All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Ever walked into a room and felt like something was off? Often it’s the table — a little worn, a little mismatched, or simply the wrong size. A new table top is one of the quickest, most cost-effective ways to refresh a space without buying a whole new set. Think of it like a haircut for your dining area: short, simple, and suddenly everything looks polished.
If you’re shopping for table tops, you’ll find options from specialist retailers and big-name stores. Nordic Nest is a standout for Scandinavian-inspired designs and ready-made pieces like the Works Works Desk Table Top White Laminate, which measures about 47 1/4 inches. Other UK favourites include IKEA, John Lewis, Wayfair UK, Dunelm, Made.com, Habitat, Furniture Village, and Argos. Each retailer brings a different mix of materials, finishes, and price points, so you can match your taste and budget easily.
Nordic Nest leans into minimalist, functional aesthetics. Their 47 1/4 inch white laminate desk top is a great example: clean, bright, and low-maintenance — ideal for a modern desk or compact dining space. If you like uncluttered lines and practical surfaces, this is a great place to start.
IKEA is a go-to for budget-friendly tops and components. You’ll find everything from birch veneer worktops to laminate tabletops in various lengths. The modular approach lets you pair tops with different base legs or trestles, making it easy to customise without breaking the bank.
John Lewis offers a blend of style and reliability with wood, glass, and stone-effect tops. They often provide extended guarantees, which is comforting if you want a long-lasting centrepiece. Expect more premium looks and a heavier feel compared with entry-level options.
Wayfair and Made.com are great for variety. Wayfair lists hundreds of designs across multiple brands, while Made.com focuses on on-trend, designer-led pieces. Both platforms often have sale events, so you can snag a premium table top at a friendlier price.
Picking the right material is more than aesthetics — it’s about how you live. Do you host family dinners every weekend? Do you work from the kitchen table? Different materials react to heat, spillages, and daily wear differently, so let’s break them down.
Wood is warm and timeless. Oak, walnut, and pine are common choices. Oak is sturdy and ages beautifully; walnut brings a rich, dark tone; pine is lighter and more budget-friendly. Solid wood can be sanded and refinished, which means you can renew it rather than replace it — a favorite for those who like longevity.
Veneer gives the look of solid wood at a smaller price and weight. It’s a thin layer of real wood over MDF or plywood. Engineered wood tops are more stable in damp kitchens and are less prone to warping than solid slabs, but they can’t be sanded down as many times.
Laminate tops, like the white laminate option from Nordic Nest, are low maintenance and spill-resistant. They’re perfect for high-traffic areas or work desks where coffee rings are inevitable. For hectic households or craft rooms, laminate is about as practical as it gets.
For a luxurious look, stone or marble tops are unbeatable. They’re heavy and cool to the touch, making them great for baking and upscale aesthetics. Keep in mind they scratch and chip differently than wood and often come with a higher price tag and heavier delivery requirements.
Glass gives a sleek, modern finish and makes a room feel lighter. Tempered glass is safest and resists scratching, but it will show fingerprints. Acrylic is lighter and less brittle but may scratch more easily.
Getting the size right is key. Too small and the table looks lost; too big and it overwhelms the room. A tape measure and a little planning go a long way.
Aim for at least 36 inches between the edge of the table and the wall or any fixed object so chairs can be pulled out comfortably. For example, a 60-inch table usually needs a dining space that’s about 9 feet by 7 feet to allow room for seating and movement.
For worktops, consider depth as well as width. A 47 1/4 inch desk top is ideal for a home office when you need room for a monitor, keyboard, and a small lamp. If you’re a multi-screen user or also use paperwork, opt for a deeper top, around 28 to 30 inches in depth.
Choosing the right base is as important as the surface. The base determines the table’s height, durability, and how much legroom you’ll have. Are you going for industrial, modern, or farmhouse vibes? Let’s match the top to the right legs.
Trestle bases are sturdy and lend a country or rustic feel, while pedestal bases can be great for round or smaller tabletops, offering more knee room. Pedestal tables are a classic choice for intimate dining nooks.
Metal legs — especially hairpin or angled steel — give a table a modern, airy feel. They pair well with wood or laminate tops and are generally lighter to move around, making them a great option for versatile spaces.
Modular legs and adjustable height bases are excellent if you want flexibility. Some bases can convert a dining table into a standing desk or swap between formats with minimal fuss. These are perfect for small apartments where every inch counts.
Styling a table top is where your personality shows. Whether minimal or maximal, small touches create a big impact. Ready to play interior decorator?
A runner or a few placemats can change the look instantly while protecting the surface. For wooden tops, a felt pad under decorative items prevents scratches and absorbs movement, and for stone tops, cork mats protect against heat.
Keep the center simple: a bowl of fruit, a low floral arrangement, or a stack of art books. If the top has a bold grain or pattern, choose understated centre pieces so the natural beauty can shine.
Different materials need different TLC. Regular care extends the life of your table top and keeps it looking fresh.
For laminate and glass, a soft cloth and mild cleaner work well. For wood, use a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately; avoid harsh detergents. Stone tops often need a neutral pH cleaner and periodic sealing to fend off stains.
Minor scratches on wood can often be buffed out or treated with wax sticks. Laminate scratches are trickier and may require a replacement top. For stains, act fast: blot, don’t rub, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Prices vary widely depending on size and material. Laminate tops and basic engineered wood may start around a few dozen pounds, while solid wood and stone can climb into the hundreds or even thousands, especially for large custom pieces. Remember to factor in delivery and any additional hardware like legs or mounting brackets.
Want a luxe look without the price tag? Consider a veneered or laminate top with a high-quality finish, or shop during seasonal sales at stores like Wayfair or John Lewis. Or pick a simple top from IKEA and pair it with designer-style legs for a custom look at a fraction of the cost.
If you want a one-of-a-kind piece, bespoke is the way to go. Local carpenters and specialist workshops can create live-edge slabs, reclaimed wood tops, or unusual sizes that off-the-shelf items won’t match. It’s pricier, but you get a table with character and a perfect fit.
Ask about the finish, thickness, joinery, and how the wood is treated for humidity. Also confirm delivery and handling, because oversized or heavy tops, especially stone, require more logistical planning.
Conclusion: A new table top is a small change that pays big dividends in style and function. Whether you choose a Scandinavian laminate from Nordic Nest, a solid oak slab from a local carpenter, or a budget-friendly option from IKEA, the right top can redefine your space. Measure carefully, pick materials that suit your lifestyle, and don’t be afraid to mix and match bases and finishes to create a table that’s uniquely yours.
| Table Tops | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Works Works Desk Table Top White Laminate - 120 Cm | £ 289,- | |
| Works Works Desk Table Top Oak - 120 Cm | £ 289,- |
