Many people want to make a great impression on their guests with a dining table, but don’t know where to start. It can seem like an intimidating prospect—scouring furniture stores, considering the five different types of wood available, or trying to find one that suits your budget. While it might be overwhelming at first, you have options that break down what you need to consider when furnishing your dining room.

Whether you’re looking to buy a dining table for your home or occasion, the following five tips can help you choose the right one.

1. Check the size of your room.

Plan out your furniture choices according to how they will fit into your room. If you have an oversized dining table, take note of chair seating and other furniture arrangements that will provide an adequate amount of area for guests to sit, eat and chat with each other comfortably.

2. Choose your wood.

The type of wood you choose for your dining table depends on the size and style that your room needs. If you’re often entertaining large groups, consider a round table with chairs that seat more than two people, plus additional seating at the sides or end of the table in case another guest joins you. If your room is smaller, a square or rectangular dining table will be more appropriate because these types are compact and easily tucked away inside an alcove or niche.

3. Choose your shape and size.

A round dining table is ideal for smaller spaces because it can easily fit in alcoves or along side walls and doesn’t take up as much floor space. A rectangular or oval table is also a good option if you don’t entertain large groups often, but want to keep the room looking more spacious. If you have a large family with children, consider extending tables that can seat 10 people to create a larger dining area with more space between chairs.

4. Choose the right material and finish.

When selecting your dining table, it’s important to consider the material, color and finish based on the rest of your furniture. For example, if you have a living room with wooden furniture and floors, choose a dining table made of that same type of wood. This will create continuity throughout the room and give it an aesthetic appeal.