Can you fit more people at a round or rectangular table?
Bespoke dining tables for festive gatherings
At All in Stone, we specialise in crafting bespoke tables for every occasion. Whether you envision a cosy coffee table for catch-ups with friends or a grand dining table for hosting extravagant Christmas parties, we can bring your ideas to life.
The festive season is right around the corner and if you’re planning to host, you may be wondering, ‘Can you fit more people on a round or rectangular table?’ Here, we’ll explore everything you need to know to find the perfect dining table for gatherings of any size.
Choosing a bespoke dining table shape
A dining table is the heart of your home - it’s where families and friends come together, it’s where meals are shared. Because it’s such a personal piece, choosing the right shape matters. So, let’s look at what you should consider to make sure your table is perfect for all those special occasions.
Room space
Start by considering your room’s layout. Is your dining area compact, or do you have room to spare?
Round dining tables are wonderful for smaller spaces, as they create an intimate atmosphere. Rectangular tables, on the other hand, are better suited for open rooms or spaces where you’d like to make a bigger statement. Imagine how the table will fit with the rest of your decor - is it tucked into the kitchen corner or taking centre stage in an open-plan living room?
Number of people
How often will you be hosting and how many people will you typically seat?
For smaller gatherings, round tables shine - they bring everyone closer together and make conversations easy. If you’re looking for a versatile option for occasional extra guests, round tables can easily accommodate as they don’t have sharp corners or extra legs getting in the way. For larger gatherings, however, rectangular dining tables can handle more seats - so if you’re picturing big Christmas parties, a long table might be the better choice.
How much legroom do you need?
We’ve all been there - getting stuck at a table with a leg in the way! Round dining tables often come with a central pedestal, allowing chairs to tuck in smoothly and giving everyone room to stretch out. Consider what’s most important to you; the flexibility of a round table or the structured layout of a rectangular one.
Appearance
A round table’s softer shape creates a more relaxed, welcoming feel - it’s perfect for gatherings like board game nights. With no sharp edges, it’s also a fantastic choice for homes with young children or pets.
Rectangular dining tables bring a sense of elegance and formality, making them perfect for special occasions.
Can you fit more people at a round or rectangular table?
Small gatherings
Round dining tables work wonders for small, intimate gatherings. With no corners, they make the most of every inch, fitting more people comfortably than a rectangular table of the same size. Everyone at the table can see each other, which encourages conversation.
Large gatherings
When it’s time to host a large gathering, rectangular dining tables are usually more practical. As a round table gets wider to accommodate more seats, it also creates more distance between guests sitting opposite each other, which can make larger round tables feel less personal and connected. Rectangular tables, on the other hand, make the most of their linear shape, letting you seat more people without making anyone feel too far apart.
The pros of round dining tables
Easy fit
Round tables can be placed comfortably in smaller or irregular spaces without feeling cramped. They fit beautifully into kitchen corners or small dining areas, creating a cosy setting.
Welcoming
The curved shape of a round table offers visual balance, making the room feel inviting and warm. With no sharp edges, it’s also safer and friendlier, especially if you have little ones running around.
Perfect for chit-chat
The round design naturally brings people closer, with everyone included in the conversation.
Versatility
Whether you’re playing Monopoly or decorating Christmas cookies, a round dining table brings everyone to the centre, making it easier to share the space and work togethe.
The pros of rectangular dining tables
Perfect for larger gatherings
A rectangular dining table can handle bigger groups, thanks to its length. It’s perfect for Christmas feasts or large family gatherings, offering a comfortable seat for everyone.
Spacious
With more surface area, rectangular tables provide plenty of room for centrepieces, serving platters, flowers and festive decorations. From lush floral arrangements to twinkling candles, you’ll have ample space to make your table sparkle.
Compact
If space is tight, a rectangular dining table can be positioned against a wall or tucked into a corner to save room. Benches can also be paired with rectangular tables for a relaxed, communal feel and can be pushed under the table to free up floor space.
Enjoy a merry Christmas around your bespoke dining table
There’s something magical about a custom-made table that’s designed just for you and your home. At All in Stone, we are proud to build bespoke dining tables that bring people together. This festive season, let us help you create a table with space for every guest and a design that perfectly complements your home.
Bring your one-of-a-kind piece to life today by calling our experienced team on 0161 480 4676. We can’t wait to bring a little extra joy to your home this Christmas and New Year.