Which Dining Room Table Size and Shape is Right for You?

Est. Reading Time: 8 Mins

A dining table isn’t just furniture. It’s the centrepiece of family gatherings, holiday dinners, and everyday meals. But with so many table shapes and sizes available, choosing the right fit for your home can feel overwhelming.

Interior Designer Zeina Badawi, the interior designer from Las-Z-Boy Kanata, explains: “There is a lot to think about when trying to pick the right dining table for your space. The right shape and size can completely transform the flow and function of a room.”

In this article, we’ll help you decide by breaking down Canadel’s customizable dining tables, the pros and cons of each shape, and the factors you should consider before buying.

Key Takeaways:

• Canadel offers five primary table shapes: square, round, rectangular, oval, and boat-shaped.
• Square and round tables are ideal for small spaces and create intimacy in smaller gatherings.
• Rectangular and oval tables are better suited for larger dining rooms and families who host frequently.
• Boat-shaped tables are unique to Canadel and combine functionality with style.
• Important considerations include room shape, measurements, seating capacity, style preferences, and budget.
• Canadel allows for a high level of customization, which means you can tailor your table to your exact needs.

In This Article…

1. Which Dining Table Shape is Best for My Space?
2. Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dining Table
3. FAQs About Dining Shapes & Sizes
   
   

Main Question: Which Dining Table Shape is Best for My Space?

The number one question homeowners ask when shopping for a new dining table is simple: “Which dining table shape is best for my space?” The answer depends heavily on the shape of your room, the number of people you plan to seat, and the atmosphere you want to create.

Below is a breakdown of the most common Canadel dining table shapes and how they can work in your home.

Square Dining Tables

Square dining tables are less common than rectangular ones, but they work beautifully in small, square-shaped rooms. They create balance in the space and typically seat up to four people.

Their biggest advantage is intimacy. With everyone seated close together, conversations feel more natural than at a long table. Many square tables also come with extensions, allowing them to transform into rectangles when more seating is needed.

The downside is that they are not ideal for large gatherings, since even with extensions, they may not provide enough length for bigger families or dinner parties.

Round Dining Tables

Round dining tables share many benefits with square tables, but add a softer aesthetic. They are excellent for small spaces and open-concept areas, where they create the illusion of a table looking smaller.

Zeina explains: “Round dining tables create the illusion of a table looking smaller. This makes them perfect for compact rooms where you want to avoid overwhelming the space.”

Round tables also foster conversation, since everyone faces the center. For couples or small families, they create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. A glass round table can make a room feel even more open and airy.

The main drawback is their limited surface area. While perfect for intimate meals, they are less practical for large spreads or seating more than six people.

To learn more about Canadel Glass Round Dining Tables, take a look at this article.

Rectangular Dining Tables

Rectangular dining tables are the most traditional and versatile option. They suit most dining rooms, especially those that are long in shape. A standard rectangular table can seat four to six people, and with extensions, it can fit ten or more.

The ideal width is 36 to 42 inches, which balances serving space and comfort. Anything narrower may feel cramped, while wider tables can dominate the room.

One drawback is that they can feel too large in small spaces, and narrower versions may require additional pieces like a buffet or sideboard for serving dishes.

Oval Dining Tables

Oval tables combine the best features of round and rectangular tables. They offer the seating capacity of a rectangle but soften the look of the room with their curved edges. This makes them particularly well-suited for long, narrow rooms where you want to avoid sharp corners.

Because of their curves, oval tables often appear smaller than they are, which can be a benefit if you are trying to maintain a more open feeling in your dining space. However, the rounded ends reduce the usable surface area compared to a rectangular table of the same length.

Boat-Shaped Dining Tables

Boat-shaped dining tables are less common and are unique to certain Canadel collections. These tables are a blend of rectangular and oval designs. They have straight sides like a rectangle, but gently curve at the edges like an oval.

This shape makes them an excellent option for homeowners who want something distinctive and modern without sacrificing function. Boat-shaped tables seat a similar number of people as rectangular tables, but their subtle curves give them a softer and more stylish appearance.

The only limitation is availability. Currently, boat-shaped tables are only offered in select Canadel collections, which narrows the choices for shoppers.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dining Table

Zeina mentions 5 different factors to consider when someone wants to purchase a dining room table but isn’t sure what kind of shape or size they may be looking for. 

1. Shape of the Room

The layout of your dining space is one of the biggest factors when choosing a table. Rectangular and oval tables work best in long or open rooms, since their length mirrors the shape of the space and helps anchor it. They also function well as a divider in open-concept homes.

Square and round tables are better for small rooms, kitchen nooks, or compact apartments, where their shape allows for easier movement and prevents the area from feeling crowded.

As a general rule, pick a table shape that mirrors your room’s outline. Long rooms pair well with rectangular or oval tables, while smaller or square rooms feel more balanced with round or square tables.

To learn more about Decorating Your Dining Room, take a look at this article.

2. Room Measurements

Proper measurements are essential. Zeina stresses that you should leave enough space to move comfortably around the table. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 36 inches of clearance on all sides for chairs and walking space.

If you plan to use captain’s chairs with arms or dining benches, certain shapes will work better. Zeina explains: “Customers who want benches or captain’s chairs should consider rectangular or boat-shaped tables. Round and oval shapes tend to feel crowded with these chair types.”

To learn more about How to Measure Your Room, take a look at this article.

3. Number of People at the Table

Think about how many people will use your table daily and for special occasions. Canadel recommends the following guidelines:

• 2 people: 24 to 36 inches
• 4 people: 48 to 60 inches
• 6 people: 72 to 84 inches
• 8 people: 96 to 108 inches
• 10 or more: 120 inches or larger

These guidelines help ensure each person has about two feet of personal space.

4. Aesthetic Preferences

Style matters as much as function. The table’s base, finish, and shape all contribute to the overall look of your dining room. Choosing a table that complements your existing furniture and décor will make the room feel cohesive.

Zeina reminds homeowners to pay attention to details like the difference between pedestals and legs, which not only affect the look but also how easy it is to seat people around the table.

5. Budget and Customization

Canadel tables are handcrafted from high-quality birch, which makes them an investment compared to mass-produced furniture. The size, finish, and choice of tabletop or base can all influence the final price. For example, thicker tops, pedestal bases, and glass options will increase the cost.

The good news is that Canadel’s UDesign tool allows you to customize nearly every aspect of your table. From shape and size to colour and finish, you can create a table that perfectly fits your space and lifestyle. For even more specific requests, the Signature Program allows custom dimensions.

FAQs

What shape of dining table saves the most space?
Round tables are generally the most space-efficient because they eliminate corners and improve traffic flow around the table.

How many people can sit at a 72-inch dining table?
A 72-inch table comfortably seats six people, depending on chair size.

What is a boat-shaped dining table?
A boat-shaped dining table is a design unique to Canadel. It combines the straight sides of a rectangle with the curved edges of an oval, offering a sleek and modern look.

Can I customize the size of a Canadel dining table?
Yes. Canadel offers customization through both the UDesign tool and the Signature Program, which allow customers to request specific dimensions, finishes, and features.

What's Next?

Now that you have a clear understanding of the shapes, sizes, and considerations involved in choosing a Canadel dining table, the next step is to see them in person.

La-Z-Boy partners with Canadel to provide a wide range of dining furniture at our Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston locations, as well as at the Canadel Kanata showroom. You can schedule an appointment online or visit in person to test different sizes and see the finishes up close.

Our design consultants are always ready to help you find the right fit. Take advantage of our complimentary interior design services to visualize how your dining table will look in your home and ensure your investment suits both your lifestyle and space.

If you want to continue exploring La-Z-Boy’s dining room furniture selection, take a look at our comprehensive Dining Room Buyer’s Guide.

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