*This post contains affiliate links, we earn commission if products are purchased (more info).
Family dinners often seem like a tradition of an ancient era. That doesn’t have to be the case though. A big kitchen table, such as an 8-seat dining table, is the perfect solution!
What’s important is spending time together and interacting with each other as a family, rather than sitting on the couch and eating while everyone is absorbed into the latest hit TV show.
QUICK OVERVIEW – Our Top Picks for Best 8-Seat Kitchen Dining Tables:
*We earn commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Oval 8 Person Dining Table Set
This oval 8 person dining table from East West Furniture is made from 100% solid wood. This makes for a long lasting and beautiful table that is far superior to pressure treated woods.
The chairs, also made of 100% solid wood, all have a faux leather seat cushions for an added stylish look.
*We earn commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
This table is also extendable, with an extra 18” extendable leaf that conveniently stores under the table when not in use.
The standard length of the table is 60” which can be increased to 78” with the leaf. The width of the table is 42”.
CLICK HERE TO SEE REVIEWS AT AMAZON
*We earn commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Rectangle Dining Table for 8
This 8 person dining table set from East West Furniture is crafted from 100% Asian Hardwood.
Featuring a rectangular table top with a hardwood cherry finish that sets a gorgeous contrast with the buttermilk pedestals and dining chairs.
*We earn commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
This formal dining table also has a built in 18” leaf, providing the ability to extend from 60” to 78” total. The table has a width of 42” and stands at a height of 30”.
Included are 8 upholstered microfiber chairs with the matching buttermilk finish.
CLICK HERE TO SEE REVIEWS AT AMAZON
*We earn commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
8 Person Modern Style Dining Table Set
This 4 to 8 person dining table set from CozaCasa has a modern look utilizing a high grade piano paint process to give it a mirror like glossy finish.
Lightweight, practical, and contemporary style. Would be great for a dining table or even an office conference room.
*We earn commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Ideal for matching with most dining chair sets. Several suggestions are even shown on the Amazon page.
Includes an 18″ expandable leaf to give it a total length of 80″.
CLICK HERE TO SEE REVIEWS AT AMAZON
*We earn commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Vancouver Oval 8 Person Dining Table Set
The Vancouver 8 Person Dining Table from East West Furniture is similar to the first one on our list, but featuring a very elegant espresso finish this time.
The oval shaped table displays an extraordinary design with its show-stopping double pedestals for support.
*We earn commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Again, featuring an extendable 18″ removable leaf that stores beneath the table when not in use.
Inviting slat-back kitchen chairs are available in both solid wood or padded seats.
CLICK HERE TO SEE REVIEWS AT AMAZON
*We earn commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Sunset Trading Cali 8 Peron Dining Table Set
The Cali 8 person table by Sunset Trading is very beautiful and unique with its distinctive four tier double pedestals.
Clean cut edges provide opulent curves to a functional rectangular shape. Detailed textures and robust proportions deliver a traditional style.
*We earn commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
This table is actually meant for 8 people, but can be extended for up to 10 people using the 18″ leaf insert!
This is easily the largest capacity table on our list and is 96″ total with the leaf insert.
FAQ
Why is it important for families to have dinner together?
In our hectic lives there are few consistent opportunities for people and families to really connect with each other. We find ourselves lost in our movies, music, phones, and video games. Dinner should be a time for families to relax together, reconnect with each other, and really get to know each other. Does your family know what your dreams for the future are? Do you know what your family members want for the future? That could be something great to discuss during your next family dinner.
Is there any science behind the benefits of family dinners?
There have been studies that have shown that eating family dinners together, without the distraction of technology, can result in benefits that most parents hope for in the children. The studies have shown that children that eat regular dinners with their families are less likely to become dependent on drugs, are less likely to suffer from depression, and they often have higher self esteem and grade point averages.
Do we have to eat every meal together?
Absolutely not. If you want to, that can be very beneficial, but the studies previously mentioned indicate that you can see massive benefits by simply eating dinner together as a family five times a week. And it doesn’t even have to be dinner. It can be breakfast or lunch. The primary concern is just finding the time to spend together with no distractions.
What if I can’t find the time for our family to eat together?
That is a valid concern. Many families have parents that work different hours, children have after school activities, and sometimes schedules don’t get synced up well enough for a family to really enjoy their meals together. What you can do, iin that case, is do weekly meal prep. Spend one day a week making your planned meals in advance and then freeze them. This cuts down on the amount of time spent cooking each day and allows you to spend that precious time eating with your family and really connecting with each other.
What should we eat?
The primary concern here isn’t ensuring that your family is eating healthy. That is a benefit, to be sure, but what we are concerned with is eating with each other, not what is being eaten. You can even get the family involved in helping prep dinner and cleaning up afterwards.
What should we talk about?
If your family is not used to eating dinner together, it can be quite boring in the beginning. That just goes to show how much your family needs that time together. It can be very difficult to find common ground and common interests. I recommend that you start off small, and be patient. Don’t get too frustrated if the family doesn’t find this as enticing as you do. They will gradually grow to love the time that they are spending with their families. Here are a few topics of conversation that you might ask.
What did you learn in school today?
Did you do anything fun today?
What have you been watching on tv lately?
Have you seen any good movies?
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
You can really ask anything that you want, but remember, this is going to be new for your family, just as it is new for you. You may see that your family is bored the first few times, but be patient and everyone will thank you for it later.
Check out our homepage for more furniture reviews in other categories.
Also, check out this video on how regular family dinners can help prevent substance abuse among teenagers:
Jessica Wheeler
Jessica is an east coast native who found her way to Austin, Texas. When she’s not writing about furniture or interior design topics, you’ll find her scoping out cute coffee shops, binge-watching a good Netflix show, or spending a Sunday in the park with her dog Ruffles.
Check out more articles featuring the BEST Dining Tables:
Best Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen Dining Tables
Best Counter Height Dining Sets
Best Bench Kitchen Dining Room Sets
Table of Contents