Round, square or rectangular table: how to choose the best option?

Round, square or rectangular table: how to choose the best option?
Robert Rivera

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When it comes to decorating the dining room, living room, or kitchen, it is common for many people to have doubts about the choice of the table, since it is usually the center of attention of the spaces where daily meals and special moments of socializing with friends and family take place.

For this reason, in addition to choosing the size, design, material, finish, and color, you must also find the ideal table format for your environment. The most commonly used models are round, square, and rectangular, each with its pros and cons.

What must be taken into account when choosing the format and size is the available space, where the furniture will sit, and how many people (minimum number) it needs to accommodate. For example: if your house has 5 people, there is no point in buying a 4-seat table. In this case, the table needs to seat at least 6 people.

Advantages and disadvantages of each model

According to Sandra Pompermayer, who is an architect, urban planner and interior designer, there are advantages and disadvantages in each of these formats.uncomfortable.

The square ones can be placed against the walls and people are closer together, but they take up a lot of space, are less flexible when it comes to accommodating guests, and should be used in larger rooms. The rectangular ones also accommodate more people, but often the base is large and the top is narrow, so when you sit down you may hit your knee on the table or have problems with the chairs.

In addition, if you have doubts about which material to bet on for the new table, Sandra says there are several options and everything depends on the taste and style of each person: "The surrounding composition, the color of the walls, the color of the floor, elements, and lighting should be taken into account. White resin or lacquer tables with wooden legs, for example, are very trendy," says the architect.

The square table is a great option for medium or large houses, while the round ones are ideal for medium or small environments.

How to choose the best option

For Sandra, the first thing to think about before choosing the ideal table for an environment is the space available for it, because depending on where it is inserted, some problems may arise, such as lack of circulation space around the table: "When choosing a table, one must take into consideration the surrounding proportions, circulation, and chair sizes", she comments.

The professional states that it is also important that the space around the table be at least 0.90cm, to allow for circulation, "It is from this measurement in the environment that we define the format of the table. But the ideal is a distance of 1.20cm, especially if there is any furniture at the end".

In narrower environments, rectangular tables should be used. If they come with benches instead of chairs, they accommodate even more people. Square and round tables can accommodate up to eight people - more than that can be uncomfortable. Sandra also adds that the minimum free space that each person occupies on a dining table is 0.60cm, remembering that on rectangular tables the measurementminimum of the headboard is 0.85cm and the maximum is 1.20cm.

82 table inspirations that will make your dining space more beautiful and functional:

Check out the different pictures below for you to choose the ideal table for your home!

1. gourmet lunch room

To compose this stylish gourmet lunch room, we used a modern white round table, four chairs with colorful striped prints that make the room more fun, wooden floor and furniture, and a compact wine cellar.

2. a beautiful mixture of white and wood

The warm lighting combined with the wood makes this living room much cozier, while the white helps to break up the atmosphere and contributes to a cleaner space, present in the round table, the upholstered chairs, the support furniture, and the flowers.

3. decoration with plates on the wall

This is a beautiful open kitchen with a simple but charming decoration. Instead of pictures, decorative plates were added to the wall, so as to create a production with much more movement. The straw chairs make a great combination with the round wooden table.

4. integrated kitchen in an apartment

How about this integrated kitchen for a small apartment? It is a great way to optimize spaces and it has exciting details, such as the white chairs that give a super modern touch to the environment, the clean white table and the black details above the countertop and sink.

5. neutral colors and an amazing mix of styles

This is a wonderful project in which neutral colors predominate and items full of charm, such as the round table with granite top, the imposing chandelier, the glass doors, the tableware and the candlesticks on the table. The result is a splendid, elegant and luxurious room!

6. relaxed space with natural light

For this light, relaxing environment that takes advantage of natural light, the bet was on a decoration full of flower pots and plants, such as mosses, orchids, and ferns.

7. clean and luxurious dining room

The chandelier above the square white table is, without a doubt, the center of attention, and the black feet of the chairs help to break up the off white tone present in the rest of the decoration.

8. an environment with a neutral palette

For this simple and sophisticated room that relies on a palette of neutral tones, the bet was on a mirrored wall, which besides being a good way to decorate, still helps to give a sense of spaciousness in small environments. The three black pendants above the white table ensure more color and modernity to the room.

9. sophisticated black chairs

How about this inspiration that integrates the lunch room with the gourmet kitchen through incredible sliding mirror doors? In addition, the black chairs bring sophistication to the environment and complement perfectly the small round glass table.

10. super stylish dining room

For those who can't do without a very modern decoration in the dining room, this is a super stylish option that bets on a small round table, black hollow chairs with a distinctive design, a white floor lamp, and decorative pictures to enhance the walls.

11. an environment full of personality

Here, the black of the loose furniture contrasts perfectly with the pine wood and the colorful cabinetry, which make this dining room environment even more modern and full of personality. In addition, the recessed lighting makes the space much cozier.

12. classic and stately dining room

This is a super classic and stately dining room, ideal for formal dinners and special occasions. The inlaid china cabinet with lighting is extremely elegant and makes a good combination with the chandelier, the dark wood, the glass table, and the fur rug.

13. gourmet veranda with blue details

How about this super nice and clean gourmet balcony that bets on wood furniture and light tones? To complement the rectangular table that seats eight people, charming chairs with blue seats were used, bringing more color and joy to the environment.

14. gourmet area with a good mix of styles

This is a beautiful gourmet area that makes a good mix of styles and pleases all tastes. The grill covered in tessellation and porcelain tile is very beautiful and practical, the two pendants above the rectangular wooden table draw all the attention, and the white chairs make the environment clean and light.

15. soft and cozy environment

Besides being soft and cozy, this dining room has classic items and is very elegant, mainly due to the presence of the chandelier, the rectangular glass table, the refined white chairs, and the high ceiling with off-white curtains.

See_also: Living room curtains: 75 models to inspire your choice

16. rustic style with wood details

In this environment with a rustic touch, wood is present almost 100%, from the floor and the shelf on the wall, to the chairs and the round table that seats up to eight people. The white wall and the curtains bring lightness to the space, and the colorful comic book adds more charm to the room.

17. colors that bring joy to the environment

In addition to the orange in the pendant above the table, this room also has vibrant blue, which is found not only on the wall but also in the support furniture. Together, the colors make the dining room much more cheerful and modern.

18. black table and chairs for a modern environment

This is another inspiration for an integrated environment, which unites the dining room with the kitchen. With a modern touch, it predominates dark tones, especially black, present in the round table, the chairs, the countertop, and the decorative objects.

19. armchairs with arabesque prints

To make the simple round table even more charming, the bet was on beautiful upholstered chairs with arabesque prints, a trend that has been increasingly used in decoration projects.

20. personalized stickers that complement the decoration

This small room is a very simple environment with a wooden floor, a round white table and basic chairs for everyday use. To complement the decoration, we used a fun personalized sticker with the outline of the countries and a simple yellow lamp pendant.

21. gray pendant with circular opening

In addition to the bookcase designed in iron and wood with blue details, this living room has a round black table, an imposing gray pendant with a circular opening, wooden and straw chairs that make the style of the room lighter, and decorative items such as books and flower vases.

22. LED lighting for a cozy living room

This elegant dining room has a rectangular glass table that matches the most varied styles. The chairs are different from the conventional ones, the carpet is cozy, the adamascus wallpaper is super charming, and the LED lighting contributes to a cozy room.

23. table legs with unique style

To make the glass table much more imposing and with a unique style, bet on different ideas, like this table foot made with pieces of wood that resemble a tree trunk. The chairs that complement it follow a basic style, to avoid excessive information.

24. yellow pendant with innovative design

Elegant, uncluttered, and modern at the same time, this dining room room combines a beautiful clean square table with off-white upholstered wooden chairs.

25: Sophistication in the right measure

For those who love clean environments with predominantly light and neutral colors, this project is ideal! This is a beautiful dining room with a large square white table (accommodates up to 12 people!), comfortable chairs, furniture with wooden details, decorative vases, and a sophisticated chandelier.

26. contemporary dining room with modern items

With a square white table with dark wood legs and chairs that follow the same tones and style, this contemporary dining room has other modern and charming items, such as the hollow chandelier, the blinds, the sideboard with glass top and the recessed lighting.

27. delicate shades of gray

The gray color is present in different shades in this dining room-lunchroom environment. For the upholstered chairs and the side wall, the bet was on a lighter tone, for the square table and the support furniture, a slightly darker tone, while the wallpaper on the main wall is even more eye-catching and has delicate and elegant drawings.

28. different chairs to compose the environment

To compose the lap of this table, the bet was on two different types of chairs that talk perfectly with each other. One version is the classic with a straw backrest and wooden seat with off white upholstered, while the other imitates an armchair and has only wooden feet.

29. a mirror is always a great option to decorate

Besides the mirror located on the wall, which is the highlight of the room and helps to enlarge the small space, this elegant dining room relies on other refined items, such as the delicate chandelier, the classic upholstered chairs, the square glass table, and the decorative items.

30. colors that stand out in the white environment

Since the floor, walls, and ceiling of this dining room are predominantly white, a great alternative is to bet on colors that stand out in the room, such as the black present in the rectangular table, the gray present in the chairs, the blue in the pictures, and the green in the plants.

31 A super charming brick wall

Following the style of the charming brick wall, this project bets on a darker wood floor, a rectangular table that follows the same tone, and chairs with straw backrest in a lighter tone, which makes the environment lighter. In addition, the white pendant and the decorative pictures make the space more modern and cheerful.

See_also: 6 main shades of purple to abuse in decoration

32. rectangular white lacquer table as a highlight of the room

Among the highlights of this small dining room are the rectangular white lacquer table, simple dark wood chairs with straw backrest and upholstered seat, a charming stool with cushions that perfectly accommodates guests, and a modern pendant above the table.

33. pleasant environment with the presence of natural light

Besides being a very nice dining room with a large window that lets in natural light, the room also has cool items, such as the giant rectangular wooden table, the off white upholstered chairs, the stylish sideboard, the copper pendants, and the various decorative items.

34. mirrored wall that brings depth to the space

Simple, yet classic and refined, this modern dining room relies on a mirrored wall, which gives not only elegance, but also more depth to the small room. It also draws attention with the black chandelier, the square table with glass top and the wooden chairs with black seats and backrests. Chic in the right measure!

35. the chandelier as a dining room highlight

All designed in neutral and light tones, such as white, off white, and beige, this is another amazing inspiration for a beautiful and refined dining room. Besides the chandelier, which is undoubtedly the highlight of the room, it also has a rectangular glass table, patterned chairs, and an elegant sideboard.

36. a perfect combination of various materials

How about making a good mix of materials in one room? In this living room project you find a mirrored table with passionate details, a classic and imposing chandelier, different styles of chairs, glass walls, and also many wooden details.

37. granite table simply charming

Along with the beautiful white granite table with very soft grayish stains, other simple items in this dining room also catch the eye, such as the wooden chairs, the sideboard with a niche underneath for storing drinks, the stylish pendant, and the decorative picture.

38. integrated, modern and elegant environments

The round table, the comfortable upholstered chairs, the countertop, and the details on the wall contribute to an even more beautiful space.

39. decorative shelf with recessed lighting

How about bringing to your living room a charming and eye-catching shelf like this one? Made entirely of wood, it has niches in the most different sizes, which are perfect for storing various decorative items. In addition, it matches perfectly with the chairs that accompany the round white table.

40. floor and wall with burnt cement

Although small, this simple environment is super elegant, modern, and also captivating, ideal for everyday family meals. The floor and walls are made of burnt cement, the round glass table has a different design, and the basic chairs follow the same tone as the rest of the decoration.

See more photos of various tables to innovate your home decor:

There is a good option for all tastes. Choose the one that best suits your decoration!

41. circular pendant that contrasts with the square table

42. integrated environments with an industrial footprint

43. the table leaning against the wall helps optimize space

44. purple and green together make a beautiful combination

45. clean environment with transparent acrylic chairs

46. wooden shelf with niches of different sizes

47. black panel that brings refinement to the dining room

48. simple tables made with wooden planks

49. red lacquer makes the rectangular table exciting

50. the blue color makes the environment lighter and more relaxed

51. pleasant space with wood predominance

52. the rug makes the table space more elegant

53: Betting on a single material is always a good option

54. purple upholstered chairs with different design

55. simple environment with green details

56. the pendant goes perfectly with the chairs

57. sophisticated square white lacquer table

58 The recessed niche in the wall with recessed lighting makes all the difference

59. perfect gourmet balcony to enjoy the day

60. chic dining room with elegant chandelier

61 The black chairs bring modernity to the room

62 Retro-style chandelier full of charm

63 Is there a more cheerful colorful wall than this one?

64: Clean kitchen with blue tessellation

65. shades of red that give a special touch to the environment

66. round table for a family lunch in the backyard

67. innovative pendants that stand out in the environment

68 Rectangular white lacquer table for a clean room

69. an extra charm with the orange lampshade

70. black stools that complement the modern table

71- How about a black chandelier to enhance the ambiance?

72. cozy space with plenty of natural light

73. peach comics decorating the walls

74. wood with white is a perfect combination

75. flower vases are important decorative items

76. yellow pendant with cozy lighting

77. kitchen with super charming pink details

78. a dining room that relies on antique and traditional furniture

79. contemporary, clean and modern environment

80. amazing wall decoration with colorful plates

81. the black ceiling is a good alternative to the traditional white

Now that you know the main characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of round, square, and rectangular tables, all you have to do is think about the available space in your dining room and prioritize the best choice to ensure a beautiful, functional, and guaranteed good circulation.




Robert Rivera
Robert Rivera
Robert Rivera is a seasoned interior designer and home decor expert with over a decade of experience in the industry. Born and raised in California, he has always had a passion for design and art, which eventually led him to pursue a degree in interior design from a prestigious design school. With a keen eye for color, texture, and proportion, Robert effortlessly blends different styles and aesthetics to create unique and beautiful living spaces. He is highly knowledgeable in the latest design trends and techniques, and is constantly experimenting with new ideas and concepts to bring life to his clients' homes. As the author of a popular blog on home decor and design, Robert shares his expertise and insights with a large audience of design enthusiasts. His writing is engaging, informative, and easy to follow, making his blog an invaluable resource for anyone looking to spruce up their living space. Whether you're seeking advice on color schemes, furniture arrangement, or DIY home projects, Robert has the tips and tricks you need to create a stylish, welcoming home.