

• Galvin Cafeteria Table, $800

When the thrill has gone out of the hunt, skip the antiques store and check out this stunning reproduction of an industrial cafeteria table. The seats swivel out for eating and in for space-efficient off-time. The metal base means this is a substantial piece that might even last until it’s an heirloom in its own right.

• Turner Lazy Susan Dining Table, $1,000

The salt (and everything else) gets passed around with ease when the center of the table is a marble inset that spins lazy-Susan style. If you need another reason to love this space-efficient round kitchen table, the walnut veneer contrasts beautifully with the stone—and would look incredible with upholstered seats in a jewel tone.

• Shayne Drop-Leaf Kitchen Table in White, $600

It’s worth making room in even the most cramped kitchen for this versatile table. Let’s count the reasons why: Two shelves serve as the base, offering virtually another cabinet’s worth of storage. The two drop leaves let the piece morph from intimate rectangular surface to demilune to roomy oval. With those options, it could have a second life in the living room.

• All Weather Wicker Round Bistro Table, $800

Yes, this weather-treated wicker table is meant for the backyard, but it’s too good to only use when you’re dining al fresco. Bring it inside and enjoy how the texture adds some voltage to your kitchen’s overall design. (And, thanks to that treatment, you can rest easy about any spills.)