Skip to content
There are seemingly endless options when it comes to choosing a table that will suit the needs of yourself or your family. While color and style options are limitless, there are some basic things that apply to all dining tables that are important to consider when choosing the right table. Among them are size, shape, and the base type of the table itself.
The dining table will be both seen and utilized more than a lot of home furniture, so the choice is never made lightly.
We are here to help guide you toward the perfect table for your home by breaking down the shapes, Sizes and Base Types.
A. Shapes
In general terms, the overall shape of your table should be the first consideration. Once you’ve decided on a shape, the materials and style may follow. We have provided a pair of examples for each shape, to emphasize the wild variation within each category.
- Rectangular
As the most popular table shape, rectangle comprises the most populated category. Being the most functional shape allows for a playfulness of style that spawns a wide variety of tables.
- Square
The square is the simplest table design. Four legs, equidistant from each other. These are perfect for four diners and compact spaces.
Our metal table legs for square tables are perfect for brightening any space.
- Round
Round tables allow for shifting seating options, and often hold features such as hinged edges or a leaf, which turns it into an oval shape.
- Oval
The oval design is a popular choice, allowing for the sensuous curves of a round table, but with a lengthier surface area providing more space for diners.
- Freeform
The idea of freeform design is that there is no concrete definition. This category comprises any tables that do not fit within standard shapes.
B. Sizes
There are several custom order companies that can make a table any size you like, but most rectangular and round tables come in standard sizes.
1. Rectangular tables:
- Rectangular tables are available in a range of sizes and proportions from common 4-6 person tables at 2’6” x 5’ | 76 x 152 cm, up to large 10-12 person tables at 4’6” x 10’ | 137 x 305 cm.
- Rectangular tables sized for six people have a variety of widths from 2’6”-3’ | 76-91 cm and lengths from 5’-6’ | 152-183 cm.
- Rectangular tables sized for ten people vary in widths from 3’6”-4’6” | 107-137 cm and lengths from 8’-10’ | 244-305 cm.
according source: dimensions.guide
2. Round Tables:
- Round tables range in size from two person tables with diameters of 2’6” | 76 cm, to 12 person tables with 8’ | 244 cm diameters.
- Round tables for six people should have an overall table diameter between 4’-4’6” | 122-137 cm.
- Round tables for eight people should have a table diameter of at least 5’ | 152 cm.
Source: dimensions.guide
3. Square Tables:
- Squares tables are popular table designs that come in a variety of sizes from two person tables from 2’6” | 76 cm, to large 8-12 person tables with widths between 6’-8’ | 183-244 cm.
- Square tables for four people range in overall widths between minimal sizes of 3’ | 91 cm up to more comfortable widths of 5’ | 152 cm.
- Square tables for eight people vary in overall widths from 6’ | 183 cm up to larger 8’ | 244 cm tables for 8-12 people.
Source: dimensions.guide
4. Oval Table Sizes
- Oval tables come in a range of sizes and proportions from common 4-6 person tables at 2’6” x 5’ | 76 x 152 cm, up to large 10-12 person tables at 4’6” x 10’ | 137 x 305 cm.
- Oval tables sized for six people have a variety of widths from 2’6”-3’ | 76-91 cm and lengths from 5’-6’ | 152-183 cm.
- Oval tables sized for ten people are sized with widths between 3’6”-4’6” | 107-137 cm and lengths from 8’-10’ | 244-305 cm.
Source: dimensions.guide
C. Base Types
Table bases – the legs that hold up the table top – influence not only the look of the table but also how your chairs will fit and the comfort of your guests.
1. Rectangular Leg Table
Many rectangular tables are constructed with four legs and two legs on the corners of the table. This allows chairs to be pushed in close to the table and avoids any issues with a pedestal or trestle interfering with people’s legroom beneath the table. Some larger rectangular sizes will have a trestle base, removing the legs from the corners of the table and instead having structural support in the center of the table. Benefits to this set-up include being able to place extra chairs at the corners of the table, or more than one chair on a short end.
2. Round Pedestal Table
Most round tables will be constructed with a pedestal base in the center of the table. As well as being able to place chairs around the table without running into a table leg, tables with a pedestal or trestle base that have leaves open more easily than ones with table legs. Round tables can sometimes have four legs, which may limit the number of chairs able to be placed around the table.
3. Square
Square coffee tables are fabulous when you are trying to connect your seating arrangement in your living room. No matter your style or budget there will be one for you in this category. That is the style shown above. If you are modern or traditional or transitional there are more options available as well.
4. Freeform
The idea of freeform design is that there is no concrete definition. This category comprises any tables that do not fit within standard shapes. Our first example stands in a rotated X-shape, with a pair of standard legs supporting opposite a full slab.
If you want to customize the legs to suit your tabletop or your bench, we're ready to help you. Live chat with us at flowyline.com or leave your email for a 3D drawing.
