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24 September 2021

Round vs Rectangular Dining Table: Which is Best?

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Dave Hut - Content Editor

For many of us, the dining table can feel like the true heart of our home. After all, it’s where we all gather together for meals each day – laughing, talking, sharing stories, just as we share the delicious food laid out on the tabletop.

Often, in these hectic modern times, a lunch or dinner eaten at the dining table can be the one time of day that families are all in the same room at the same time. This makes choosing a dining table that suits your home particularly important.

As the most common options you will generally find are either rectangular or round in shape, here at furniture.co.uk we have decided to help you make your decision by laying out the benefits of each – and which kind of room they suit best.

Which shape dining table is best?

If you’re not quite sure how to choose a dining table, the most important thing to take into account is the shape and size of your dining room or kitchen. This will also help you answer the pressing question: how big should my dining table be? The dimensions of the room will determine, to a significant degree, whether you should opt for a round or a rectangular dining table. 

Your choice of table may also depend on other factors, such as whether or not you have young children, which could make sharp corners an issue. Families with toddlers may prefer a round table for this reason. Round tables also have the bonus of increased intimacy and ease of communication as you dine, whereas rectangular dining tables can have the effect of isolating people at one end from the other people at the other. On the other hand, rectangular tables can fit more easily into any room, whether you want to position them in the centre, against one wall or in a corner. Plus, they can hold more dishes of delicious food – especially important at parties!

As you can see, there are pros and cons to each kind of table, so which one you go for depends entirely on your particular needs.

Rectangular tables: making the most of a generous space

Rectangular dining tables have been the most popular option for mealtimes for centuries, and are particularly recommended for spacious rooms. Elegant pieces such as our rectangular golden oak dining tables are ideal for larger dining rooms, particularly as this table can be extended to accommodate up to ten guests comfortably. As a result, this table has the versatility to seat a family of four at mealtimes or to serve as a dinner party setting for a larger gathering.

If you have a roomy farmhouse kitchen, you may also want to consider other similar options, such as our Florence centre extension rectangular table. With two hidden leaves which can be easily extended to seat more people, this sleek but rustic table will add a dash of farmhouse chic to your home.

How to choose the best round dining table

For smaller kitchens or dining rooms, a round pedestal dining table is arguably the better choice. Space-saving but sophisticated, these tables can provide the perfect setting for a cosy family meal. Our Florence range includes pedestal-style dove grey, truffle, white, navy blue and sage green dining tables.

These compact dining tables can all comfortably accommodate up to five people, and come with hidden drawers for extra storage. As we mentioned earlier, they’re also toddler-friendly and are guaranteed to help you foster a warm atmosphere during meals.  

Choosing chairs to match your dining table

Not sure how to choose chairs for your dining table? Here at furniture.co.uk, we offer elegant wooden kitchen and dining chairs to match the tables in both our Florence and Edvard Olsen ranges. These chairs are available in various shades, with upholstery or without, to suit your chosen dining table.

For something a little more rustic, you also have the choice of one of our Florence table benches, which slot neatly beneath the Florence rectangular extending table. From dove grey to navy blue dining benches, these innovative pieces are available in several colours and two sizes and simply ooze farmhouse charm.

Find your ideal dining table with furniture.co.uk

We hope these helpful tips have helped with your search for the perfect round or rectangular dining table for your home. If you have any questions about our Florence or Edvard Olsen dining room options, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by ringing 01989 763343, or emailing us at info@furniture.co.uk. Our sales team will be happy to assist you.

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Dave Hut
Content Editor

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