Dining Table Shape vs Room Layout

Rectangular Tables

Best for long, narrow dining rooms. They seat the most people per square foot. Allow 36 inches of clearance on each side for chair pull-out.

Round Tables

Ideal for square rooms. Everyone faces each other, improving conversation. A 48-inch round seats four comfortably; 60 inches seats six.

Oval Tables

Combine the capacity of rectangular with the soft edges of round. Good for families with young children.

Square Tables

Work in square rooms or eat-in kitchens. A 42-inch square seats four. For larger groups, two square tables pushed together create a banquet feel.

Traffic Flow Rules

• Minimum 36 inches between table edge and wall
• 42-48 inches if the space is a walkway
• 60 inches if a door swings into the area