Square vs. Round Dining Table

The time has come to replace your old dining table. You have chosen the style and finish, but cannot decide on the shape. The two logical choices are a square or a round dining table. Which is the best choice for your room? These five points will assist you in selecting the proper shape of dining table for your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Function

The daily functions of your dining table are key when choosing between a square and a round shape. If the dining table is used for the kids' homework, games and crafts, a round table will easily accommodate everyone. If your table doubles as a home office desk, consider a square table for ease of organization. If your table is strictly for dining, either shape will work depending on your family and entertaining needs.

Design Features

One of the main differences of square versus round tables is the leg design. Many round tables feature a pedestal in the center of the tabletop. This design prevents guests from bumping their knees into the table legs and allows for additional seating. Square tables generally have four corner legs that provide balance and stability. Round dining tables often have drop leaves that fold down to the side to free up space when the table is not in use. Square tables allow for flexible furniture arrangement. A square dining table can be placed in the center of a room, against a wall or in a corner.

Size

Whichever shape table you decide upon, it must fit comfortably into your space. The table must provide plenty of room for people to move freely around the perimeter and give each guest ample space at the table when seated. If you have a large dining room and intend on hosting lively dinner parties, choose a large, square table so your guests have direct eye contact and conversation corridors across the table. The perfect round table for a cozy dining space is an elevated round pub or bistro table. These tables seat two comfortably and take up minimal floor space.

Other Benefits

A square table offers a sense of dining intimacy that is missing from the vastness of a round table. For those who practice Feng Shui, a round table creates good chi, or positive energy. Round tables have no straight lines or hard angles, giving the guests a sense of unity. A square shape gives you more usable space--the corners of the table are good areas to place serving dishes. A round table is a sound choice for a house with small children--no sharp corners to pose a threat.

Final Consideration

Once you have considered the above items, remember that personal preference is the deciding factor when choosing a square versus a round dining table. Just as you have color and style preferences, the table shape must be visually pleasing to you and should complement the other furniture pieces in your dining room.