Let's face the obvious. You need a table to sit and eat at- no not the couch in front of the tv like we often do. But one that reflects the way you live and fits your spatial needs. Don't be stuck in a rut and think you just need to have a standard table without a punch of personality. There are so many designs to choose. For instance, a drop leaf styling is perfectly convenient and offers just the right amount of surface space to have guests and eat comfortably. Yet, it can be easily tucked away with the leaf down to free up space and move around more easily. Many designs will include tempered glass tops. Small young children that have a tendancy to throw things are probably not going to treat your glass top well. So you may want to look at a style that is durable and has a wood surface. Standard size tables seat up to 4 very comfortably and many of these will have extension leaves to convert the table to seat 6-8 comfortably. Great design does not have to be compromised for functionality. You have to consider how you live, how you entertain and how you want this piece to mix with your existing furnishings.