Have you considered a circular table with an adjustable/removable insert that would make it an oval? That way, you could keep it a circle most of the time, but would still have the option of expansion when necessary.

My current 42'' table has an insert that would make it an oval.

It feels a bit tight when I sit along the wall (i.e. at the long side of the oval). I think that's probably because 42'' is too deep for the space, when it's a elongated shape.

Also, when I don't add the insert (just 42'' round), it feels a bit small for 4 people (but not too small).

Many people dislike/love round tables. Do you really like them? How do you feel about rectangular tables? From your drawings, it seems either would work if 6 is always your maximum for seating. The trestle table is gorgeous.

I really like round tables, and have 3 round tables.

My outdoor dining set is a 5' round with 6 chairs. The coffee table in my sunroom is a 4' round. The breakfast table I am going to replace is also a round.

Since I already have so many round tables, I feel like it might be a nice change to get a rectangular table. (The trestle table I posted is a bit expensive though..)

Besides, my formal dining room (which is currently empty) has a square shape (about 14' x 14'), which seems to lend itself well to a 6' round table.. Of course a 7' x 3.5' rectangular table would work just as well in this room, but I am a little afraid that I might end up with a round table in every room.

On the other hand, if a round truly works better in my space than a rectangle, I think I'd just go for it.

Even though I am pretty sure 6 will be the max, I cannot help but keep thinking that the rectangular might be a little more flexible. Say I happen to have 8 people (very very unlikely but not impossible), I could add two temporary chairs to the two ends..

This post was edited by ILoveCookie on Mon, Mar 11, 13 at 11:51

I don't think 6 of those chairs will fit properly around a 42" round table. I have a 60" round with similar sized chairs and that size is the minimum for 6 chairs. It doesn't look right if you can't push the chairs most of the way under the table.

chispa, that's a really good point. I didn't think of the difficulty of pushing 6 chairs under a 48'' round table.

A 60'' round will probably be too large for my space, so I guess I will have to go with a rectangular one..