Rectangular tables are the more traditional or “standard” table shape opportunity for most, but does this make it the right decision? We’ve previously looked over the square and roundtables. Today, we’ll be examining the cons and pros of rectangular tables. Our thought is if you’re given the information, you can then make the decision that will best work for your needs and your home, mainly if you’re building a custom table! Read on.
Black table rectangular tables with wood and fabric chairs.
Before we dive into our discussion of rectangular tables, there are a few critical measurements to keep in mind. These dimensions will help ensure you allow ample space and flow throughout your room when designing your custom furniture piece. No matter your table shape, keep the following in mind:
-Allow a minimum of 30-36 measures for furniture and wall clearance
-High traffic areas, if possible allow 48-60 inches for clearance
-Factor 24 inches per person to support for elbow room.
Why Choose Rectangular Tables
There’s no problem that rectangular tables are the most common design. They can go both informal or formal, with some design flexibility. When receiving a large number of visitors, rectangular tables are usually the best choice because of their shape. For example, with a pedestal base table, chairs can merely be added with no concern of maneuvering around table legs. Long, narrow room, long nearby table, their mirrored shape makes this a great fit. Another pro with rectangular tables is that they are the most functional when adding leaves. Their way is conducive and flexible to easy additions. An even more significant extra, depending on the size of the extensions, you can fit up to 4 more people. When considering seating, 42-48 inches adds more room for seating at the head of the table and allows Rectangular tables seating design serving dishes to remain on the table. With more narrow tables it may become a requirement to place serving dishes elsewhere when not in use. Not all will have the room, but if you’re interested in fitting two people at the head of the table, 55-60 inches works well and not to mention a unique seating arrangement.
Why Not Choose Rectangular Tables
There are only several negatives to selecting a rectangular table. The first is reach. When compared to a roundtable where dishes, food, etc. is placed central to all visitors, rectangular tables do not support for this because of their stretched frame. Going along with that, the segmented conversation is trying to avoid. Guests can be reached far away from one end of the table to the other. As a result, people may find themselves hardly shouting to converse. The final con is shaping. If your room is square, there are no problems. However, if your room shape differs significantly from a rectangle, you may find it hard to fit the table to space adequately.
Conclusion
Perhaps the reason why most create a custom rectangular table is that there are some cons to the shape. As a whole, they are a reliable, flexible, and sturdy way. Click if you’re curious what we have to say about the square and roundtables. Admittedly, we’ve made the decision-making process that much more comfortable!
To create your next custom table or ask about our design process, check out our Table Options page to get an impression of what we offer or Contact Us directly.