Buying Dining Table Sets Online? Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes

Buying dining table sets online sounds easy, right? A few clicks, some scrolling, maybe a quick glance at the reviews, and boom, your new table is on its way. But here’s the reality: the internet is overflowing with fancy photos, misleading descriptions, and dining tables that look like they were built for gods.

Before you spend your hard-earned money, you need to know the common traps people fall into when shopping for a round dining table (or any dining set, really). These mistakes don’t just cost you money, they mess with your comfort, your space, and your home’s entire vibe.

Let’s break down the five worst mistakes people make and show you how to avoid them.

Avoid These Common Dining Table Buying Mistakes

Mistake 1: Ignoring Measurements

You see a beautiful table. The pictures show six smiling people gathered around it with plenty of room for food, wine, and elbows. So you assume it’ll fit in your dining room.

That’s a mistake.

Most people don’t realize how much space a round dining table actually needs. It’s not just the table itself; you have to account for chairs, walkways, and the awkward shuffle of guests trying to squeeze in. If your space is tight and your table’s too wide, get ready to play a daily game of “Don’t bump the wall.”

What to do:

• Measure your dining area: length, width, everything.
• Subtract at least 36 inches from each side for chair clearance.
• Always check the product dimensions. If they’re not listed clearly, that’s a red flag.

Mistake 2: Falling for Pretty Photos Without Checking Materials

Not all dining tables are built to last, even the ones that look gorgeous online.

That “oak-look” table might actually be particleboard wrapped in wood-print plastic. It’ll be fine for a few months, maybe even a year. But one coffee spill, one overheated bowl, or one too-many elbow slams, and it starts to peel, warp, or wobble.

When you're buying dining table sets online, materials matter more than photos. Many sellers hide the ugly stuff deep in the fine print, hoping you’re too distracted by the aesthetics.

What to do:

• Look for real wood (solid oak, walnut, teak, etc.) or high-quality MDF with a veneer if you're on a budget.

• Avoid "hollow-core" or overly lightweight sets unless you want it to feel like a toy.

• Check for details like stain resistance, protective coating, and weight.

Mistake 3: Choosing Style Over Function

We get it. You want something that looks good. Maybe you're eyeing a stunning glass-top table with slim legs and a dramatic flair. Or that ultra-modern round dining table that belongs in a magazine spread.

But style doesn’t mean much if it doesn’t work for your life.

Think about it:

• Do you have kids? That glass top’s going to be a fingerprint magnet and a hazard.
• Do you host big meals? A stylish little table won't cut it.

• Do you need storage? Some sets come with built-in drawers or under-table racks, others don’t.
  
  

People often fall in love with “the look” and forget they’re buying something to actually use, not just admire.

What to do:

• Choose functionality first: space, size, and comfort.

• Then filter for styles you like.

• Don’t trust photos showing zero clutter. Your real life won’t look like that.

Mistake 4: Overlooking the Chairs

When you’re looking to buy a table online, it’s easy to forget about the chairs. But uncomfortable chairs can turn dinner into an uncomfortable ordeal. Plus, many dining sets online throw in cheap, stiff, or squeaky chairs just to make the set look “complete.” Sometimes they’re way too low or too narrow. And if you’re buying round dining tables, the chair style and size play a major role in how many people can sit comfortably.

What to do:

• Check chair seat height (ideally 18–20 inches) and width.

• Read reviews that mention comfort, noise, or stability.

• See if you can buy the table and chairs separately if needed.

Mistake 5: Trusting Reviews Without Reading Between the Lines

Five stars don’t always mean five-star quality.

Here’s the deal: fake or incentivized reviews are everywhere. Some sellers offer discounts or freebies in exchange for glowing feedback. Others simply bury the bad ones.

That means even if a dining set has 4.8 stars, you still need to read the actual reviews.

What to do:

• Sort by lowest rating and look for repeated issues.
• Scan for phrases like “smaller than expected,” “hard to assemble,” or “legs uneven.”
• Check for customer photos; they’re the only honest pictures most of the time.

And trust your gut. If every review sounds like a marketing ad, that’s a red flag.

Final Thoughts

A dining table is more than a pretty centerpiece; it’s where you eat, talk, laugh, argue, work, and make memories. So don't buy one based on a few sleek photos and vague reviews. Take your time. Ask questions. Check the materials. Visualize your life around it.

Especially with round dining tables sets, where fit, flow, and seating layout are crucial, every inch matters.

Buying dining table sets online is absolutely doable and often a great way to find deals. But only if you shop smart and stay ruthless about what really matters: quality, comfort, and actual usability.

Don’t just buy a dining set. Buy the right one.