If you’re getting a new dining table, it’s important to make sure you get the best one for you. While we have individual information on each of the dining table shapes, this should provide a bit of an overview on all of them, helping you to at least narrow your search a little.
In broad terms, there are square tables and round tables.
Square Tables
Square tables are the more classic tables, so I’ll touch on those first. When I say square tables I mean both rectangles and squares, and in some ways, squovals.
We’ll talk about those specifically at the end though. These wood tables have 4 corners to them; even if they are curved corners, they are corners. This means that you can use the space right out to the corner, so you have a bit more usable space on the top when compared with a round dining table with the same dimensions. They also define space more than a round table does. Generally speaking, square and rectangular wood tables are best for squeezing more people around when you need without having as big a table for the rest of the year.
Round Tables
Though again, we’ll talk about those at the end. These wood tables are a little easier to walk around, as the corner isn’t there, so it’s very difficult to bump into the corner. This also means that they don’t define space in the same way as a square would. Being easier to navigate around they are more flexible to different flows around the room. Not having corners does mean that with the same dimensions at the largest point the entire dining table is smaller, so there isn’t as much room for things on the table, or for people crowding around it when it’s full. It also means it will get full a little faster.
Generally this just means you need a slightly larger round dining table to sit the same number of people as a square.
Specifically, we make 6 shapes of tables, Rectangle, Square, Circle, Racetrack Oval, Elliptical Oval, and Squoval. Let’s dive into each one a little more.
Rectangle Tables
Rectangles are the most classic shape for a wood table
One of the benefits of this style of wood table is that it fits very well into traditional dining rooms, as well as a lot of unconventional dining spaces.
This shape also offers the most usable space within the largest dimensions, as it fills them completely. This means that you can add more chairs and use it right to the corners to fit extra people in. As a shape that is longer than it is wide, it will fit best into spaces that are also longer than they are wide.
Square Tables
Square dining tables are very similar to rectangular ones. They allow for all the space to be used by people sitting at the dining table, which is especially useful for larger get togethers, especially if there’s a surprise guest or two
Unlike a rectangle, squares have the same dimensions for width and length, so they fit spaces like that better.
Round Tables
Round are in many ways similar to squares. Round have the same measurement across everywhere, so they fit spaces that are square, much like square tables do.
Circular dining tables, however, lose the corner space so you can’t fit as many people around the table. The trade off is that around a circle everyone can make eye contact with everyone else, so the flow of conversation can be a bit better.
Racetrack Tables
Racetrack Ovals are basically a combination of a circle and a rectangle, with both ends rounded and straight sides, they fit into the same spaces as rectangles do, but the rounded corners offer a bit more ease of movement around the room as a trade off for more space at the table.
They can offer some of the same benefits as a circle, helping eye contact and flow of conversation, but not quite as well as a circle or elliptical oval.
Elliptical Tables
Speaking of elliptical ovals, they are an excellent shape for conversation. They, similar to a racetrack, fit into the same space as a rectangle. However, as the entire side is curved they allow for everyone to see each other like a circle.
The trade off is that these table shapes have the least area for seating and dishes on the table, and can be very difficult to find appropriate seating on the ends. Often more people along the side and no one on the end can be more comfortable.
Squoval Tables
Finally Squovals, the table shape I referenced earlier. This is a combination of a rectangle and an elliptical oval shape. They come together to make a shape with flat ends, which are comfortable to sit at, and long edges with a slight curve to them, allowing for eye contact all the way around this type of dining table.
This does lose some space for squeezing extra people in as the dining table is smaller than a rectangle, and the curve isn’t as significant as an elliptical oval to support eye contact and conversation. The squoval is a balance between the two.
All in all, the most important thing when choosing the shape for your wood dining table is how you plan to use it, where it’s going, and above all what you want your table to be. If you have any more questions, reach out anytime via the online chat button!
