Kitchen & Dining Room Tables

How to Choose the Perfect Dining Table in Denmark: Top Stores, Styles, and Smart Buying Tips

Why your dining table deserves careful thought

Think of your dining table as the stage for daily life: morning coffees, homework bursts, intimate dinners and loud game nights. Choosing the right table isn’t just about looks — it affects comfort, flow and how you use your home. In Denmark, where form and function meet in classic Scandinavian design, a dining table can be both a practical workhorse and a beautiful focal point. This guide helps you cut through the choices by pointing to reliable Danish stores, popular materials and real-world buying tips so you end up with a table that fits your lifestyle and your room.

Where to start: notable Danish stores that offer standout dining tables

When hunting for a dining table in Denmark, you’ll find a mix of online specialists and classic furniture retailers. Two stores featured prominently in recent curated lists are Boboonline and Erling Christensen Møbler — both offer wide selections across styles and budgets. Beyond those, well-known Danish names such as BoConcept, ILVA, JYSK, Bolia and design-forward brands like HAY and Normann Copenhagen are also excellent places to browse. Each retailer brings something different: mass-market value, mid-range craftsmanship, or high-end designer pieces. Knowing which one suits your priorities makes the search much easier.

Boboonline — variety and modern versatility

Boboonline is a go-to if you want a wide variety of styles from sleek glass-and-metal combinations to warm wood finishes. Their catalog often includes round options such as Concave Home’s round bar and dining tables in melamine, veneer and metal legs, plus larger rectangular models. If you’re drawn to contemporary looks, you’ll find items like the White Label Living Florescent glass dining table or the Zuiver Storm in ash veneer. Boboonline’s strength is variety — you can quickly compare round tables, extendable options and metal or wooden legs to find what suits your space.

Erling Christensen Møbler — curated Danish brands and craftsmanship

Erling Christensen Møbler focuses on well-regarded Scandinavian brands and timeless pieces. If you love classic oak dining tables, their selection of Skovby models (SM37, SM39, SM30 and SM112) and FDB Møbler options (C35a/C35b) showcases the kind of craftsmanship Denmark is known for. These tables prioritize solid construction, smart joinery and finishes that age gracefully. They’re ideal when you want something that can last decades and even be part of a family heritage.

BoConcept, ILVA and Bolia — design, customization and range

BoConcept and Bolia offer contemporary Scandinavian design with customizable finishes and sizes. BoConcept tends to lean modern and modular — great if you want to match a table with a collection of chairs and storage. Bolia mixes artisanal details with contemporary shapes. ILVA and JYSK are more mainstream: ILVA offers trendy, affordable options and room sets, while JYSK is budget-friendly for simple, functional tables. For many shoppers, these chains strike a good balance between style and price.

Designer labels and boutique studios

If you’re chasing a statement piece, brands like HAY, Normann Copenhagen or independent Danish makers produce bold, design-forward tables. These are often pricier but bring distinctive silhouettes and premium materials. Choose these when the table is meant to be more than functional — when it’s also a design anchor that sparks conversation every time someone walks into the room.

Material matters: wood, veneer, glass, metal and melamine

The material determines look, durability and maintenance. Solid oak and ash are classic Danish choices — warm, durable and able to be sanded and refinished. Veneer offers the look of solid wood at a lower price point and is lighter, while melamine is resilient and easy to clean for busy households. Glass tops create an airy feel and show more of the base, often paired with metal legs for a modern vibe. Metal frames and legs can be ultra-durable and create industrial or minimalist aesthetics. Consider how you live: kids, pets and entertaining patterns should influence whether you choose softwood, hardwood, glass, or a coated surface.

Shape and size: picking the right footprint

Round, rectangular and extendable tables each have strengths. Round tables, like some Concave Home models, encourage conversation and are great for tight spaces. Rectangular tables, such as the Zuiver Storm or Act Nordic models, offer seating efficiency for longer rooms. Extendable tables are lifesavers for occasional guests — look for reliable mechanisms so an extension leaf doesn’t become a chore. Measure your dining room, allow at least 90–100 cm around the table for chairs and movement, and think about the room’s traffic flow to avoid surprises.

Finish and color: creating mood and longevity

Finishes set the tone. Light, white-oiled oak brightens spaces and complements Scandinavian minimalism. Darker lacquers or black-stained woods lend a formal, moody touch. If you want a table that resists stains and scratches, opt for treated woods or matte melamine finishes. Metallic legs in black or gold can elevate a simple top, while glass tops keep a small space feeling less crowded. Consider how the finish will age: some oiled surfaces develop a characterful patina, while lacquered surfaces maintain a consistent sheen.

Matching chairs and lighting: the finishing touches

Think of chairs and lights as companions to your table. A heavy table can handle sculptural chairs, while elegant tables often suit lighter, simpler seating. Mixing chair styles is a popular Scandinavian trick: pair a bench or a leather chair with wooden ones for contrast. Pendant lighting centered over the table anchors the dining area; go for a fixture that’s roughly one-third the table’s width and hang it 60–75 cm above the tabletop for balanced illumination. Rugs can warm the space, but be sure the rug is large enough so chairs remain on it even when pulled out.

Extendable tables: practical choices for flexible living

If you host occasionally but don’t have a permanent large dining room, extendable tables are a practical compromise. Look for models with smooth sliding mechanisms and sturdy extension leaves. Some Danish designs allow leaves to fold neatly under the tabletop while others store leaves separately. Brands like Skovby are known for engineered extensions that retain stability. Test the mechanism in person if possible — a table should expand without wrestling to avoid future frustration.

Budget vs. investment: where to save and where to splurge

Decide early which features matter most: material, joinery, brand or flexibility. Save on a trendy top or inexpensive chairs that can be replaced, but invest in a solid base and well-made mechanism if you plan to keep the table for years. Danish consumer favorites often include mid-range options that balance style and construction — think high-quality veneer or solid wood legs with a durable top. Designer pieces and handmade solid-wood tables are great investments if you value longevity and resale appeal.

Care and maintenance: keep your table looking great

Maintenance is straightforward but important. For oiled woods: clean with a soft cloth and reapply oil periodically to prevent drying. Lacquered and melamine surfaces only need gentle soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading. For glass tops, use a lint-free cloth and non-abrasive cleaner. Small ding repair kits and wood touch-up pens can handle everyday wear, but if you want a pristine finish, periodic professional refinishing is an option for solid wood pieces.

Sustainability and craftsmanship: choosing responsibly

Many Danish brands and stores prioritize sustainability: FSC-certified wood, local production and longer lifecycles reduce environmental impact. FDB Møbler and Skovby, for example, are known for craftsmanship and materials that last. Buying a durable table from a trusted maker often has less environmental cost than frequently replacing cheaper pieces. If sustainability matters to you, look for certifications and ask about sourcing and repairability before buying.

Tips for shopping in Denmark: compare, inspect and measure

When shopping, bring room dimensions and photos of the space so you can visualize scale. Compare prices across stores — online catalogs make this easy — and read product specs for thickness, leaf dimensions and materials. If possible, inspect the table in person to feel the edge finish, test the extension mechanism and check stability. Many Danish stores have showrooms where you can sit, push and pull to get a real sense of quality.

Popular models and why they work

Certain models stand out for their blend of design and functionality. Skovby tables are renowned for clever extensions and classic profiles; FDB Møbler produces simple, robust choices that age beautifully; Concave Home and Zuiver offer contemporary silhouettes with interesting leg designs and veneer finishes. Whether you favor a round table for conversation or a long rectangular piece for family gatherings, these models demonstrate the range available in Danish stores — from sleek urban pieces to rustic, family-ready tables.

Custom options and small local makers

If standard sizes don’t fit or you want a unique tabletop, local workshops and custom makers across Denmark can craft pieces tailored to your needs. Custom tables let you choose exact dimensions, wood species and joinery details. The downside is cost and lead time, but the upside is a one-off piece that fits your space and aesthetic perfectly. Ask for references, visit the workshop if you can, and verify finishing options before committing.

Final buy checklist

Before you buy, run through a checklist: measure the room, allow clearance for chairs, decide material and finish, test extendable mechanisms, check assembly needs, and factor in delivery and installation if required. Think about how the table will fit into daily life — a table that’s too precious to use won’t earn its keep. Balance style with practicality so the table becomes a daily companion, not an untouchable display piece.

Conclusion: Choosing the right dining table in Denmark is a delightful blend of practical decisions and aesthetic taste. Whether you select a timeless Skovby oak, a contemporary Concave Home design from retailers like Boboonline, or a custom-made statement table, the key is matching dimensions, material and function to your lifestyle. Shop thoughtfully, inspect carefully and pick a piece that invites living — after all, a dining table should celebrate both everyday moments and special gatherings.