Round Tables Vs. Rectangular Tables

Choosing between a rectangular and round dining room table is often a challenge. Sometimes its hard to know if a table's shape is right for a room until you place the table in the room and it looks too big, too small or just awkward. Both rectangular and round tables have strong positives and few negatives. Choosing the size and shape that best suits your room often depends on the layout of the room where the table is placed. Does this Spark an idea?

Rectangular Tables

The table should not be close to other objects when not in use.

Rectangular tables work well in long rooms. This shape allows a lot of people to sit along either side of the table, particularly when the insert leaves are installed. Tables with softly rounded edges are a better choice for parents with small children in the house or for families with members who are using wheelchairs or walkers. The curved corners make it easier to move around the table with less risk of injury.

Rectangular Size

Serving dinner to many guests will strain a dining room to its limits. To keep your guests comfortable, allow ample room for guests to leave the table with other people still sitting. When positioning the rectangular table in the room, make sure there are at least 36 to 42 inches of space, with the chairs tucked in, between the chairs and the wall or the closest object behind them. When a chair is being used, it will sit back 18 to 24 inches from the table, leaving less than 2 feet for people to move behind the chairs.

Round Tables

Position a round table to fit the curve of a bay window.

Round dining room tables are particularly good for small rooms, square rooms and rooms with unusually shaped walls, such as bow or bay window walls. The round curve of the table positions each guest equally, and there is no head or foot of the table. This means that all of the chairs are the same, usually without arms. Many round tables use a pedestal base so that guests do not bump against table legs.

Round Size

It is often possible to fit a larger round table in a room than other table shapes. This is because the shape doesn't have corners, and the space that would normally be taken up by corners can host additional chairs. The minimum place setting distance per chair is 23 inches; if your chair is 18 inches wide and centered on the place setting, you should have a minimum of 5 inches between each chair, although 12 inches will allow guests to leave the table more easily. It is still important to maintain proper distance behind chairs to keep guests comfortable. You can also use corner cabinets or small tables to decorate the corners of the room.