The Perfect Table for any Space

Choosing the right size, shape, and more

At Thos. Moser, we believe a table should be the center of the home, office, or conference room; and as such, it must be built to withstand daily wear and tear and age gracefully. A table is where we come together. Where families and friends gather to share a meal, colleagues share ideas and inspire each other. We come away from a table with experiences and memories that transcend menus, meetings, place settings, and linens. Whether you are looking for a table to fit in your kitchen, a formal dining area, or a flexible work environment, finding the right table for your space is key. We’ve put together a list of important considerations and a seating equation to help you find the perfect table to match your style and space.

Pinpointing the needs of your dining area

Room & Style

Before we begin considering which table to choose, the first step is pinpointing the room’s needs. What will the table be used for? Is it for a more formal, casual, or everyday gathering place? Do you have other large pieces of furniture or architectural elements to plan around? Once you understand your space’s measurements and shape, you can begin to consider table layouts. Whatever the table’s use, allow at least three feet of clearance around the table for ease of movement around the dining area.

Solid wood tables are available in a variety of sizes and configurations to best complement your space. The most common dining table shapes are round, square, rectangular, and oblong. Square and round tables work best in square rooms, while rectangular or oblong tables are best in rectangular spaces. Sticking to this logic will ensure you maximize your space and table size.

After narrowing down your table shape and table size it is time to consider which styles and aesthetic elements are important to you. Structurally, there are three common table styles; pedestal, trestle, and legged tables. These varying design structures can also vary stylistically – from traditional to minimal to modern. Remember that all your dining room furniture does not always need to be of the same style. If your whole dining room leans towards the modern side, it can provide a nice contrast to anchor the room with a table that is more traditional. If you’re struggling to find a style that fits your other furniture or your space, we invite you to reach out to one of our sales associates for help. Our sales team is comprised of design specialists that are eager to help you make your vision a reality.

Choosing the right shape

Square Tables

Square tables work well in smaller spaces, creating a more intimate dining experience and allow those seated to have easy conversations. If you are looking to place a table in a square room, a square dining table is a perfect complement to the room. Why? A square table allows for a visual balance to the room and will comfortably allow ease of movement around those seated at the table should they need to get up during the middle of a meal.

Rectangular Tables

When we think of formal dining tables, we often turn to a rectangular table’s classic look. These long, spacious tables allow for large gatherings, extravagant spreads, and tops adorned with candles and centerpieces. This may also be one of the most common dining tables as the rooms they often inhabit are also rectangular in shape. The long look of this table allows for clean, minimal lines in the room. To ensure that you and your guests have adequate space at their settings and room at the center of the table, choose a table at least 36″ – 42″ across.

Round Tables

Round tables work well in several spaces, from kitchen nooks, alcoves, smaller rooms, and offer a few unique traits that their more angular cousins fall short on. Ideal for casual spaces and dining, round tables provide a central space that everyone can reach, allow for easier conversations, and create a welcoming and cozy dining experience, as no one is inadvertently made the head of the table.

Oblong Tables

A stunning oblong table can create visual interest in any room. These tables exhibit the finest traits of round and rectangular tables. They offer plenty of room for dinner guests and the casual comfort of a rounded table. These tables work best in rooms where you need to seat several diners but may have slightly smaller dining space. The rounded edges of an oblong table allow for fluid motion around the table and create a stunning juxtaposition to the physical room’s angular features.

extension tables

Consider how your day-to-day needs differ from your occasional needs. You may be able to create a spacious and functional dining space by choosing an extension table or drop-leaf table. Extension tables include leaves that can be inserted into the tabletop to create extra length to accommodate two or more additional place settings. These tables offer the ideal solution for those who love to host dinner parties or larger family events but do not need additional seating on a day-to-day basis. When not in use, extra leaves can be removed to condense the dining table’s footprint. When selecting an extension table or drop-leaf table, be sure to measure the table when the extension leaf is inserted or the sides have been opened, so you will know that it fits seamlessly into your room.

Two things will help you select the right size table. One, how big is the room you will be putting it in, and two, how many people would you ideally like to sit at the table. Once you have figured out the shape of the table you would like, you can look at different sizes. While we offer many standard sizes in our catalog, we are always willing to work with you and create a table that fits your unique needs to create a table that is undeniably yours.

Choosing the proper size and shape for a dining table is important – room size, usage requirements, and style should all be considered. Many of our tables are designed to seamlessly integrate across our portfolio, from dining chairs to cases. For more information about pairing dining pieces or customization, please contact us for a consultation.

You may also enjoy reading…