Do Round Dining Tables Save Space?

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If you insist on having a dining table in your small flat, you'll want to pick a round one. Firstly, round dining tables have small footprint. Pick one with a pedestal and you'll be sure that all your chairs can be tucked into the table, thus saving floor space when the area is unused.

You can place your round dining table in a tight corner, without the fear of wasting space. And you can actually pack in more people in a round table setting than a square or rectangular one. Just pull out a few stools and you're ready for a party!

Interior design by The Scientist Pte Ltd

1. Round dining tables are more space saving

Round dining tables offer several advantages, especially in compact or square spaces, as they create a more open and accessible layout without sharp corners. This can make them feel more spacious and user-friendly in tighter rooms.

Interior design by EHKA Studio

2. More equality

With no head of the table, round tables encourage a sense of equality and connection, ideal for fostering smaller gatherings. The absence of sharp edges allows everyone to face one another, creating a more intimate setting perfect for conversations.

Interior design by JQ Ong/ The Association

3. Easier Movements

This shape also promotes easier movement around the table, which is useful in smaller dining areas, as it minimises obstructive corners.

Interior design by Zara Interior

4. Fits More People

Additionally, round tables can often fit more people comfortably in a limited space compared to square or rectangular tables, which generally require more room for each chair to fit around the table’s edges.

Interior design by JQ Ong/ The Association

5. Cultural Importance

Round dining tables are particularly popular in East Asian countries, including China, Japan, and South Korea, due to cultural values that emphasise unity and equality, especially during meals.

In Chinese culture, the round shape symbolises harmony and wholeness, making it a preferred choice for family gatherings and celebratory meals. The concept also extends to communal dining in restaurants, where round tables make it easier to share food placed at the center.

In Western countries, round tables are also appreciated, especially in modern or minimalistic home designs where space optimisation and social flow are priorities.

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