When it comes to choosing dining room furniture, one of the most important pieces you’ll have to choose is the right dining table design. Your dining table serves as the heart of your dining room, a centrepiece where everyday moments and special occasions are shared.
But how do you decide between a square dining room table, rectangular dining room table, or round dining room table? Fear not, we’re here to guide you through the process.
Square dining tables
A square dining room table offers a contemporary and inviting dining experience, perfect for encouraging conversation and make meals cosy and intimate. If there are only a few of you dining together, a large rectangular dining room table can make dining feel cold and distant – whereas a square table will really help everyone have a sense of closeness.
However, having a square dining room table isn’t always the most logical solution – especially if you need to seat more than four people. Once you move past the first four dining companions, fitting more around the table becomes a challenge.
Usually, the way to do this is to expand the size of the table – but this quite quickly becomes impractical. Larger square dining room tables take up too much space, and what was once a small distance between guests can become a large gulf.
Extending dining tables
When the need arises to accommodate additional guests without compromising on style, why not consider the versatility of an extendable dining room table? This can be a good idea for those that usually only have four around the table, but may sometimes need to have more around the table for special occasions.
If you do choose a square dining room table, be aware that the sharp edges might need to be softened, aesthetically speaking. Curved and comfortable dining chairs can help a square dining table seem less imposing. Something like our Calligaris chairs will work well to achieve this effect.
To further enhance the aesthetic appeal of your square extending dining table, incorporate decorative accessories. Arrange round bowls filled with fresh fruit or display a curvaceous vase brimming with vibrant flowers. These additions beautifully counterbalance the table’s angles and create an inviting ambiance.
Round dining tables
A round dining room table is perfect for those who want to encourage conversation amongst family and friends. Dishes are always easy to reach, and there’s no hierarchy to the table. Everyone has a good spot, and conversation flows naturally and easily. Extending round dining tables are also ideal for accommodating all sizes of crowds.
As with square dining room tables, the problem with round dining tables is when you need to seat more than four people.
In order to comfortably fit more than four, a round dining table starts to become quite large. And once the diameter has increased, the distance is further apart and conversation becomes less easy. While you’re still able to see each other, your dining companions will feel far away.
A space saviour
Round dining room tables are an excellent choice for optimizing space, especially in smaller dining areas. Their soft edges create a sense of openness, making the room appear more expansive, and they offer increased manoeuvrability. To maximize legroom and visually open up the space further, consider opting for a round dining table with a pedestal base. This design choice reduces the visual footprint of the table.
For exceptionally tight spaces, why not consider a table with a glass top? Solid table tops can visually occupy a lot of space but, rather than shrinking the table and reducing its usable size, go for a glass top instead.
Glass table tops can make the room feel open and airy without compromising on style or table size. They also bring the focus onto the table leg(s), which can act as a statement.
Our Java dining table is a prime example of this. The glass table top allows all of the focus to appear on the unique root table base, making a statement but also freeing up the visual aspect of the room.
If you’re not a huge fan of glass table tops, another option to maximise the space is to use transparent chairs – like our Louis Ghost Chair Crystal – to help create the illusion of more space.
Rectangular dining tables
When it comes to rectangular dining room tables, we definitely have you spoiled for choice. With over 150 styles to choose from, from the industrial inspired Colossus dining range to the effortlessly contemporary Vesta dining collection, so there’s no doubt you can find the perfect one to compliment your space.
Rectangular dining room tables are often the preferred choice because they effortlessly fill a space without overwhelming it. Their versatility allows them to be placed against a wall, saving room while accommodating family and friends comfortably. Take, for instance, the Missano is a stunning unique design, and with its modern legs means it could easily be moved against the wall to save space, or placed in the middle as the glorious centrepiece.
Apart from their functional appeal, rectangular dining room tables are perfect for hosting memorable dinner parties. Our Missano dining table, featuring a statement marble effect top, polished steel frame and pedestal legs, is a modern centrepiece suitable for various interior styles.
If you’re still struggling on which dining table style would work best for you and your home, why not take a visit to our store and be inspired? We’re open seven days a week, so there’s plenty of time to drop by and make discover your perfect dining room staple.