The best dining tables

The Threshold 40-inch Square Drop Leaf Rustic Dining Table is an excellent solution if you're looking for a table that comfortably seats four, has an attractive look, and doesn't break the bank.

With the leaves down, the Threshold 40-inch Square Drop Leaf Rustic Dining Table works well as a place to display photos and accent pieces along a photo wall. Or, you might use it as a sofa table. And, when people come over, you can open up the table to create a 40-inch square surface that comfortably sits four.

When folded, the table is 20-inches wide, though the base has a footprint of 26.25 by 31.125 inches. The table material is stained rubberwood — a softer wood — with a distressed finish, and the legs are metal.

Apartment Therapy recommends the Threshold 40-inch Square Drop Leaf Rustic Dining Table because the reviewer found that the design allowed for ample legroom under the otherwise small table. The Wirecutter recommends this table for people who like the Crate & Barrel Origami table but don't have $700 to spend. The reviewer did note that the soft rubberwood tabletop is more susceptible to damage. Best Products suggests people with a more modern interior décor will benefit from this table.

One customer review points out that while the table easily fits four people, you could potentially squeeze six. Other buyers recommend having a drill handy for speedy assembly; with the drill, it should take about 20 minutes.

The biggest complaint was that the table sometimes doesn't come with all of the right hardware and getting parts sent is a hassle.

Pros: Plenty of legroom, affordable, doesn't take up much space

Cons: Susceptible to damage, no warranty

If you need a small table for two and don't want to spend a lot, the Coaster Country Farmhouse Rectangular Butcher Block Dining Table is a smart solution.

Though Coaster Home Furnishings advertises that the Country Farmhouse Rectangular Butcher Block Dining Table can fit four people, it is a snug fit due to the 48 by 30-inch tabletop dimensions.

The whole table is made of oak, and you can choose between a painted white or natural oak base. With these color options, this table is ideal for spaces with a country home décor. In addition to serving as a dining table in a small space, you might also use this Coaster Home Furnishings product as a craft table or desk.

The Coaster Home Furnishings Dining Table is recommended by The Wirecutter because of the low cost and the oak tabletop makes it more durable than the typical pine tables you find in this price range. However, the reviewer does note that the table is a bit tight for more than two people and the tabletop tends to scratch easily.

Pros: Affordable, made of durable pine, easy to assemble

Cons: Limited seating capacity, may scratch easily

The attractive look of CB2's Silverado Round Dining Table is ideal for homes with a more modern interior design scheme.

Less expensive than similar glass tables from other retailers, the Silverado Round Dining Table by CB2 will complement a wide range of interior decorating styles, thanks to its ultra-simple design. Featuring a 47-inch glass top perched on two 29-inch "sawhorses" (available in either silver or brass), the table seats up to four people.

The Wirecutter recommends the slightly pricier rectangular version of the Silverado in their roundup of the best dining tables under $1000, citing that it will bring an airy feeling to a room (the see-through glass and reflective legs trick the eye, making this piece of furniture look significantly smaller than it really is). Their reviewer also mentioned that CB2's floor model was pretty scratched, and recommended using placemats and avoiding chairs with arms, so as not to chip the sides.

A few customer reviews also pointed out that the glass shows fingerprints, but, on the upside, it's easy to clean.

Pros: Attractive modern design, easy to clean

Cons: Scratches easily

If you have a nook for a dining area and would like a table that can seat up to four people, take a look at the Round Weathered Gray Wood Jozy Drop Leaf Table.

At 36 inches in diameter when opened, the Round Weathered Gray Wood Jozy Drop Leaf Table is a bit smaller than the standard round table and larger than the classic bistro-style table. This makes it ideal for serving both purposes in small dining rooms and urban studios.

In a space as small as 7 by 7 feet, you can potentially seat up to four people. With the leaves down, the table is a mere 18 inches thick and can serve as an end table.

The Jozy Drop Leaf Table is made of solid acacia wood and has a weathered gray finish for an antique appearance. The acacia is more durable than other woods and can stand up to scratching. However, you will want to use coasters and placemats on the table to avoid discoloration.

The Wirecutter was impressed with how the Round Weathered Gray Wood Jozy Drop Leaf Table looks great both opened and closed. The reviewer noted that the table felt sturdy when it was expanded despite the somewhat narrow base. She also liked that the table is capable of being refinished since it is made of solid wood. Apartment Therapy recommends this table for small dining rooms or any space that requires a versatile piece of furniture.

Pros: Attractive appearance in any configuration, ideal for nooks, easy to assemble

Cons: Limited seating capacity

The best dining chairs

Need just the right dining chairs for a tight space (or a tight budget)? Or a mid-century marvel to impress your guests? We've rounded up our favorite dining chairs from both well-known and under-the-radar brands. Here are the best dining chairs you can buy:

• Best dining chair overall: Wynn Ladderback Dining Chair
• Best mid-century dining chair: Caesar Upholstered Dining Chair
• Best industrial chic dining chair: Slope Leather Dining Chair
• Best small-space dining chair: Stakmore Arts and Craft Folding Chair
• Best budget dining chair set: Camden Wooden Dining Chairs in White Wash

The best ottomans

Adding an ottoman to a living room may seem superfluous, but if you have space for one, it is actually a genius piece of furniture. Ottomans not only offer comfort, but some also work as great storage solutions, especially for small spaces. These are the best ottomans you can buy:

• Best ottoman overall: Seville Classics Foldable Storage Ottoman
• Best budget ottoman: Threshold Danbury Tufted Storage Ottoman
• Best leather ottoman: Crate & Barrel Stow 17-Inch Leather Storage Ottoman
• Best bench-style ottoman: Madison Park Shandra Storage Ottoman
• Best convertible ottoman: Brayden Studio Saito Sleeper Ottoman

The best TV stands

Building a home theater requires a lot of pieces. Not only will you want a good TV, but you also might have streaming boxes, gaming consoles, audio tuners, soundbars, and so on. You'll want to store all of those devices in TV stand that looks good, feels organized, and fits in your home. Here are the best TV stands you can buy:

• Best TV stand overall: Progressive Furniture Willow Console
• Best TV stand with space for a soundbar: South Shore Adrian TV Stand
• Best budget TV stand: Vivo Vesa Mount Stand
• Best wall-mounted TV stand: South Shore Floating Wall-Mounted Media Console