Organise + design your Reno with these resources

Our dining room tables cater to much more than family meals and dinner parties… they’re often used for homework, card nights, solving first-world problems over a bottle of wine, and more recently a work-from-home space. So how do you choose the ideal dining table for all these occasions and importantly to suit your home?

…By choosing a dining table design that complements the SHAPE of your dining room! So we’re sharing the common dining table shapes and when to use each one... Let’s GO!

Rectangular⁠

⁠Rectangular-shaped tables are widely available in a variety of sizes and are amongst the most competitively priced dining table design options. They’re the most common shape used in our homes and are best suited to rectangular or longer dining rooms. Ideally, your rectangular table should be at least 900mm wide to comfortably accommodate people sitting opposite each other without unwanted footsies, however, if you do need to opt for a narrower table, you might want to consider a sideboard or buffet close by to place food and serving ware so guests can help themselves before sitting down.

Z+S Tip • A linear light fitting or 2 or smaller pendant lights in a row, work well over a rectangular-shaped dining table.

Round

Round dining tables work best in a square room and are perfect for smaller spaces as their organic shape facilitates easy flow and movement⁠. They’re the top pick if you’re looking to create an intimate dining experience, hosting regular card nights or cosy gatherings - as no one gets stuck on an end. Generally speaking, a 1.5m diameter table sits 4-5 people, 1.8m diameter sits 6-7, 2m sits 8-9 and you’ll need a 2.2m diameter to comfortably sit 10 people. Something you’ll also need to consider when it comes to round tables is that there are very few options available off-the-shelf so to speak, larger than 1.6m in diameter. You’ll therefore generally need to have a custom piece made if you’re planning for a larger round table.

Z+S Tip • A single large feature pendant light is the perfect pairing for a round table and will add a beautiful atmosphere to your space at night.

Square

Square dining tables work well in square-shaped rooms #surprise! However they’re not conducive to good flow in a space like round tables are, as we humans tend to cut corners which can result in bruised hips! Extendable square dining tables are however the perfect solution if you’re catering to a small household or have limited space, but want the flexibility to expand to feed a crowd for a Roast on Sundays or special occasions! Square tables are also ideal if you have an odd or tiny space and need to sit your table up against a wall.

Oval

An oval dining table is very similar to a rectangular one in most of its attributes. However visually its lines are softer, and ergonomically its curved corners make movement easier. And although an oval dining table occupies only slightly less space than a rectangle option of similar dimensions, the corners that are lost to create the oval shape, result in a table that generally accommodates fewer people.⁠ Oval shapes are a great option for long and narrow spaces as their organic shape allows individuals to pass comfortably in a narrower walkway #winwin.

Dining Table Shape Checklist

Want more help determining what table design is right for your home? Ask yourself…

1. What shape is my room?

2. How many people do I need to accommodate day-to-day?

3. Do I plan on regularly entertaining? If so, for how many?

4. Would an extendable table be useful?

5. What size is my room?

6. What style is my space?

7. Do I need a table quickly or can I wait for a custom size or piece to be made?

Answering the questions above will help narrow down the best shape for your space, and ensure your new table complements your household and lifestyle! Looking for more inspo? Explore our Hamptons Project Room-by-Room…

Keep reading? These are our 6 Tips For Creating An Interior Designed Home On A Budget