Mission Console Table

A formal round dining room table that’s 60 inches in diameter will seat 6 to 8 people, so when you’re planning space requirements, consider whether or not you can accommodate large armchairs or not. Why do we mention the chairs before discussing the style or theme of the room? Because although a round table is the preferred shape to accommodate more people and leave walking space without sharp table corners jutting out to interfere, one of the most common design mistakes when choosing round dining table and chairs for a formal area is misjudging the amount of space the chairs will require when pulled out or being used.

Solving The Space Issues

In a formal dinning room, fluidity of space, the ability to maneuver, to serve food gracefully and effortlessly is of utmost importance no matter the design concept or the rooms atmosphere. The best lighting, the finest linen tablecloth and the most exquisite china with the best cuisine will be lost if guests have trouble getting up from their seats, or if the hostess is constantly bumping into people’s legs or chair legs and armrests, or if the area around the table and chairs is just insufficient to maneuver comfortably.

How much space do you need behind each chair? About 3 feet….but more is better. Also consider that you’ll need about 10 square feet of space to accommodate any 60 inch round dining room table. Ideally you will not want a buffet or side table closer than 36 inches from the table, unless it’s a cart or trolley with wheels like a pastry or dessert tray that can be easily moved.

Decorating With Centerpieces and Candles

Regarding centerpieces for round tables, try to make them as low and wide as possible, certainly not taller than a wine glass. Use taller centerpieces on the side tables or the buffet console table if it is set against a wall.

Another question that often arises regarding the adornment of a round dining room table is that of candles. On long formal rectangular tables, tall candelabras or tall, thin candle arrangements can be worked into a formal dinner party table setting even if they are in the center of the table. Why? Because people are seated in a linear style and may converse primarily with the person seated beside them, however the entire atmosphere and seating arrangement at a round table is different. Everyone faces the center, people are more “together” as a whole and not so much paired to the person beside them. The person across or two seats away is equally accessible for conversation. Therefore tall candelabra centerpieces or tall candle arrangements will feel irritating, in fact obstruct the fluidity of the round communal atmosphere.

Don’t Hide An Antique Round Dining Table Under Heavy Linen Tablecloths

If you have an antique round dining table that has a beautiful finish or sculpted motif, don’t hide it under a tablecloth, even during a formal diner. It’s completely acceptable to use individual placemats even for formal occasions if the table itself is unique, especially wood, or an antique. The only reason you may opt for a tablecloth would be to protect a priceless heirloom, however, you may select a sheer fabric cloth instead of a heavy linen setting so guests can still appreciates your table’s charm. By the way, an online company called FrontGate sells large round dining table designs that are unusual and very affordably priced. They also offer centerpieces, low candles that are ideal for round seating arrangements, and a whole variety of dinning room decorations and accessories that are distinctive and elegant for any formal dinning room.

How To Make A Round Glass Dining Table Setting Formal

In general a glass table, as opposed to wood, will be a less formal dinning room option. However, if you select something like the Hillsdale Pompei wrought iron design and the chairs that have stained glass inlays, or something unique along those lines, perhaps even dark wood accents or an antique base, the atmosphere is altered from casual to at least semi-formal. The way in which you accent the table, and the room as a whole will affect the formality. For example a large round Persian rug below the table will add elegance, and a heavier tablecloth, perhaps with an Indian motif or a West Indies colonial theme, will give a touch of old-world charm.

Remember that there are also different types of formal. You needn’t have a round oak dining table with white linen to have elegance. Consider for example the formal setting you can achieve with a Contemporary New York Park Avenue or Manhattan theme. Using a dining table set like the Jofran Manhattan table with cherry wood base, you can add neutral colored, thick padded chairs, a contemporary carpet, modern glass vases or candle settings, and even modern art on the walls and have a chic atmosphere that’s clean and fresh yet formal. Add orange or red napkins, plate settings that are each a different color, vintage wine glasses in Mexican blown glass and create yet another formal yet unique ambiance. If you desire to purchase the furniture we’ve shown and like the ideas we present, they can be yours if you choose to shop online at a place called Dining Rooms Direct.

Budget Decorating

If you have limited space, are upgrading or decorating your dinning area on a tight budget, but still want a formal space to serve guests here’s a simple, practical and very affordable solution. International Concepts has a drop leaf wood round dining table, crafted in oak, beautifully finished with a pedestal stand for just over $190. This table can be covered with a white linen tablecloth, paired with simple oak chairs that have white cushions, accented with wood or wrought iron low candle sticks, an elegant centerpiece and crisp white linen napkins, and be just as formal as you like.

If you can’t afford the linen, use a cheap cotton tablecloth and napkins that have starched. Place a single flower with stem removed beside a tea light candle at each place setting, and even with cheap glass, not crystal, wine glasses for water, the table will be as proper as can be. If you’re wondering where to get those elusive crisp napkins and cloths, try Crate & Barrel. They have real linen for about $5 a napkin and a complete tablecloth for around $70, and cheaper versions are also available for under $4 and just over $40 for the table dressing.

Remember that decorating in simplicity can be just as elegant:

• Use color. Use pure white.
• Use a single flower.
• A single piece of colorful cloth.
• A clear square vase with orange roses.
• A white coffee cup. Clear wine glasses.
• Colored pebbles and a candle.

These are the things that will make your table special….be it large and expensive or affordable and set with care.

Need More Suggestions?

For more information on where to purchase round kitchen table designs, glass dining table styles, designer glass table creations from around the world and console table designs to compliment any room of your home, browse other related topics. At Mission Console Table we have a mission that goes far beyond consoles….

In today’s post we have recommended or shown items from FrontGate, Hillsdale Furniture, Jofran Furniture, and recommend shopping online at Dining Rooms Direct for some affordable table designs.

Tags: Dining Room Furniture // Add Comment »