While rectangular tables may have been the reigning champs for years, it’s time to shine the spotlight on their charming, circular counterparts. Let’s explore five inviting reasons why you might want to cozy up to a round dining table. This post was written a few years ago. It had outdated information and photos, so I decided it was time to dust it off and rewrite it!
Make the most of your space. Start by choosing a table the size and shape that best fits the dining area of your home. Our current dining area is part of the open plan living room in our current home. A rectangular dining table was the best choice for this particular space. When we lived in the “fixer upper” we had a square dining room so we purchased a round table. I had always coveted a round dining table, but never had a space that called for one.
When we moved here we were able to repurpose that table outside in our covered courtyard area. The beautiful table wares are from Fete Home. You can read more about that in my post Seven Stylish Tips for Hosting the Perfect Dinner Party.
FIVE REASONS TO CONSIDER A ROUND DINING TABLE
#1 THEY ARE FRIENDLIER
(as long as they aren’t too big)
There is no hierarchy (head or foot) so every guest is on equal ground. Unlike rectangular tables with a designated head, round tables promote a sense of equality and a more intimate feel. Everyone sits at roughly the same distance from the center, creating a more inclusive and relaxed atmosphere. No one feels left out at the end of the table, and everyone can participate in the group conversation. If you need a larger table for a extra people opt for a table with a removable leaf.
This Beth Webb designed (photographed by the talented Lisa Romerein) dining space beckons guests to gather and indulge in good food and company in style.
#2 BETTER USE OF SPACE IN A SMALL AREA
Round tables are a great space-saving choice for small spaces. Since they lack corners, round tables can seat the same number of people in a smaller footprint compared to square tables. This allows for better flow and creates a more open feel in a smaller spaces.
This wonderful banquette designed by Lauren Geremia and photographed by Laure Joliet, makes good use of the space, makes it easier to seat people comfortably on the banquette and the stools add extra seating for additional guests if needed without visually taking up as much space as extra chairs would.
#3 MORE LEGROOM
Most round tables have a center pedestal or something similar. This A Wooten designed space, photographed by Jeff Herr made my heart skip a beat. The pedestal base allows for easy entrance and exit. People can sit comfortably all the way around the table without having to avoid table legs. The open space under the table also allows for more freedom in chair placement.
#4 BETTER FOR SMALL GATHERINGS
The close proximity created by the round shape fosters a more intimate and cozy dining experience. This is perfect for family meals, gatherings with close friends, or creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for any occasion. A round table that seats more than eight can become the antithesis to being friendly and conversational. Guests can become seated too far away from one another.
I never tire of this wonderful dining space by Mark Sikes, photographed by Amy Neunsinger. Wouldn’t you love to enjoy a farm to table meal in this inviting space? This project is featured in Mark Sikes second book More Beautiful (he has a new book in the works).
#5 NO CORNERS
You’re hosting a dinner party with friends and family gathered around a round table. There are no sharp corners (kid friendly) or distant seats, and there is more space for people to walk around and get in and out of their chairs comfortably. With everyone equidistant from the center, conversations flow effortlessly. With the absence of corners, no one needs to crane their neck or shout across the table.All can effortlessly engage with everyone present.
This yummy space designed by Sarah Bartholomew (from her collaboration with mainly baskets) screams summer doesn’t it?
SHOP STYLISH ROUND DINING TABLES
With its ability to foster lively conversations, save precious space, elevate your decor, accommodate your family’s needs, and showcase your style, it’s time to give the round table the appreciation it deserves. So why not round up your nearest and dearest, gather round, and let the good times roll!
I hope you enjoyed Five Inviting Reasons you Might Want to Cozy up to a Round Dining Table. Do you have a round dining table in your home? If not, do you wish you could?
You might also enjoy my post, Seven Tips for Styling a Round Entry Table here.
Hi Cindy.
I love your pictures of round dining tables & your post gets me really thinking about the design opportunities here. Thanks for your hard work! If you want to expand on the round theme, I could use some ideas for rug shapes used in an open concept home. Can I use a square rug under a round table in a rectangular-ish area?
Hi Susan
I have a square rug under my round table in my kitchen!
I myself love a round table and have one very much like the metal top table above. I find it lends everyone into the conversation,
no one is so far away they can’t contribute…
Hi Felicia
I so agree about a round table being more intimate. Thank you so much for weighing in!!
Felicia you are exactly right!
Hi Cindy,
I love the way you can style a round table. There seem to be more options. I’ve only had one round table in our married life and it was a kitchen table. Good luck with your search. It will be fun to try some of the ideas that have been with you for some time.
xo,
Karen
Hi Cindy,
I love a round table, and In fact have two: a 42” glass with metal base in the kitchen eating nook and a beautiful, custom made Amish , cherry wood, pedestal 52” table with two leaves for the dining area. What I like is that there are no legs to get in the way when I squeeze in extra chairs, and when the leaves are in it turns into a large oval. Then we can squish together and everyone fits around it for holiday dinners. I bring in a bench and it works great. If the chairs aren’t too big then you can keep adding people! I’ve always had a round table and would never consider anything else! Our last one had 3 leaves and that was really great, but hard to find and had to settle for 2, but it works!
Whatever you decide, I know your dining area will be gorgeous.
XO Heidi
I have had the round dining room table that I grew up with. It is a 60” round table with 2 12” leaves. I can fit up to 12 people with both leaves. I still love it. The nice thing about round tables is that everyone can join in on the conversation because you can see everyone. It makes for great conversations! My kitchen table is also a round antique table.
Such great info, so timely for me as I’ve just started my search for a round table. I prefer some type of pedestal. My husband is in wheelchair so the accessibility aspect ( no more legs to work around) is very appealing. I’d like to fit 5-6 comfortably. Your research so appreciated. That Mark Sikes project – amazing!
Hi Cindy,
I too love round dining room tables, we used to have one in one of our homes because it fit the room and size. As you know they are so cozy as long as they aren’t too big. In response to the round tables you are considering I love the one you gifted to your son and daughter-in-law from Mark Sikes. I feel as the body ages it’s so important to have chairs that have excellent support for your back and offer a cushion for your back and seat too.
I love love love our chairs that we purchased many years ago when Robb & Stuckey were still in business in Scottsdale, AZ. I believe they came from Italy. We were able to pick out such a cool fabric of an off white and beige. They are almost twenty years old and they are still like new.
Why are you moving? Your house is beautiful!
Hi Cindy, A round with an extension to an oval, can be versatile in case you later move into another rectangular dining room. I am looking for that style in new or vintage. I would love to see your suggestions. Thank you!
When I reclaimed my dining room out went the 4′ x 8′ table (glass top, getting rid of it was a circus!) and turned the space with the fireplace in to a dining room (whenever)-library-den. It’s where we spend most of our time. I chose a 54″ table with leaf. I bought it from Charlotte & Ivy and the model is no longer carried. It’s a beautiful French inspired beauty that I covered with a large Afghan run…cast iron protect and love, love, love the patterns and color (red, of course)
Look at Charlotte & Ivy for price comparison. I remember it was shipped from California. C&I is on the east coast. I don’t know how their prices compare to what you have looking at. Are you going to sell the rental, too? Have you started looking at areas you are moving toward? So much to decide and I wish you sleep at night!!!!
When we built our retirement home, we were limited in what would fit in our dining space. We chose the 48” round Ethan Allen Cameron table. My opinion is to buy as big as you possibly can, we can fit 6 with the leaf in. Not sure what we’ll do when the grandkids can’t sit at their little table!
Thank you for sharing this post. Your timing is perfect! I just bought a round tulip 30” dining table for our casita. It’s the perfect size and just right with our two wishbone chairs!
I really enjoyed your post. Very informative. I will be moving to a smaller place, and I’m betting our dining table for 6 will not fit. I will look for a round table, but I want a simple base. The idea of sitting at a table with a myriad of legs and cross pieces is not for me. I like the sleek simple shape of the Saarinen tulip table, although I won’t be trying to source an original! Can you advise: what diameter should I look for for a table for 6?
I have always wanted a ROUND TABLE!
JUST DO IT!
I have been considering a round table for our small dining room upstairs forever. This is such and inspiring post.
Thank you for the effort you put in to design for your readers, Cindy. 💖👏🏼
I do a little furniture refreshing. Round raw wood is my thing right now. I just finished my third one. I really need to keep one soon.
Hi Margaret
Ha I love that!
I love round dining tables, especially in my smaller, downsized space. However, I made the mistake of buying a vintage one with legs. After bumping every time we had people over, I finally bought a pedestal table. Problem solved!
Hi Linda
You are making an excellent point! Getting tangled up in the legs can be a big problem. I agree it needs to be a pedestal of some sort.Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Like you, I always wanted a round table but space and extended family called for a rectangular one with two leaves. When we moved into our great room, retirement house it clearly had to go. 👏 I finally got my round table with the shapely base and six upholstered chairs. Love it! It looks elegant in the space and makes for ease of conversation. It’s a win/win. I finally had reason to get rid of the matching set and got my round table. I couldn’t be happier.
Moving is an exciting time, Cindy. Stressful but fun at the same time. It’s good to shake up our routine now and again.
Hi Joanna
That is what we think. We don’t want to be those “old people” whose home is falling in around them. It will be tough to leave, but a new adventure. We are fortunate to have a spot to land temporarily until we figure it out!!
I have a rectangle and a round one (on different places of course) and I agree totally with all the advantage the round table brings.
Hi Mumbai
I am looking forward to having a round table. I have a small round one in our breakfast nook now. Every time we eat at my son’s I love that round table! Thanks for weighing in.
Hi Mumbai
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am looking forward to having a round table. I just have to find the perfect one!!
I do have a round table. Square dining room, round table. One of the things i love the best is that I can fit odd numbers easily. No one has to sit at the corner.
Thank you Cindy for your beautiful ideas! The round table idea has always felt as the better option for me after I heard a designer say, all who sit at a round table are equal and one’s conversation can be shared and heard equally. That has always been my desire to create this type of environment with my meals and when entertaining.
All the Best,
Therese
Hi Melissa
Good point about the odd numbers. I love not having a head and foot too. No hierarchy involved everyone is on equal footing!
Thanks for sharing all this great research, Cindy!!!
Hi Mary Ann
You know me the over researcher!!