When choosing a dining table, many factors can influence your decision. One important factor is the capacity of the table, especially if you often entertain guests for dinner.
A large rectangular table can feel off-putting in a small space, while a round table may make guests feel too far apart to have an intimate conversation.
Rectangular
A rectangular table is ideal for your space if you often host dinner parties for large groups. The long, slender design can easily fit ten or more guests without occupying too much room in your dining nook.
The straight lines of a rectangular dining table can also be paired with banquette seating for a laid-back, trendy look. And, if you have a toddler running around the house, a rectangular dining table will make it easy to efficiently position a baby chair away from the edge without blocking your view of your little one.
Some rectangular tables come with trestle or pedestal bases that remove the legs from the corners, making them even more suitable for elongated spaces as they visually occupy less room. If you need to seat more than six guests, check out our expanded rectangular dining table selection that allows you to flip the extensions out when hosting a crowd.
Round
Often overlooked due to the many benefits of rectangular tables, round dining tables are an excellent choice for smaller spaces or those who want a more social setting during mealtimes. With no corners, round tables occupy less room and can seat more guests than rectangular table shapes. Check various furniture stores, including Taylor’s Furniture, for the right dining table.
They also allow for more natural conversation since no one end of the table can be awkwardly cut off from those around it. This means a more inclusive dining experience for all of your loved ones.
However, it is important to remember that a circular table will need at least 18″ between the chairs and the wall to ensure they can be pulled out easily without scraping against the wall. Having the right table shape can dramatically impact the mood of your space, so be sure to choose the best option for your home.
Square
A round dining table might be better for your space if you have a small family and like to invite friends for dinner often. It’s less likely that anyone will end up in ‘the bad seat’ where they can’t speak to everyone else or reach the food.
Round tables also work well with banquette seating in the kitchen and can create that cozy intimacy you want for dinners with your kids or extended family. They’re also a great choice for open-plan spaces because they work beautifully with circular seating, helping you create the all-in-one dining and living space many homeowners want.
For those who love the idea of a square dining table, remember that you can easily soften the sharp edges with a decorative centerpiece like a round bowl piled high with fruit or a voluptuous vase filled with flowers. It’s a simple trick that makes your dining table look much more inviting.
Oval
The rounded edges of an oval dining table soften a harsh and linear decor, adding balance to a room. They’re also easier to fit into small spaces than a rectangular dining tables.
Another benefit of a round table is that it has no points to bump into, making it much safer for children. Plus, if you entertain guests regularly, it’s easier to accommodate last-minute diners with an expandable oval dining table because there’s less surface area needed to add extra chairs.
Most selection of oval tables includes designs that seat four to six guests or more with the help of an extension leaf. Versatile finishes like natural oak, Tuscan chestnut and seadrift make them easy to coordinate with your existing furniture or introduce a fresh color palette. The tables are crafted from sturdy materials, including reclaimed wood, solid poplar, and hollow wood, for added durability. The kiln-dried constructions resist warping, cracking and mildew, giving them long-lasting performance.