I prefer square or round for the simplicity, symmetry and ease to work around. Our coffee table is round and the dining table (when fully extended) if square. Someday, I would prefer to get a slightly larger round dining table at standard height. The "counter height" dining table has lost it's novelty for me.

Funky,
That's really a pretty table. The price is right. If you like it get it. To me there are no rules. It's a matter of I like it or I don't like it. That simple.

Oh, I think it is a very pretty table. If I wanted it and the price was right, I'd go for it.

I don't see why not for that price. If you tire of it later or find something you fall in love with you can just move it or give it away.

I love glass topped tables when your living area isn't huge so you can see the rugs beneath them.

I also love round dining tables or old, rectangular farmhouse tables...actually, I just love dining room furniture period.

Sorry, I wasn't clear through my babbling. For 15 bucks, I am going to get it regardless-- if even to hold for a niece/nephew/neighbor's first apt. What I was looking for are the rules or guidelines for round vs rectangle vs square. I follow my instincts.. I rarely the rules of thumb for decorating. I was hoping you all could help me out. Teach me, sensei.

Ah, grasshopper, sensei says that you should have things that you love gathered around you.

When you no longer love those things, push them away.

Personally, sensei prefers tables and countertops with rounded corners because sensei is clumsy and tends to bump into things.

I get what I love, no rules. One exception and example though...We have a round kitchen table and are buying a round dining table. The entrance to/from said rooms is an archway. As I was measuring for a living room rug yesterday, DH comments on how nice a round rug would look in the dining room...NOT, NO WAY...he will be crushed, lol.

For in front of a couch, I prefer a rectangle so that people sitting on each end of the couch can reach the coffee table just as easily as from the middle.

Between two chairs, I like round so that the chairs can angle in toward each other by hugging the curve.

I am *so* in love with your Craigslist find. That is a fabulous table! And the price is to die for!

In a rectangular room, I prefer round. In a round room, I prefer rectangular. Those are seriously the things I consider: How well the shape differs from its exterior walls.

And, of course, oval is acceptable in a long rectangular room.

One factor in addition to some that have already been mentioned -- I look around the room to see what "shapes" are already there. If the room is already very boxy with a lot of squares and rectangles, I like to break up that pattern and add some curves by using a round coffee table. But that's not a "rule" -- just one possible consideration.

"Personally, sensei prefers tables and countertops with rounded corners because sensei is clumsy and tends to bump into things."

and

"For in front of a couch, I prefer a rectangle so that people sitting on each end of the couch can reach the coffee table just as easily as from the middle."

These are the main two reasons I will never own a square coffee table again, and avoided round for the second reason. I purchased an oval with squared off corners because it "fit" best and if I bump into it, I won't gouge my knee ;-)

I prefer a round dining table, but it really should be determined by what will look best in your space. I have too much dining room furniture and too little space to accommodate a round *sigh* but my kitchen table is round. Round is more intimate because everyone is the same distance from each other.

According to some study I heard about years ago, people are nicer and linger longer at a round dinner table -- less territoriality, more democracy, no "head of the table" or "below the salt" silliness. I've never noticed a difference though -- I have both a round table for the breakfast nook and a more or less rectangle for the FDR, and my kids bicker just as much at both :)

For the first time in over thirty years we have a round dining table and I love it. I'm a big fan of Ina Garten's "Barefoot Contessa" series on Food Network. It always looked so relaxed and friendly when she served meals to her friends at her round table that I was compelled to try one at our lake house.

Round is great if you're serving 4 to 6. If you regularly entertain larger groups you'll need a really large one, and lots of space to accommodate getting in/out of chairs all around.

I have a square dining table at home and find you lose a lot of usable space at the corners, and it's a longer reach than at a rectangular one to get food from the center. It's attractive, but awkward. It's also harder to find tablecloths for it.

So rectangular gets my vote if you're doing lots of big holiday meals, but I like round if you're looking for small, cozy gatherings.

Square works fine when you have a lot of room. As AMCK pointed out, there ends up being a fair amount of space that isn't used or is un-useable because the table is there.
For your living room coffee table, the best use of space would be a rectangle or long oval. Also, you wouldn't need more than around 2 feet for the width and that one looks HUGE at 3 feet wide.

My aunt gave me a coffee table about the size of the one you are looking at and it ended up outside. It works great when you can put seating all the way around it on your deck or patio.

I love round tables for dining. My kitchen table is round, so I can fit 6 or so people around it if need be. My dining room table is an octagon, so 8 can sit at once. It's a little cozy, though :)
Both came from my grandparents. The octagon is really a game table, but it sat in their kitchen for years and years and was where all the fun happened! I love it even though it gives off a heavy pseudo-Spanish, 1970s vibe.

That table is a great buy. If you have a couple of placement options it will be a great addition. If you like it you can always find a use for it, that's my motto!

lots of good information and experience.. thanks.

As for the CL table, I may or may not be able to use it (I pick it up tomorrow).. but someone will use it for sure. I think I need one round one and one rectangle. I'll try the square though.