Expert guide: buying a round dining table
Designer Tina Nettlefold gives her top tips for buying a round dining table plus our top 10 round dining tables for 2023.
Round dining tables are a popular and versatile choice, particularly for small spaces, but are also a firm favourite for larger spaces. Round dining settings create an intimate setting for family, friends and guests to enjoy a meal, while extendable round dining tables offer the ultimate flexibility when extra guests pop around.
In this guide, interior stylist Tina Nettlefold gives her expert tips on what to consider when buying a round dining table, plus we have our top 10 round dining tables for 2023.
Meet the designer:
Tina Nettlefold is a professional interior stylist and the creator and founder of T.House, an online platform that sells a philanthropic range of unique, limited-edition homewares.
What are the key things to consider when buying a round dining table?
The most important things to consider is the size and the shape of the table and that there is enough room to move around the table and chairs. Other things to consider is the material, functionality and versatility.
What are the ideal dimensions of a round dining table?
Depending on the room size and how many people you want to fit around the table . Aim for 120cm round for 4-6 people and 150-160cm round for 6-8 people.
Because there are no corners, a round dining table generally has a smaller footprint than a square or a rectangle table, making it suitable for smaller spaces. They also tend to fit more people around it when you have extra guests.
How do you get the proportions right when considering the right round dining table for your space?
You need at least 3 feet or 1 metre around the perimeter of the table, that means you need to add 1.8 centimetres to the width and the length of the table. Allow for approx 60cm of eating space (ideally a little bit more).
When you consider a round dining room table, consider the number of seats at the table and the room proportions. The most important thing to consider is allowing enough clearance to walk around the table while people are seated.
Any other pro tips for buying a round dining table?
Consider the legs on a round table, make sure there are 4 legs (as three or a tripod can be unstable) A tulip pedestal is the best, it allows for extra leg room and more people can sit around the table.
Consider an extendable round dining table, and a Banquette as it allows to fit more people than chairs.
don’t choose a table that’s so big people are unable to reach for the food in the middle or at least consider a lazy susan.
Consider durable materials for longevity and make sure the chairs you choose are comfortable and in proportion to your table.
Allow a minimum of 20 to 30 centimetres from the seat to the tabletop and avoid overcrowding your table with too many chairs, aim to position each chair 15 centimetres apart, this allows enough elbow room and brings balance to the space.
Our top 10 round dining tables
Darla teak dining table
Materials: solid teak timber
Size: 120d x 78h
Ethnicraft circle dining table
Materials: solid European oak (from sustainably
managed forests)
Sizes: 136d x 76h, 163d x 76h
Maro round dining table
Materials: composite stone top with acacia wood base
Size: 120d x 76h
Flow tasmanian oak dining table
Materials: solid Tasmanian oak (other timbers available)
Made in Australia by Southwood
Sizes: 90d x 78h, 120d x 78h, 150d x 78h
Ethicraft bok extension round dining table
Materials: solid European oak
(sustainably managed forests)
Size: 129d (extending to oval 179cm long) x 76h
Axel round dining table
Materials: solid acacia timber
Size: 160cm diameter x 75cm high
Anika dining table
Materials: solid mango wood (available in dark stain and marble top with natural base)
Size: 120d x 76h
Lee round dining table
Materials: recycled teak timber
Size: 140d x 76h
Rotunda round dining table
Materials: FSC Certified solid oak with
Terrazzo detail
Size: 120d x 75h
Ethnicraft mikado dining table
Materials: solid European oak (sustainably managed forests)
Size: 150d x 76h
