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When you picture a dining table, most people imagine a long wooden rectangle. But in recent years, homeowners have been rethinking tradition and opting instead for glass round dining tables that bring openness, style, and versatility to modern dining rooms.
"Some people may think that glass dining tables work in any space like wood dining tables. However, glass is very different from wood and has different capabilities and limitations," explains Zeina Badawi, the Interior Designer at La-Z-Boy Kanata.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of glass dining tables, how they fit into today’s design trends, and whether a glass round table is the right choice for your home.
Key Takeaways:
- Glass round dining tables give the illusion of more space, making them especially effective in small dining rooms and open-concept layouts.
- Tempered glass options enhance safety and durability, making these tables more practical for households with families.
- Cleaning a glass table is straightforward, but it requires frequent maintenance to manage fingerprints and smudges.
- Round edges eliminate sharp corners, improving both comfort and safety compared to rectangular or square designs.
- In general, glass tables are priced lower than wood dining tables, although premium upgrades such as frosted or extendable tops increase costs.
- La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston offer Canadel glass dining tables with a wide range of customizable bases and finishes.
In This Article…
- The Rise of Glass Round Dining Tables
- How to Incorporate a Glass Round Dining Room Table in Your Home
- Glass vs Wood Dining Tables: Pros and Cons
- Safety and Durability Considerations
- Cost of Glass Dining Room Tables
- Glass Dining Room Tables at La-Z-Boy
- FAQs About Glass Dining Tables
The Rise of Glass Round Dining Tables
While glass tables may feel like a modern invention, they have been admired by designers for decades. Their appeal lies in their ability to make a dining room feel larger, brighter, and more open compared to the heavier presence of wood. This effect is particularly valuable in today’s housing market, where many people live in smaller homes, condos, or apartments.
"Believe it or not, the trend of having a glass dining room table is not anything new," says Zeina. "Interior designers have always praised glass tables for their simple yet diverse style and look."
The renewed popularity of glass dining tables is also connected to current design preferences. Contemporary and minimalist interiors have become increasingly desirable. To learn more about current design trends, take a look at this article.
With clean lines and neutral tones dominating many homes, a glass round dining table fits naturally into these aesthetics. Unlike heavy wooden pieces that sometimes dominate a room, glass blends seamlessly with surrounding décor, allowing chairs, rugs, and lighting fixtures to shine.
Another reason these tables are making a comeback is their ability to complement a wide range of styles. While they are often associated with modern or sophisticated looks, round glass tables can also enhance transitional and eclectic designs. This flexibility makes them a strong option for homeowners who want furniture that adapts as trends change.
How to Incorporate a Glass Round Dining Table Into Your Home
Many people initially view glass tables as statement pieces that belong in high-end or formal dining rooms. While they certainly work in elegant spaces, their practical advantages make them equally appealing for everyday use.
- Maximizing Small Dining Rooms
The transparency of a glass top makes a room feel less cluttered, which is ideal for small apartments, condos, or dining nooks. A glass round table gives the illusion of extra space while still providing ample seating. - Enhancing Open-Concept Homes
In larger rooms where multiple furniture pieces compete for attention, a wooden table can sometimes feel heavy or block sightlines. Glass allows light to flow freely and keeps the room feeling airy and balanced. - Creating Multi-Purpose Spaces
A round glass dining table can double as a home office desk, a craft station, or even a decorative display surface when not being used for meals. Its neutral design ensures it transitions seamlessly between functions.
By selecting the right chairs, rug, and lighting, a glass round dining table can easily become the centrepiece of a versatile and stylish dining area.
Glass vs. Wood Dining Tables: Pros and Cons
When choosing between a glass or wood dining table, there are several important considerations. Each material offers unique strengths and drawbacks, and the right choice often depends on your lifestyle and design goals.
If you’re interested in learning more about the comparison of Glass vs. Wooden Coffee Tables, take a look at this article.
Customization and Style
However, what glass tables lack in surface options, they make up for in base and pedestal designs. The legs of a glass table can be sculptural, metallic, or intricately detailed, becoming a statement piece in themselves.
"Sometimes, less is more, and some people may feel too overwhelmed with the number of wooden table options there are," says Zeina. Choosing between clear or frosted glass often feels simpler than navigating dozens of wood tones and finishes.
Cleanliness
One of the biggest advantages of glass tables is how easy they are to wipe down. A damp cloth or disinfecting wipe removes most spills quickly.
However, they also reveal fingerprints, water rings, and smudges far more readily than wood. Homeowners who value a consistently pristine look should be prepared for frequent cleaning.
Tempered glass, available at many furniture retailers, is heat-resistant and more durable, helping prevent cloudy spots caused by hot dishes.
Durability
Wood generally holds up better over decades, especially in busy households. Scratches or dents can often be sanded and refinished. Glass, on the other hand, is more fragile. Deep scratches permanently affect the look, and breakage can be hazardous.
Zeina emphasizes that families with small children or energetic pets may want to think carefully before investing in a glass dining table.
Comfort
Round tables naturally encourage conversation and allow everyone to feel equally included. They also eliminate sharp corners that can pose safety hazards. For households with children, a round glass table is often more comfortable and safer than rectangular glass alternatives.
Cost
On average, glass dining tables are priced lower than solid wood because they require less craftsmanship in terms of carving and finishing.
However, premium features such as frosted glass, extendable tops, or tempered glass upgrades can bring the price closer to that of high-quality wooden tables.
To learn more about the Cost of a Dining Room Table, take a look at this article.
Safety and Durability Considerations
A major question many homeowners ask is whether glass dining tables are safe. The answer depends on the type of glass used and the environment of your home.
Tempered glass is the industry standard for dining tables. It is manufactured to be significantly stronger than standard glass and, if broken, it shatters into small granular pieces rather than sharp shards. This makes it much safer for families.
Still, glass remains more delicate than wood, and households with very active children or pets may prefer the peace of mind that wood provides.
"Even deep scratches on a glass table might ruin its design for good," notes Zeina. This is why placement, usage, and protective accessories like placemats and table runners are so important.
For families, the round shape provides additional safety by eliminating corners. It also allows for more flexible seating arrangements without anyone bumping into sharp edges.
Cost of Glass Dining Tables
The average glass dining table ranges between $500 and $2,000, depending on size, design, and upgrades. In comparison, solid wood dining tables often start higher and can exceed $3,000 for premium pieces.
At La-Z-Boy and Canadel, prices vary based on several factors:
- Type of glass: clear, frosted, or tempered
- Table size: smaller round tables cost less than large dining options
- Base design: intricate or custom bases increase cost
- Customization: additional features like extension mechanisms or specialty finishes also add to the price
While glass tables often provide an affordable entry point, homeowners should be prepared for higher prices if they choose premium finishes or custom designs.
Glass Dining Tables at Canadel and La-Z-Boy
Canadel’s Downtown Collection prominently features glass dining tables, including round options, which are available through La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston. Customers can choose from different bases, seating, and finishes, ensuring their table feels personal and unique.
La-Z-Boy also partners with other trusted furniture brands, including American Drew, Kincaid, and Hammary, giving homeowners multiple options when shopping for dining furniture.
FAQs
Are glass dining tables safe for families?
Yes, especially when made with tempered glass and designed with rounded edges. However, households with very young children or energetic pets may prefer wood for its added durability.
Do glass dining tables scratch easily?
Glass is more prone to scratches than wood, but using placemats, tablecloths, and coasters helps prevent damage. Choosing tempered glass also increases resistance.
How do you style a glass round dining table?
Pairing a glass table with upholstered chairs creates warmth and comfort. Adding a rug beneath the table grounds the space, while a chandelier or pendant light above makes the table a true focal point.
Are glass dining tables still in style in 2025?
Yes. With the popularity of minimalist, contemporary, and open-concept interiors, glass round dining tables remain a top choice among homeowners who want a balance of elegance and practicality.
What's Next?
Now that you know the strengths, limitations, and costs of a glass round dining table, the decision comes down to whether it suits your lifestyle and design goals.
La-Z-Boy and Canadel have been furniture partners for quite some time now, meaning you can shop for all things Canadel by visiting any of our La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston locations. You can also visit Canadel’s flagship store at our Kanata location.
Canadel isn’t the only dining room furniture partnership La-Z-Boy has. We also have dining room furniture from American Drew, Kincaid, and Hammary to choose from, which you can learn more about through their respective review articles.
While you’re at a La-Z-Boy showroom, you can also check out La-Z-Boy’s selection of high-quality furniture items we have in store for all your living room needs.
For personalized shopping advice, book an appointment online or talk to an interior designer in person. To learn more about La-Z-Boy’s Dining Room Furniture, take a look at our comprehensive Dining Room Furniture Buyer’s Guide.
Related Articles:
Do Area Rugs Belong in a Dining Room?
How to Decorate Your Dining Room: 6 Simple Steps to Follow
Cost to Furnish a Dining Room: Budget & Cost Breakdown
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