I assume you'll have linen napkins for dining? That should take care of it. With plates, place mats if you use them, centerpiece, platters and bowls, the view is obscured anyway.

As to dust-everything gets dusty.

Have you looked at the Mercer table from WS?

I dont care for glass table tops, they are very cold looking for me but I guess as you said you are looking for a modern look so it will fit into your style. I agree with mimi, with all the stuff on top of the table when you are entertaining any view is obscured. To be honest, that "view" has never crossed my mind when sitting at a glass table.

I think it's the sound of porcelain or glass hitting a glass table top that would bother me. Also the lack of coziness, but that obviously would be a positive for the style you prefer. My preference is for a round or oval table that could be extended at will with several inserts so that you're not locked into a certain size. However, oval or round may also not fit your "icy cold" modern style. However, I would hate to accidentally bump into a sharp corner of a glass rectangular table or hear the thunk of a child's head hitting the same.

You could also make your own by working with a carpenter or metal crafter to design the base you want, then get the glass custom cut to your exact wishes.

I don't care for glass top tables. They are cold to the touch (I guess I should get my elbows off the table), cold to look at, they feel fragile (even though they are not) and they are noisy and unforgiving, and they are annoying to clean (they always seem to have a smudge somewhere). I also find it depressing to look at my thigh spread and it inhibits guests removing their shoes or playing footsie. : )

nice find BL

You could always have the glass top sandblasted on the bottom side to create an opaque surface for your table or you could DIY it with acid etching compound.

I had a glass top table in a wooden frame for years. It worked fine and, as Mimipadv said, there wasn't much visibility when the table was filled with placemats and dishes.

I so appreciate all your thoughtful responses. I'm pretty sure this was my first post here, not convo. First question, anyway. Good point, Mimi, about the linens and stuff to block any views. I love that Mercer table, the simple lines and dimensions, I never noticed any sounds on our existing glass tables, Ingrid. Mtn, footsies? Very funny, ha. The Mobler table is pretty but too small, I think. I did look a bit on customade.com and need to do more. Thanks everybody. I had thought that this search would turn up lots of low priced options but not so. Oh, we also want a pedestal so there is room for knees. I had thought this would be easy, --wrong, wrong. Back to work.

I had my table custom made by a local carpenter. You could probably have a metal worker put together a frame if you design it. A pedestal table will be harder to build than a framed table, especially in the large size you want. An option to consider might be a place that makes custom restaurant tables.

Will this table not fit with your all white decor? I think the unexpected wood in such a setting would be so sophisticated

I had a glass top table and I said "never again". I felt like I needed a vat of windex to keep it clean. But perhaps that is just me. However, it was our kitchen table and saw a lot of use. Perhaps a dining room table with less use would be not the same. And as someone said, yes, everything gets dusty -- it's just that you see it more on glass IMO.

Glass tables do scratch and often, I have no idea how! Also, although they are not totally fragile, they can crack. We had a nice glass top table in the kitchen when I was growing up. One evening at happy hour, my dad put his elbow down (and not hard, mind you), and the tabletop cracked. He must have hit a weak spot.

oh, and I love the table bossyvossy showed! That would be stunning in a modern space. Where is it from, bossyvossy?

Cyn I don't know how to find out. I just googled modern white room with wood table and this is one of the things that came up. It illustrated my msg so I copy/pasted

Well, no matter. I still think it would be spectacular to use it in a modern white space (which I don't have). Thanks for answering!

Thanks everyone. Bossy can you share some details or the mfr's name of that table you posted. I'd like to check the details. I appreciate all of your experiences re glass. Yes, I think I was correct to exclude it. There's a teeny voice saying its ok but I keep slapping that kid! It wont be used frequently but I don't want any high maintenance stuff. (Why oh why am I half serious about bringing that pure white, no texture, ceramic floor into the kitchen? That is nutsy.) Thanks for talking me off the ledge here. You guys are great.

Oh, I am sorry Bossy, I didn't read very carefully. You do not know the mfr. I will try and figure it out. Thanks.