We had our first round table and weren't sure about it when purchased. I can tell you that now we have went back to a rectangular one and miss the usefulness of the round table. It just adds space and more flexible seating because of the central leg. Kids have friends over? No problem just add another chair.

It is hard to explain but sit at one and you will see the more centralized serving just eliminates that can you pass and reaching. Wish we stuck with it.

One note thought is with kids make sure it is a stable design as they will lean on the edge and cheap or not well designed will tip.

Both are beautiful tables! One thing I suggest is get newspaper or cardboard and lay down a mock up of each table and size on your floor. I think it will be pretty clear which will work better. If I had to guess, it would be the round one. We were faced with a similar issue and once I did the above, it was circle all the way! I doubt you will have to push it up toward the window between uses. I say center the light over the table and call it a day.

As someone who married into a big family, you will find that for huge gatherings there will be the "little people's table" in your breakfast area, and the dining room table and a portable table in your family room. At least your house is open concept!

Round. You don't have enough room for the rectangular table.

i'd shop til you found a round one (slightly smaller in diameter) that takes a leaf or two, opening to oval. eventually you will just have another couple for grown up dinner, and 4 people look too spaced out around a large round table.

@laurelcollins brilliant i will definitely try the cardboard today! Thanks everyone for the Tips

The legs on the rectangular table will be a problem for people sitting there...too big! A round pedestal table is much more comfortable. I personally like a round table centered in a square room.

^ I agree the round pedestal table is very functional. I would also center it with your entry from the foyer. You should have space to walk around it.

I have a 54" round pedestal table that expands to a 72" round.

I'd also be wary of RH quality...you don't get what you pay for.

You have a square room which is perfect for a round table. I have both a round table and a rectangular table with two 18 inch leaves. (They are in different rooms.) The round one has a glass top so not is it actually easier to move around in the room, it feels like the room is larger because the glass top takes up virtually no visual space.

In addition, my family is very tall (my husband is 6'6" and I'm 6") the base of the round table is so much better for leg room. I never have to worry about avoiding sitting in front of the base and banging my knees. Serving is easier too. Everyone can reach what they need with having plates and platters being passed across and along.

Finally, I will make this suggestion: get a drop leaf rectangular table and use it as a server/buffet next to the window. This way is if you have a large formal gathering you can move the round table towards the hall or a corner and pull the drop leaf out from the wall far enough to seat extra guests. Good luck!

We recently asked ourselves the same question, similar situation. Ended up ordering a 48" round table from Canadil, a Canadian company that makes beautiful wood tables; the one we picked becomes oval with an added leaf.

We have a 60" round table....fits 6 for everyday and 8 easily with added chairs. For hosting those large family gatherings once or twice a year (14 for Xmas), my husband built an overlay out of two sheets of plywood that sits on top of the table. (We protect the top of the table with padding first!) It works great.