Do Round Dining Tables Save Space? A Guide for Small Dining Areas

When you are working with a smaller dining area, the shape of your table can make a difference. A large rectangular table may look great in a spacious dining room, but in a smaller home, its corners can make the room feel tighter and leave less room to move around.

A round dining table can be a practical choice for a smaller space. Without corners getting in the way, you have more room to move around and can position the table more easily alongside other furniture.

Benefits of Round Dining Tables Beyond Saving Space

More Legroom with a Pedestal Base

A pedestal base keeps the legs in one central area instead of placing them around the edges. This gives you more freedom to position chairs and push them further under the table when they are not being used. The Panama 1300 Round Dining Table is one example. Measuring 130cm across, it has a central design that keeps the area beneath the tabletop open.

Better Conversation at the Table

Everyone faces towards the centre of a round table, making it easier to see and talk to the people around you. There is no head or end of the table, so everyone can be part of the conversation. 

Easier to Move Around

Without corners extending into the surrounding space, a round table can be easier to walk around, particularly when it is close to a walkway or other furniture. This can be useful in smaller homes and busy dining areas. 

A Softer Look for the Room

The circular shape can break up the straight lines created by walls, cabinets and other furniture. This can help the dining area feel less rigid while giving you more options when arranging the rest of the room.

Types of Round Dining Tables We Offer

Round dining tables come in different materials and finishes, so you can choose one that suits your space and how you use it.

• Round Marble Dining Tables: A marble tabletop gives the dining area a more polished look and works well with modern furniture. 

• Round Mortex Finish Dining Tables: These tables feature hand-applied Mortex, showcasing a unique, stone-like texture that is both tactile and visually striking. This high-performance surface offers the timeless allure of natural-like stone with the uncompromising durability required for everyday living.

• Round Timber Dining Tables: Timber brings a natural look to the dining area and works well with different interior styles. The Mercer Round Dining Table is a great example, made from Nettlewood timber with a sculptural geometric base. 

Where Should You Position a Round Dining Table?

A round table gives you a few options when planning your layout.

In an open-plan kitchen and living area, placing the table between the kitchen and lounge can create a natural dining zone without needing a large rectangular piece to divide the room.

In a dedicated dining room, you can centre the table beneath a pendant light or chandelier. This can help define the dining area while leaving enough space around the table to move comfortably. 

If space is particularly limited, you can also place one side closer to a wall when the table is not being used. Just make sure you can still pull the chairs out properly when it is time to eat.

A Few Simple Ways to Save Even More Space

Choosing a round table is only part of the solution. The furniture around it matters just as much.

• Choose chairs that fit beneath the tabletop. Chairs with a compact frame can be pushed further in when they are not being used.

• Look for a pedestal base. A central base can give you more freedom with chair placement.

• Keep the area around the table clear. Avoid placing unnecessary side tables or bulky storage directly beside the dining area.

• Measure before you buy. Mark out the table diameter on the floor using tape. Add the approximate chair space around it so you can see how much room will remain.

• Think about everyday traffic. Leave a clear route between the kitchen, living area and other frequently used parts of the home.

So, Is a Round Dining Table a Good Space-Saving Choice?

A round table can use space more efficiently than a rectangular table with the same seating capacity. Without corners extending into walkways, it can be easier to fit into smaller or awkwardly shaped dining areas, whether that is a narrow apartment nook or a dining area within an open-plan living space.

The main benefit is often how easily you can move around the table rather than the exact amount of floor space it saves. A rectangular table can make movement around the ends more difficult, particularly when it is close to other furniture or walls. A round table gives you more flexibility when moving around the dining area, which can be useful in a small Perth apartment or a dining space between the kitchen and living room.

There is also a practical safety benefit. Rounded edges mean there are fewer corners to bump into when furniture is placed close together. This can be useful in homes with young children or busy households where people are regularly moving through the dining area during mealtimes.

Make More of Your Dining Space

A small dining area does not mean you have to compromise on how you use it. The right round dining table can give you a comfortable place to eat, work, entertain and spend time together while keeping the room easier to move through.

Explore The Furniture Gallery's range of round dining tables to find a size, finish and base style that suits your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much space should I leave around a round dining table?

Around 75 to 90cm of clearance is a useful target where possible. This gives you room to pull chairs out and move around the table without making the area feel cramped.

Are round dining tables good for families with children?

They can be a practical option because they do not have sharp corners extending into walkways. This can make movement around the dining area easier in busy family homes. 

Can a round dining table seat four people comfortably?

Yes, a round table can comfortably seat four people, depending on its size and the amount of space needed for each chair and place setting. 

Are pedestal round dining tables better for small spaces?

A pedestal design can be particularly useful because there are no four corner legs taking up space beneath the tabletop. This gives you more flexibility when positioning dining chairs.

What is the best shape for a very small dining area?

A round table is worth considering when you need to maximise movement and avoid corners getting in the way. An oval or compact rectangular table may also work, depending on the dimensions and layout of your room.