Which Dining Table Shape Should You Choose?

The dining table tends to sit idle for a long time after you don’t like it anymore. After all, they are quite large pieces of furniture, and they are not cheap either. Buying a new one can seem like an indulgence when your existing table is intact. The problem is that the dining table used in your old house may not be the best choice for your current house. Or to make matters worse, you may have inherited a dining table that you feel obligated to keep, or it tugs at your heartstrings when you think that it no longer exists. Whatever your situation, it’s worth knowing which table is best for your space and how to make the most of it if you don’t have access to an existing one.

Rectangular

A rectangular table is the most traditional option, but it works equally well in a modern setting as it is in a historic setting.

Make it even better: If your space lends itself to a rectangular table, don’t be afraid to opt for a table with narrow edges. Even a 28-inch-wide table allows for space in the middle of the table to share dishes and, most importantly, brings dining partners closer together. The danger of using a wide-sided rectangular table is that it can feel too formal and impersonal instead of being as warm and welcoming as you would like it to be.

A long table like this not only accommodates a crowd but is also pleasing to the eye, as it echoes the shape and size of the kitchen island at the back and the long row of glass doors at the front.

Make it even better: If you need to be able to feed a lot of people on a regular basis, you can make your setup feel less like a conference room by opting for more casual chairs. Or opt for a retractable table that can be scaled down to more comfortable proportions for everyday use. There’s nothing intimate about having dinner with your only companion.

Placing a rectangular table next to a bench is a space-saving trick to make the dining space feel as inviting as your favorite café.

Make it even better: If you can place a table in a sunny or well-lit corner, your dining area will inevitably become a place where people drink tea, read newspapers, and work with their laptops. That’s something lovely.

Rectangular tables have other benefits – they can squeeze into tight spaces without dominating the room. This kitchen may be small, but it is still capable of accommodating a dining table that can comfortably seat four people (and six if necessary).

Make it even better: The trick of squeezing the table into a limited space is to create the illusion that it’s not being squeezed in at all. Choose a table that is small enough to have at least 3 feet of free space around it, and more if it’s on the avenue.

If your style leans towards minimalism, you’ll need more space around the table to add a sense of space.

Make it even better: If you’re in the market for a new rectangular table, you’ll have plenty of options. After all, it’s the shape of choice for most people. With so many options out there, why not use a table to add charm to your home? The stout round legs of this table are more interesting than the square or rotating legs we’d expect.

One disadvantage of this shape is that you have to manipulate the table legs when you sit down, especially if you choose a bench-style seat instead of a chair. But how does this work? The legs are not visible. This ingenious table cantilevers out of the outdoor kitchen island. Outstanding.

Make it even better: If your table is rectangular and there are a lot of other straight lines and sharp angles in the same space, you can soften the effect with plants.

Oval

An oval dining table can add a sense of occasion to any meal, whether you’re dining with your family or want to impress your guests.

Make it even better: The pedestal legs solve the problem of leg collision and are perfect for oval tables. The pedestal legs can make an ordinary oval table decorative and traditional… Or sculpture and contemporary. With no sharp corners, the oval table also allows you to easily accommodate last-minute guests. Just add another chair.

In a small space that must double as a passage, the curved edges of an oval table help the flow of energy more than the rough lines of a rectangle, and one may use the area more freely than if one had to be careful to avoid sharp corners.

Make it even better: A simple stool is a great option for small spaces; When not in use, they can be tucked away under tables of any shape. This not only provides some space for the kitchen staff to move around, but also opens up the space visually.

Round tables are the best option for those who want to encourage intimacy and conversation between family and friends. In this setting, everyone can see and hear each other and can easily enjoy shared dishes. Compared to a dinner party at a rectangular table, even if you have nothing to talk about, you can only talk to people on both sides, and you want more mashed potatoes at the other end of the table.

Make it even better: If you want to fit more than four people on a round table, it needs to be at least about 60 inches in diameter. If your space can only accommodate a table that’s about 48 inches long (any smaller table will start to feel cramped), consider a round table that can expand into an oval shape if needed.

Keep in mind that a table made of wood or other visually sturdy material will take up a lot of visual space. Don’t shrink your table, but consider using a glass top and let the base be the star. It can make the room feel open and airy without compromising style or table size.

Square

Square tables are a modern option that can make conversations easier, but it also has some drawbacks. A square table tends to take up a lot of space – more than you might think – and while it allows everyone sitting at the table to see each other, the distance from one side of the table to the other means that people may not be able to see each other. When there is a lot of conversation at the same time, you are able to hear each other especially clearly. Plus, unless you have a lazy Susan in the middle, passing food from one side of the table to the other often requires the dish to circle the table to get to the desired location.

If your room is large enough, a square table can be a dramatic addition, and it can also accommodate a lot of people – 16 in this case!

Make it even better: A curved, comfortable chair will soften those hard edges. You can also consider adding a round centerpiece to balance the angle of the square table. A round bowl piled high with fruits, an ornate vase filled with flowers and leaves, or even a beautifully shaped sculpture can do the job well.