Whether you have a formal dining room in your home or just utilize an area off to the side of the kitchen, having the right dining room table for the space is important. Since the dining table is a large piece of furniture in a prominent area, it should reflect your personal style and fit in with the rest of the home.
There are many factors to consider when selecting the right dining room table shape for you and some of them may be things you’ve never considered. Many a person has chosen a table that looks great in the store, only to get home and realize that it looks terrible in the space. So how do you go about picking the ideal dining room table shape for you? Here, we take a look at the different shapes and give you some things to think about before shopping for a dining room table.
Rectangle
Those who love a classic look tend to gravitate towards a rectangular shaped table. That said, rectangular tables don’t have to be traditional and stuffy. If you like the shape, but have a modern style, look for tables that are sleek, without intricate details. You may even choose a table made from a more industrial looking material rather than going with conventional wood.
No matter the style of table you like, if you’re thinking of going with a rectangular table you need to consider your dining space. Rectangular tables usually take up a lot of room, and have leaves to extend their length even further. Lengths vary greatly, but formal dining tables usually need at least 66 in. (168 cm) in length to comfortably seat six. In most cases you can find tables that extend up to 120 in. (305 cm). It’s also important to note that the wider the rectangular table, the less intimate it becomes. You can get a personal feel with a long table as long as it’s not too wide because people will be able to interact with those across the table from them.
Oval
Oval tables provide a certain flow to a dining area that just can’t be achieved with a hard edged table. The rounded edges make it easier to move around the room when space is limited. In addition, if extra guests show up at the last minute, it’s easier to squeeze more people in when you don’t have to contend with sharp corners.
Oval tables often have pedestal legs, which makes it simple to tuck in chairs and gives diners more leg room. Oval tables come in both very traditional styles and streamlined, contemporary designs and the pedestals can be ornate or simple. If you sometimes require more dining space, some oval tables come with leaves to extend their length.
Square
Square dining tables are a favorite among those who prefer a modern look. Depending on their size, they can work in smaller spaces, but may take up more room than you realize as they have sharp corners that stick out. They need to be large enough overall to accommodate place settings on each side and room for shared dishes and/or centerpieces in the middle.
One of the great things about square tables is that all of the guests at the table are close to each other, which makes for better interaction with the entire group. Unfortunately, the distance from one side of the table to the other means people may not be able to hear one another particularly well when there are multiple conversations going on at the same time.
Round
If you have a small space or typically have a small group at dinner, then a round table may work best. Round tables come in a variety of sizes and provide a lot of opportunity for personal interaction. Small families often gravitate towards round tables as this kind of table is warm and personal. These tables offer even more appeal, as they work well for board games and playing cards because they provide a common area that’s easy to reach.
If you are leaning towards a round table, but don’t know what to do when guests come over, look for a round table with leaves so that it can be extended into an oval when more room is needed.
When choosing your dining room table, think about your space, habits, and personal style. Once you find a table that fits all of these needs you’ll know you’ve found your ideal match.