Round dining table: the complete guide to making the perfect choice

A round dining table instantly gives any dining room a different feel. No table heads, no sharp corners - everyone sits as equals and the conversation flows naturally. But which round dining table suits your space, your family and your interior? In this guide we lay it all out.

Why choose a round dining table?

The round dining table has a number of unique advantages over a rectangular one:

• No hierarchy at the table - there is no head and no foot. Everyone sits equally central, which makes the atmosphere more relaxed. There is a reason we talk about round-table discussions.
• Space-saving in small dining rooms - a round table has no protruding corners and therefore takes up less visual space. In a square or small room a round model almost always works better than a rectangular one.
• Safer with children - no sharp corners to bump into.
• Easy to get up - chairs slide in and out more easily around a round table.

What size round dining table do you need?

This is the most frequently asked question, and the answer depends on how many people you want to host:

• Ø 80-90 cm - 2 people. Cosy bistro size, suitable for small kitchens or as a breakfast table.
• Ø 100-110 cm - 4 people comfortably, 5 is possible but tight. Best-selling size for two-person households that regularly have guests.
• Ø 120-130 cm - 4-6 people. Ideal for a family of 4 with the occasional extra guests.
• Ø 140-150 cm - 6-8 people. Spacious and impressive, requires a larger dining room.
• Ø 160 cm and larger - 8-10 people. Imposing size, suitable for large open-plan living rooms.

The rule of thumb: allow at least 60 cm of table edge per person. With a diameter of 120 cm you have a circumference of about 377 cm - that is room for 6 people with 63 cm each. Comfortable but not extravagant.

How much space do you need around the table?

A common mistake: the table fits in the room but the chairs do not. Keep at least 80 cm of space free on all sides - 90-100 cm is more comfortable. A 120 cm round table therefore needs a room or dining area of at least 290 x 290 cm.

Materials: solid oak or ceramic?

At Industrial Home, round dining tables are available in several materials:

Solid oak

Warm, timeless and durable. Solid oak has a natural grain that makes every table unique. It can be reworked - small scratches can be sanded out and the table re-oiled. Delivery time: 6-8 weeks (made to measure).

Ceramic

Extremely scratch-resistant and heat-resistant - you can put a hot pan straight on the top without a trivet. Ceramic is also stain-resistant: red wine, coffee and olive oil leave no marks. Ideal for families with young children. The top always consists of a ceramic top layer on an MDF or steel substructure.

HPL (high-pressure laminate)

Practical and affordable. HPL is wear-resistant and easy to clean. Less warm in appearance than oak, but available in many colours and wood looks.

Which base suits a round table?

The base largely determines the atmosphere:

• Central pedestal (tulip style) - classic and elegant. Maximum legroom around the table - ideal for a round table because everyone can slide in and out freely. The best-known example is the Saarinen Tulip table.
• Cross base - stable and modern. Four legs rising from the centre. Gives the table more weight and a sturdier character.
• Hairpin legs - airy and retro. Fits well with a Scandinavian or mid-century modern interior.
• Solid oak legs - warm and organic. Suits Japandi, country-style or Scandinavian interiors.

Round dining table and interior styles

Industrial

Dark oak top on a black steel cross or central base. Combine with industrial pendant lamps in black or copper.

Scandinavian / Japandi

Light oak, natural or white oiled, on wooden or light steel legs. Minimalist and calm.

Modern / Sleek

Ceramic top in concrete grey or marble print on a black or white steel base. Sleek and easy to maintain.

Country / Warm

Solid oak with a warm honey or walnut tint. Combined with woven or wooden chairs.

Round table with extension leaf?

A handy option: round tables with an extension leaf become rectangular when you extend them. That way you normally have a compact round table for 4 people, but a rectangular table for 8 at parties. This does require chairs that fit along both the round and the extended side.

Chairs for a round dining table

Chairs do not all have to match - mixing and matching actually works well with a round table. A bench on one side is less practical with a round table than with a rectangular one. Preferably choose chairs without armrests for maximum flexibility in numbers.

Configure your round dining table to measure

At Industrial Home you design the round dining table entirely to your wishes: diameter, material, top thickness and base. The 3D configurator shows you instantly what the combination looks like - including realistic material rendering.

Delivery time: 6-8 weeks, delivered straight to your home.

View all round dining tables Configure your table in 3D