Honing in: 7 of the Best Marble Dining Tables

The benchmark for marble tables may have been set in 1956 with Eero Saarinen's beautiful marble top Tulip table but this classic mid-century piece has some stylish new contenders snapping at its elegant pedestal 'heel's.

For those who like to gather around a circular table (far more sociable than a rectangular table as you can see and pretty much speak to everyone) – or are looking to furnish a smaller dining space, the Silhouette from West Elm makes a striking statement piece with its gold hued conical base and white marble top.

Tom Dixon's Tube is equally dramatic, yet with a more masculine vibe, with its richly coloured Primavera surface on a sturdy black stand.

See these gorgeousupholstered dining chairs.

If you prefer a softer, more feminine shape check out the Annaway at Anthropologie, which is inspired by French bistro tables. Alternatively, if you can accommodate a larger table, the oval Ennéa by Vincent Tordjman for Lignet Roset combines a graphic base construction with an elegant Carrara surface and will comfortably seat 6 people.

At the top end of the scale where rectangular shapes and larger tables are concerned is Patricia Urquiola's fabulous (and rather expensive) Papiro cone table, available at Monologue. The mosaic surface is made up of Aquamarine Green, Azul Boquira, BiancoLasa and Calacatta marbles laid in a bold geometric pattern balanced on wooden legs that have more than a passing resemblance to giant lolly sticks.

There's also mid-century style at Perch & Parrow with its simple Palma table, which contrasts rich chocolate hued Acacia wood with a crisp white marble surface. Or for a clean, contemporary look why not consider the eye-catching Campus at Natuzzi? The striking table top rests on a bird leg-like structure giving it a simple yet quirky aesthetic.

Looking for more dining room inspiration?

Check out these neutraldining spaces.

Inspired by a French bistro table, this glossy, marble-topped piece suits solo breakfasts and family gatherings alike.

Designed by Vincent Tordjman, the table top rests on a base composed of three identical 'rectangular' triangles made from solid wood for a look that's simple yet sophisticated.

A unique table with a top made of sophisticated coloured marble mosaics.

This mid-century style dining table mixes the chocolatey hues of an acacia wood base with the crisp elegance of a white marble table top.

Offset by the black tube base, this Primavera oriental marble table top is unusual due to its extreme random figuring and bold pattern.

A richly-variegated marble top is perched on a dramatic metal base making a truly statement piece.

Part of a collection by Mauro Lipparini, one of Italy's leading figures in modern minimalism.