Selecting the perfect shape of table for your dining room or breakfast area can be tough if you aren’t a pro. It isn’t as easy as just measuring the space. There really are rules to follow! The best rule of thumb is to leave 36 inches of space from the edge of the table to any nearby walls or other furniture pieces. That gives you enough room for dining chairs and to be able to maneuver around anyone seated at the table. Longer rooms can take longer tables obviously, and small rooms need to maximize space. My two favorite table shapes cover all of those bases!

Round Tables

I absolutely love to use round tables. They’re perfect for so many reasons. First, they allow for a more intimate dining experience because every person at the table can look directly at any other person seated there. They are great for conversation opportunities. They also seem to always be able to fit one more person in. And they fit well in small spaces. Consider a round table in a square room, rather than a rectangular or long room. And there are many designs out there that offer leaves around the perimeter of the circle so you can add even more guests to the table.

Rectangular Table

This is a very popular shape for a reason. It can accommodate a LOT of people - almost as many as you could ever invite over. But it also works well with smaller groups because they can gather at one end of the rectangle. I like to use this shape in more open spaces or longer dining rooms, and they are perfect in very grand spaces. I even designed the custom table above because I’m so in love with this shape.

Of course I’ve used oval or square tables in some of my projects, but these two go-to shapes are my favorites for a reason! Which table shape is right for you? Let me know in the comments below!

Warmly,

Beth