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DESIGN 101
The Best Dining Room Table Shapes for Every Dining Room
Choosing the right dining table for your dining room can be a difficult task. There are many dining room table shapes, and they’re all ideal for different scenarios. We’ve got the rundown on common types of dining tables to help you choose the best one for your dining room.
Rectangular Dining Tables
A rectangular table has two short sides and two longer sides. They can come in varying lengths and may include an insert or leaf to adjust the size as needed. Rectangular tables are great for seating a big family or a large group of friends. Rectangular tables with inserts can also be expanded for a party or family gathering and then returned to their usual size for regular use.
Typically, a rectangular table can accommodate six to eight people, depending on the length. Often one person sits at each end of the table, with two or three on each side. With rectangular tables, one end is usually designated as the “head” of the table. This is considered a place of honor in many cultures, typically reserved for the head of the household or the elder of the family, though this doesn’t always have to be the case.
Square Dining Tables
Square dining tables have four equal sides and typically seat four people. Larger ones may accommodate up to eight, with two people on each side. Because the seats are equidistant at a square table, this setup is often good for friendly conversation, important discussions, or even board and card games.
Square tables can feel intimate because of the closeness of the seating. Smaller families or those with very young children often like square tables because it’s easy to reach the child and help them with their food if needed. They’re also good for small spaces. They aren’t as long as a rectangular table and can fit neatly against a wall or into a corner.
Oval Dining Tables
Oval tables function similarly to rectangular tables. They offer some length that allows more seating for larger groups. However, the rounded shape means there’s no head of the table, making the seating feel more equal. Oval tables can also be more visually interesting than square or rectangular tables.
It’s also easier to squeeze more people around an oval dining table. Whereas rectangular or square tables have corners that make for awkward seating, the oval shape allows chairs to be placed as close together as you feel comfortable. Some oval tables even have a leaf or insert like a rectangular table to make them expandable.
Round Dining Tables
Round dining room table furniture comes in a variety of sizes, so they’re a great option for any space or household. They can be large, wide tables suitable for six or more people, or small counter-height café tables for one or two people.
Just like an oval table, the rounded shape makes seating very flexible. No need to keep an even number of seats per side or watch out for corners. You can place as many chairs as you want or need and space them as you feel comfortable.
Like a square table, the round table's equidistant seating makes for good conversation, board games, or an intimate meal.
Which Dining Table Shape Is Right for You?
The best dining table for your space depends on how it will be used, what aesthetic you prefer, and how much seating you need.
Square vs. round dining table
Though there isn’t a huge size difference between a square or round table, there are a few things to consider.
A square table takes up more room, even if it has the same diameter as a round table. The corners require a little more room to maneuver around, and they make seating less flexible since you typically want one or two seats per side.
A round table is more manageable, making it good for tighter dining spaces. But if you want a table that sits flush against a wall or corner, a square table may be the right style. This works well for a combined kitchen and dining room in a small home, for example. It could also be ideal for a breakfast nook.
Round vs. rectangular table
The biggest factor when deciding between a round or rectangular dining table is the shape and size of your space. Rectangular tables are longer and narrower, making them good for similarly shaped spaces. Round tables are better for a larger or square room where no part of the table will feel crowded against the walls.
Though round tables often have fewer seats than rectangular ones, some come with inserts to accommodate more people. However, if you don’t often have enough people to fill a rectangular table, a round one feels less empty or lonely when eating solo or with only one or two companions.
Square vs. rectangular table
When choosing between a square and rectangular table for your dining room, consider how many people you need to seat and how large the room is. If you want a lot of seating at all times, such as with a large family, a rectangular table is probably better. Rectangular tables will also fill more space in a large dining room.
Square tables have more limited seating for everyday use. But many styles can also accommodate a leaf to expand your seating options for special occasions.
Best Dining Tables for Small Spaces
If you have limited space, such as a combined kitchen and dining room or a studio apartment, lean into flexibility. Start with a smaller table such as a round or square table suited to your dining room dimensions. If you have the space to expand, choose something with an insert so you can accommodate guests as needed. If you’re typically eating solo, you may get away with a small, round café table, or a coffee table that doubles as a dining table.
Choose the Dining Room Table Shape for You
The right dining room table should make your dining space feel cozy without being crowded. Whether you choose a rectangular, square, round, or oval dining table, the right table is the one that brings you and your loved ones together.