Choosing a dining table: round versus rectangular?

So I often get asked what shape of table will suit my room? and Why choose a round dining table versus a rectangular table?

When selecting what shape dining table to choose, you need to consider a few things - shape/ style and substance.

Its also key to look at what shape will work best in your room and provide the best aesthetic.

Firstly, I always look at the function of the table aswell as the space provided. Tables are quite often not just used for dining and enjoying family meals together but are also used for crafting, baking, and some even double up as home office space now with the ever-changing environment we live in. They are often as much a centre-piece as a functional piece of furniture, but we want them to look beautiful too!

Think about how you’re likely to use yours.

If it’s your only dining table in the house and you have the space to accommodate one, a rectangular table may be best, or even one that extends in this shape or oval.

If your room is long and narrow, a rectangular table is best rather than forcing a round one to work and loosing out on the floor space you’ll need to easily walk in, around and through.

Another advantage of a rectangular table is their flexibility; they can be placed against a wall to save space or pulled out to accommodate an extra guest. And with a co-ordinating bench, or pair of benches, that can be tucked under the side, can be a great space saving option.

If its a secondary table, maybe only used for dining occasionally, and one you can style decoratively when it’s not in use, then maybe a smaller round table would work well. You can then use chairs when needed and move them in other spaces when not needed, such as hallways, bedrooms etc.

Consider what can my room take?

If you have a room slightly on the small side, a round table works well.

It allows for better space and flow in the room - there is more space so people can walk around to get to their seat and no sharp corners to bump into.

Also if it has a pedestal base, there is much more table top space and no legs in the way.

If like me, we all hate that seat on the corner of an oblong table, where you have to sit with a leg in the way!

Round tables create a more intimate feel when you have a small number of people, whilst if you have an option to also extend to a larger oval shape, it enables you to still seat more guests when you want to.

The extendable option is great for those happily-accidental drop-ins, because you can comfortably squeeze more people around its perimeter.

Round tables also work well in a square room.The combination of different shapes sitting with each other can make for a pleasant aesthetic and appeal to a room.

Points to consider when choosing a style of table:

Don’t forget to measure and I would suggest once you have the dimensions of your dream table, to also tape, mark out on the floor the dimensions and space required. It’s very hard to just visualize a table in an empty room.

It may help to consider the ‘1 metre rule’ too - it is advised you leave at least one metre between the back of the chair when you are sat on it and the nearest wall or object behind it.

So hopefully, this blog has given you a few tips to help you decide which shape table may work best in your room.

I sell all shapes and sizes of tables and I make bespoke benches too, so please get in touch if you would like to see some photos and dimensions of tables I am currently stocking.

Happy shopping x