Here are the most helpful pictures of floor plan and existing furniture. (All the LR furniture will be replaced soon)

I'm feeling pretty proud of myself! LOL

Just used a trial version of Canva to create these, using a square mahjong table and two chairs as examples. I am going to try from one of the other angles too so I can see how it all works together.

Thoughts? (The green really pops but I dont have any other green in the house.)

I'm thrilled you found a great purpose for this space. Yep, you gotta go with square or octagonal if you are doing Maj. Square works if you align it on the diagonal so the flat sides are not parallel to the walls - like a diamond shape. It will look fine for daily display and for maj.

Might not be your style but something like this shape.

To me, a smallish, square non-pedestal table floating in a room just as decor seems lost and undersized. Maybe look for a round drop leaf table that becomes square when the edges are lowered?

Link below:

round to square table

I concur it a pedestal table would look best. I don't know that antiques are your style, but there are so many antique game tables for sale with these proportions: A rectangular pedestal that unfolds into a square. If this isn't your look, perhaps you could purchase one and have it lacquered the creme or green color you showed below.

If it is just a square game table with four legs, I think it needs to have some kind of interest or shape to the legs.

I agree with the round table being best, but octagonal would also work. We had an octagonal game table that worked pretty well.

If you get the table pad made sure you get the version that it sturdy enough to be self supporting where it is overhanging. This is usually a little easier when you put round on top of square because there are no corners. But not all table pads are strong enough to be larger than the table top.

Wrong. : )

The pad link is custom sized. If a 42 table? As little as a 48" square top will make a sturdy surface, w/ a mere 3" overhang.

Sue me for the quick visual to scale, but it is PLENTY supported.

The real point is a square in that space will visually demand chairs or stools, will read as dining, NOT a foyer table.

You're playing a game for a couple hours a couple times a week...... not hosting five year olds for a birthday : )

And you're SEATED at the 3' overhangs, not the corners

Jan, people never put their elbows on the table when playing cards? People never put their hand on the edge of a table to help them stand up? And last time I checked, people's arms and elbows came out of the sides of their bodies, not the middle of their chest.

But I might be wrong about that, maybe you can tell me.

One of the table pad companies I looked at when I ordered table pads within the last year specifically made pads to be used when you wanted to enlarge the table, and there was a sentence that said not to order regular pads for this purpose.

But they were probably wrong about that, too. I will find the number so you can call the company.

Really Jan, it must be exceedingly tedious for you to have to correct all the completely idiotic and ill-informed opinions that you encounter in here on a daily basis. You should ask them for a salary. So sorry to have had an opinion that varied slightly from yours.

In any case, it you have some place to store it, it may be the least expensive option to have a piece of plywood cut, and cover it with felt. The surface will be limited to 48", but that's bigger than a card table.

I so appreciate everyone's input. If it has to be round then I'd just do round and deal with my weekly games on a round table. If I could do a square pedestal table then that would be a decent option for both needs.

Funny, all but one I found are round. Le sigh....

Here are a couple I found - wondering what all the experts think? The white one is more expensive than I wanted to pay. I think the first two are my favorites. But are also darker than I was planning originally, so then I feel like I should do a different rug. Right now I was planning to do a jute/wool rug in a light color.

When does one play mahjong on the corner of 48 inches?

Would you not have to stand holding the seat or arms of a chair in the middle of 48 inches as that is the leverage for a boost.

I routinely place a 54 inch over 42 round for the holidays. None of my guests have fallen nor tipped the top: ) But I have more room for all at the table.

It isn't about being "contrary" its about getting the best look for 90 % of the time inn the space, that suits what is already present and not leaving the space

I'm not sure you meant that for me? I didn't say anything about the edges of the table nor I comment on the table pad idea. If I missed something let me know.

No it not directed at you or even disagreeing with Jan about getting a square pad for a round table. All I had said was get a pad made for the purpose because not all pads are designed for that according to their own website. Jan felt this was disagreeable enough to use capital letters because it's very important for her to always give the best right answer, that's all. So yes she's right she is always right and there is no point

in ever reading or writing another answer:-) Yay! Jan for the win!

Caps isn't yelling. It's just emphasis....as I don't always feel like clicking bold.

I don't need to be "right" - I'm just saying what probably looks best , given the givens: )

I'd tell a paying client the same thing. $$$

I posted one example above of a round table with 4 small drop leaves that turn it into a square. That one may not be your style but I'm sure there are others. It seems to be the perfect solution without having to worry about a topper tipping or having something to haul out when you want to change the shape. Or maybe you could have a wood topper with the dropleaves made and added to a base you love.

I think the issue is you want it to FEEL like a center table, 99% of the time! You're right , they feel not that, in a square. A square begs chairs..the round does not. Why? Some things just feel right and others do not.

You have nowhere to store a folding card table? I know many clients who routinely host bridge. They yank out a card table and put it where it works for the few hours of bridge!!

You design for MOST of the time......: )