Round Kitchen Tables That Will Transform Your Small Dining Area
Having a comfortable place to gather for family meals is essential, even in a small kitchen. The right round kitchen table and chairs can make all the difference, creating an intimate dining nook perfect for weekday breakfasts and leisurely Sunday dinners. With some strategic planning and shopping, you can find the ideal round dining set to give your petite kitchen a whole new look.
When space is limited, a round table for 6 is a smart choice to maximize every inch. The curved edges promote easy conversation flow so no one has to shout across a wide expanse. Mealtimes feel more relaxed and connected. Keep reading for tips on choosing the perfect size, shape, materials and more for your small dining area.
Select the Ideal Size for Your Area
One of the biggest factors in shopping for a new kitchen table and chairs is making sure you choose the right size and scale. You want seating for 6 but not a table that overwhelms the room.
Start by carefully measuring the empty floor space available. Leave ample room all around for circulation. A good guideline is to allow 24 inches per person, which would require about 6 feet across for a table seating 6. Round tables typically come in diameters of 36, 42 or 48 inches. Aim for a 42-48 inch table, ideally 48 inches for a cozy yet comfortable fit.
The Virtues of a Circular Shape
Beyond fitting well in small spaces, round tables offer other benefits for intimate dining areas.
The rounded edges create a welcoming vibe perfect for gathering family and friends. Conversation flows easily without any tight corners cutting people off visually or physically. You'll never find yourself yelling over a wide expanse just to chat with those on the other side.
Other shapes like square or rectangular tend to box you in and dominate flow. Oval tables can work but still present a wider span to talk across. For small kitchens, a round table softens the whole look and feel of the room.
Key Materials to Evaluate
Durability should be a top criteria when selecting a table for a busy kitchen space. Opt for materials designed to withstand daily use and minor spills and scratches.
Wood table tops like oak and maple offer a classic warm look. But wood can stain and scratch over time with regular use. Frequent polishing is needed to keep it looking pristine.
Metal paired with tempered glass gives a sleek modern feel. The glass wipes clean easily. Metal stands up well to scrapes and scuffs with just an occasional buffing to keep it gleaming.
Natural materials like marble and granite elevate the elegance but require more maintenance. Be very careful of stains and cracks with marble. Granite is more durable but very heavy.
For longevity in an active kitchen, avoid more delicate marble and instead opt for durable wood or metal tabletops. Glass adds great ease of cleaning between meals.
Nail Down Critical Sizing Details
Beyond the overall table diameter, a few other key fitting factors should guide your shopping strategy.
Measure Entry Points
An often overlooked consideration is whether a new table will actually fit through your kitchen doorways, hallways or staircases. Take detailed measurements of every passage the table will need to go through.
Many round tables are 48-60 inches wide when laid flat for moving. Make sure door widths and angles can accommodate. Have a moving plan for tight squeezes. Legs often detach and tops separate into two halves to maneuver into place if needed.
Leave Room to Move Around
Having enough space around the table perimeter for people to pull out chairs and walk through is crucial. In a small kitchen, 42 inches should be the absolute minimum clearance. Even more room is better to prevent bumping elbows.
Accommodate Knees and Chairs
While a bench can save space, it also limits leg room when seated. Allow a minimum of 16 inches from the edge of the table for someone to pull out a chair and sit comfortably.
Standard table height is 28-30 inches. Taller counter height units around 36 inches work well with bar stools but limit traditional chair options.
Creative Space-Saving Solutions
A few smart add-ons can maximize every inch around a petite kitchen table.
Hidden Storage
Benches with built-in storage compartments or low shelves underneath add extra space for tucking away table linens and dinnerware. But the tradeoff is limiting leg room, so only choose storage benches if space is extremely tight.
Occasional Extension Leaves
Some round tables include removable leaf inserts to expand the diameter when needed for large gatherings. The downside is the seams of the leaves may not hold up as well long term compared to a fixed top.
Consider an extension slide out leaf if you only need extra room on rare occasions. These cleverly hide away when not in use so the table retains a streamlined look.
Quality round kitchen tables seating six generally range from $500 to $1,000. High-end designer tables can run over $2,000. Set a realistic budget maximum before falling in love with a pricey piece.
With some savvy shopping, you can find the perfect circular table and chairs to give your petite kitchen a fresh new look. Keep scale, measurements and smart space-saving options in mind, and soon you'll be happily dining together in style.