Bespoke custom round mahogany dining table by The Table Guy

Should you get a round or long dining table?

Choosing the right dining table can make a big difference to the overall look and feel of your home, as well as how you use the space. While most of us are quick to consider the style and material of the table, it's important to think about the shape as well.

Round or long? Here are a few things to consider when making your choice:

What is the shape of your space?

For square-shaped rooms, a round table can fit and look better, as well as allow more efficient use of the space, while long tables are generally more practical for rectangular or long rooms.

This doesn't necessarily have to tally to the literal room that you're placing the table in, but rather the imaginary demarcated space that you have set aside for the table. For example, if you're planning to place sideboards in the room or build in carpentry, then the relevant space to take into consideration would be after accounting for those bits. 

How many seats do you need at the table?

We're generalising here, but round tables generally seat more people in less space than long tables, actually making them ideal for more compact spaces. For example, a 1.2m long table would only be able to seat 4 comfortably, whereas a 1.2m diameter table would be able to seat 5 comfortably, squeezing 6. 

Plus, with no sharp corners, it's generally easier to squeeze extra butts at a round table, which is great for those of us who want to save space on a regular basis, but still want to be able to host a raucous party at holidays!

Round tables are ideal for conversations, long tables are great for reaching sharing plates.

Round tables are ideal for gatherings, as everyone can see and talk to each other easily. However, it can be difficult to reach the center of larger round tables (above 120cm), whereas most long tables would not be wider than 120cm, making it easier to reach shared dishes. 

If you've got a large round table, consider adding a lazy susan to your setup to get the best of both worlds!

Does your table have easy access to your location?

Consider the size of your table and your home's access limitations. Round tables larger than 140cm in diameter may not fit in elevators or narrow staircases, while long tables up to 240cm can typically fit in most elevators.

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The shape of your dining table should be chosen based on the size and shape of your space, the number of people you want to seat, ease of use, and access. With The Table Guy's customisation options, get the perfect fit for your space every time. 

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