Round vs Rectangle: Which is the Best Dining Table Shape?
Dining rooms are high traffic, highly visible areas of our home. Make sure you select the dining table size and shape that functions well and fits the space beautifully. Many variables come into play, such as floor plan, size, number of people to seat, and more. Here is a quick guide to the pros and cons of round vs rectangle dining tables.
Pros of Solid Wood Round Dining Tables
Cozy Dining Experience
Round tables allow easy conversation around the dinner table with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Everyone connects and is equal without a formal "head of the table". This is especially true for small to medium size gatherings of 4-6 people.
Fits Small Dining Areas
In small dining rooms, the shape of the table is important. Round tables fit well in many small dining areas. Breakfast nooks and eat-in kitchens can easily fit a small, 36" round table for 2 people. No sharp corners to bump into when space is tight, or when tables are in high traffic walkways.
Best for Square Shaped Dining Areas
The ideal shape of the dining room for a round table is square or close to it. This will allow equal space all the way around the table. A 10'x10' small dining room can easily fit a 4' round table, leaving a 3' walkway to move around the space.
By contrast, a small 8'x12' space will feel crowded with the same 4' round dining room table. This scenario will only have 2' of walkway on each side of the table in the 8' direction. Walking behind someone seated at the table is tight.
Round Tables in Large Dining Rooms
For larger dining areas, the shape becomes more about personal style preference and number of people to seat. A spacious 14'x18' area fits a large round table beautifully, even though the dining space is rectangular. A 6' round table will seat 8 people comfortably, while leaving a 4' walkway on both sides in the 14' width. The 18' length of the room allows an open traffic flow to patio doors or entrances into the kitchen.
A large rectangular dining room also allows ample space for a wine hutch or a buffet on one wall. Adding a storage cabinet will shorten the open 18' length of the room and makes the actual dining space close to being square.
Many new homes today feature open floor plans without walls to define the exact dining area. A large round table grounds an open layout and provides a stunning focal point.
Round extendable dining tables are available with a leaf. When you extend the table, it takes on an oval shape. Think about how often you will need to extend the table and how much space you will have for walkways.
Cons of Round Tables
Less Seating Capacity for Large Tables
The large 14'x18' dining room example above will accommodate a 6'-7' round table. This is comfortable for 8-10 people. By contrast, that same room can also fit a 4'x12' rectangular table, providing seating for up to 16 people.
Round tabletops larger than 7' often create delivery complications bringing the table into your home. Reaching the center of the table to clear away dishes and clean the table becomes a challenge. People often seem far away across the width of an extra-large round table as well.
Less Flexibility with Leaf Extensions
Most solid wood extendable round tables are available with one, 12" leaf. The 48" round becomes a 48x60 oval. The leaf for round tables is hinged and folds in half to store inside the tabletop. Some round tables are available with an additional, second leaf, however it will not self-store in the table.
Leaf extensions for round tables vary by pedestal base. Our Amish craftsmen carefully test various tabletop sizes for each pedestal style, determining length options that maintain sturdiness.
Pros of Rectangular Dining Tables
Versatile in Small Dining Rooms
The 36"x48" rectangular dining table is the most versatile option, ideal for smaller areas. Four chairs fit comfortably around the table. The table will self-store 2 leaves inside the top. This allows the table to extend to a 36"x72" rectangle, easily seating 6-8 people.
Fits Common Dining Room Sizes
Many older homes already have defined dining rooms that are rectangular shaped. A rectangle table works naturally with the shape of these rooms. Common widths of rectangular shaped tables include 36", 42", 44", and 48" wide.
Best for Large Gatherings
When hosting family and friends in groups of more than 10-12, rectangle shaped tables offer greater flexibility. A 44"x72" rectangle shaped table is comfortable every day for six chairs. That table can self-store 4 leaves, extending the table to 44"x120" seating 12 people.
If you have the space, you can request additional leaves for your rectangular dining room table. This will allow you to seat up to 20 people for larger gatherings.
More Flexibility with Leaf Extensions
Rectangle shaped tables offer storage inside the tabletop for 2-4 leaves, depending on the size and style of the table. General rule of thumb is any table that is at least 36" wide x 48" long can store 2 leaves. Tables that are at least 42" wide x 54" long can store 4 leaves. Please note that there are exceptions such as tables with thick, built down plank tops or tops with rounded corners.
Works Better with Benches
Rectangular tables function beautifully with benches along one or both sides of the table. Benches offer additional seating, particularly with children. A 5' bench comfortably seats 3 children in the same amount of space as 2 dining chairs.
Cons of Rectangular Tables
Lack Intimacy for Small Family Dinners
A common complaint of rectangular tables is they lack intimacy for family dinners. Dinner for two at a large rectangular table seems too spacious and distant to promote great conversation.
Other common shapes include oval or square dining tables. General rectangular pros and cons apply to oval tops. Only for specific scenarios will we recommend square shaped dining tables.
Browse our gallery to find the perfect rectangle or round dining table. Contact Dutch Craft Furniture today for help in choosing the right shape for your home. Start by measuring your dining area, making careful notes about any high traffic areas around the space. Let us create a 3D visual to show you at a glance how different size and shaped tables will fit the room. Eliminate worry of selecting the wrong table shape and choose with confidence your new, solid wood dining table.
