From large family gatherings to intimate dinners, your dining table is the centerpiece of your culinary experiences. The shape and size can speak volumes about your style and your needs. Maybe your space calls for a more compact design like a small square table, or you want to get the most out of your space with a circular dining table.
Having company? Rectangular tables offer plenty of space for everyone, and a drop-leaf or extension leaf table can be a good alternative for smaller spaces with big plans.
Let’s take a moment to talk about the different dining table shapes and how they can help your dining space, whether that’s a designated room or a corner of your studio.
Smaller Homes
Condos, studios, townhomes and apartments may feature a small dining space. In some cases, there may not be a dining space at all. This doesn’t mean you have to eat out every night, or that you can’t have company over. Consider these options:
Square dining tables are designed for 2-4 people. When not in use, you can discretely slide the table into a corner of the room. Chose a square table with a drop-leaf or two if you need even more dining space when friends and family are over. A small square table flush against a wall can also be a charming spot for brunch for two or solo eats.
A circular table is a great way to maximize your space without taking up too much room. The round design can offer room for 4-6 people without the length of a rectangular table.
If your space has a dining nook, a bench and a square table increase your seating potential while minimizing floor space use.
Small square tables and round tables make for stylish outdoor seating, if they’re designed to withstand weather.
Medium to Large Homes
If your home has enough room for a large dining table, we like to use the ever-popular rectangle design. Though King Arthur might not have been a fan, rectangular tables provide a significant amount of space for your food and your guests. Add in drop-leaves or extension leaves and you’ve got enough room for the whole family.
Pair with benches on either side that can be slid under the table when not in use, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for holiday hosting done right.
Larger round tables will also increase your seating potential. While this does require a larger room—and looks best in a square room—these tables bring an intimate feel to your dining room. They are also fantastic for game nights and group crafts.
Oval tables bring the best of both rectangular and round tables. Smooth lines and curves create an eclectic and welcoming atmosphere, while the two long sides still showcase a traditional dining feel.
Need a kid’s table, or a little extra seating for your next big bash? A square table in the living or family room can serve as a secondary dining space.
Outdoor and Patio Spaces
We covered this a little in the small space section, but it’s worth going into a little more. If you’re looking for ways to utilize your patio or deck, a small table—be it square, round, rectangular, or even oval—can be your destination for outdoor festivities.
Largely dependent on the size of your space, we recommend square or round tables for the great outdoors, as they offer a more informal and fun feel compared to oval or rectangular tables. And after all, dining outside is already a naturally fun experience.
Whatever size home you’re working with, you’ll find the dining solution you need right here at our store. Consider dining sets for matching chairs, benches, and even servers and hutches. We also love the eclectic look with non-matching chairs. Maybe an upholstered chair here and a storage bench there? Or, now we’re getting crazy, bar-height stools around a square, bar-height table?
Make sure the height of your chair matches the height of your table before you buy. If you aren’t sure, do some measuring and then ask us for help! We’ve got the answers you seek.
Give us a call or stop by our store for amazing deals on all your dining essentials.