What shape dining table?

15 years ago

After looking around for 3 years or so, I think I've finally settled on a table and chairs. This is the only eating table we will have and the room is not quite 8' wide. I can get the table in 36" x 54" with 2 20" leaves. My question is should I get rectangle or oval. We currently have a 42" oval table and if I stayed with 42" I would not go to a rectangle because I would be concerned with running into the corners in the narrow room. Because were going down to 36" I don't know if it would make much difference. I would really appreciate your opinions.

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Comments (7)

cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
15 years ago
I prefer oval table unless you are going very narrow as in a 30-inch wide, long antique harvest table. I just think they look prettier and lend themselves to adding an extra couple of chairs better if that is ever needed (even adding three leaves, I have needed to do that once or twice).
les917
15 years ago
I would be inclined to say oval. With the pedestal bases, it will be easy to tuck two people on an end of an oval. Not so easy on the sharp corners of the rectangle. Visually the table may not seem as imposing in your narrow room, either, with the tapered ends of the oval.
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kristinekr
15 years ago
I don't really think it matters as far as rectangle vs oval--I would get what you like best. We had an oval table for years and just switched to a rectangle. No reason except that happened to be the shape of the table that we liked.

Very pretty table--I really like the base.
deeinohio
15 years ago
I would also go with oval, for the reasons given above: easier to fit 8 around, more pleasing shape (of course, I always prefer rounded); however, I like the looks of that table as is and think the rectangular shape makes it a little different and more tailored. I think you'll have a beautiful area whichever shape you choose.:)
Dee
celticmoon
15 years ago
The one you posted is lovely, but I favor oval for reasons listed. One other thing to consider is that a 36 won't give you as much space in the middle for serving dishes, etc. You will notice the difference if you now have a 42.
dianalo
15 years ago
Before looking at the table, I would have said oval for all the reasons posted, however, that table looks so perfect in the rectangular shape, esp with the chairs. If the chairs in the second pic are yours, then I'd go back to the oval.
dalmadarling
15 years ago
I personally like the look of square and don't think there's much of a difference besides personal preference between those two. I found this article that has some great advice on things to consider when it comes to the particular size of the table.
A good point that you may consider if you like tablecloths is that they may be hard to find in standard sizes for your oval table.

Here is a link that might be useful: [Tips on Choosing a dining room table[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/diy-projects-choosing-a-dining-room-table-stsetivw-vs~4278)