Do Round Dining Tables Save More Space?

Whether you’re moving into a brand-new home or giving your existing one a refresh, deciding on the right furnishings for your living spaces can be an overwhelming process, especially if you’re in a small apartment. For this reason, one of the questions we get asked most often is: Do round dining tables save more space?

The simple answer is yes. Not only do they have a smaller surface area than square or rectangular tables, but they are also easy to style, create a wonderful eating experience for family and guests and fit seamlessly into any lifestyle whether you have a space crunch or not.

Our expert design team has put together their views on why round dining tables make the most sense.

3 Advantages of round dining tables

Creating the best aesthetic for your dining space begins with selecting a table size and shape that complements your room.

Although many people grow up thinking that square or rectangular options are the most practical, there are many benefits to a round one that will change your mind. Here are three.

1. Additional space and flow

Circular dining tables have no corners, creating more floor space and manoeuvrability, thus allowing guests to access their seats with greater ease.

For this reason, they are perfect for both open-plan living spaces where the dining area and lounge are combined and for more formal settings that occupy a separate room.

Having this extra space and flow will allow you to use your dining table for everything from dinner party entertaining to games nights, homework zones and a spacious work-from-home station.

2. Seamless social interaction

One significant issue with a rectangular table is that if you’re conversing with people at one end of it, chances are you’ll be excluding the people on the other. And attracting their attention will mean that you’re talking across everyone seated between you.

A round table, on the other hand, ensures that each guest faces the centre, which will generate an easy flow of dialogue and ensure that no one gets left out. This will establish a sense of openness and make your dining experience far more pleasurable.

3. Ideal for smaller rooms

Because there are no space-wasting corners, round dining tables have a smaller footprint than rectangular tables of the same size, allowing them to fit into tight rooms more easily.

The curved shape of a round table also generates a more open feel, so your guests are less likely to feel cramped and crowded when sitting shoulder to shoulder.

How to tell if a round dining table is right for your space

If you want to know whether a round dining table is right for your room, follow these guidelines:

• Measure up: Use a measuring tape to calculate the dimensions of the room you are working with. At the same time, make a list of potential barriers like doors, windows, cabinets and other furniture. This will enable you to determine what shape and size table will best fit your space.
• Tape up: Masking tape is a fabulous way to plan out where your table will go because you can stick it to the floor or carpet easily and without causing any damage. Use it to make an X in the centre of the room and see whether you have enough space to walk around it without encountering any obstacles. This should give you a good idea of how easily your round dining table will function and ensure that you are choosing the right size.
• Consider your dining chairs: Very often people overlook the fact that extra space is needed to allow your dining chairs to be pulled out. To factor them in properly, leave at least 60 cm between the table’s edge and the wall so that there is ample room for people to get in and out of them comfortably.

Once you've taken the above steps, you'll know exactly how much space you have to work with, leaving you to make the final choice between whether you are going to opt for a rectangular, square or round dining table.

From our perspective, especially if your space is small, a round one is a winner every time!

3 Stylish round dining tables to inspire you

Here are three round dining table options our designers love:

1 The sensational sheaf-shaped base of the Bonheur dining table by Eichholtz is crafted from iron and finished in antique gold, making it a refined addition to any discerning home. Also available in coffee, side and console tables with matching mirrors and lamps, it’s an ensemble well worth investing in.

2. Cattelan Italia are renowned for its extraordinary collection of dining tables and works extensively in its signature fine wood and ceramic finishes. With its classic base and combination top, the Soho Ker-Wood table is a must-have addition to your living space. It also comes in plain wood, plain ceramic and a square version.

3. Made for the modern home, the Arlequin collection of round dining tables by Reflex Angelo adds loads of pizzazz to contemporary settings. With its bespoke base in either clear or coloured Murano glass, it’s an eye-catching piece that is sure to start many a conversation.

Shop round dining tables at FCI London

Fabulously social and absolutely brilliant if you’re short on space, round dining tables are the way to go if you love an easy lifestyle.

At FCI London, we have an extraordinary range to choose from, giving you options that will help turn your dining spaces into something masterful.

Let’s chat about your options, or pop into our NW10 showroom for a guided tour.

For more inspiration, browse our projects page - we can’t wait to create more gorgeous interiors just for you!