Thanks to its association with a cozy cafe, a neat round table creates a romantic, warm and very soulful atmosphere in the kitchen and dining room. The large round table looks solemn and majestic. In this regard, a rectangular table is inferior to a round one. However, each of them has its drawbacks. What are the pros and cons of a round table? How to choose its size? Where to place it? The article provides answers to these and other questions.
pros
1. A round table is optimal for families with small children. There are no sharp corners - less chance of injury.
2. A round table on one leg is a practical solution for a small dining area. With an equal tabletop perimeter, a round table is more convenient than a rectangular one. You can seat more guests at it. There are no corners, which means you can sit equally comfortably at any part of the table.
Round table in the interior: soulful, soft, romantic
3. Kitchens have a lot of straight lines and angles. The roundness of the dining table softens the interior, making it more comfortable.
Minuses
1. Tables on one leg are not very stable. If there are small children in the house, this can be dangerous. Before you buy a table, make sure it won't tip over if a child tries to climb on it.
2. Round tables with four legs are more stable and reliable, but less practical: because of the legs, the number of seats is reduced.
3. By installing a rectangular table in a corner, you can achieve significant space savings. Such a feint will not work with a round table.
4. If the table is large, it may be difficult to reach the common dishes in the center. This creates certain inconveniences.
However, there are tables on sale whose design can partially solve this problem. We are talking about models with a rotating circle in the center. In the West, this “twist” is called “Lazy Susan”. Dishes with snacks are installed on a rotating “over-table” - this eliminates the need to pass dishes to each other, because they can be accessed from anywhere on the table.
Advantages and disadvantages
To think about purchasing a round table, just remember its advantages:
- Compact shape that allows the best use of square meters in the kitchen or dining room. The number of seats will be maximum compared to a rectangular structure of the same dimensions.
In conditions of shortage of space Source houzz.ru
- There are no corners that not only children, but also adults periodically stumble upon.
Corners are useless here Source gretahome.ru
- A pleasant atmosphere that accompanies every lunch or dinner. Those gathered for a meal see the faces, not the profiles of their neighbors.
In a modern living room Source pinterest.com
- Value for design. A round table in the interior of a kitchen or living room is a non-standard and elegant solution.
In a modern kitchen Source pinterest.se
The disadvantage of the design is the impossibility of placing it close to the wall - a round tabletop will touch the wall at one point, and the space on the sides will “walk”. The second significant disadvantage is the instability of round tables, although this is not a problem for all models.
Not the most reliable Source architecturein.com
Sustainable at all Source www.lindysfurniture.com
Leg selection
The standard version of a round table on four legs will be an excellent addition to a classic antique interior. This design is the most stable. Installing such a table would be appropriate in spacious kitchen areas or dining rooms.
The most optimal and functional option is a round tabletop on one support. Such a table can accommodate a large number of guests, the legs of the table will not interfere with anyone, and the seating will be comfortable. The opinion that one support does not inspire confidence and is unstable is prejudice.
Particular attention should be paid to the design of the table legs. They must be in harmony with the interior style and appearance of the kitchen unit. Be a complement, not stand out.
Variety is not a bad thing: types of tables
In addition to standard ones that remain unchanged in size, manufacturers offer improved designs that allow you to effectively manage space. Models that change size are necessary if the house has a small kitchen or living room, and guests are often invited.
Standard design Source vuelosfera.com
In order for the folding version to last a long time, all elements of the transformation mechanism must be metal. According to their design features, folding structures are divided into the following types:
- Sliding (transformer). This option is more expensive than others. The tabletop consists of several parts. When assembled, some of the elements are hidden under the outer surface. When the table needs to be enlarged, the outer elements move to the sides, and the hidden ones rise and fill the area.
Transformer for the kitchen Source mm-kaudal.ru
For a large company Source www.qorix.com
- Folding (table-book). When assembled, the side parts (having additional legs) are lowered down. When guests are expected, both side parts are raised. The rest of the time it can be installed close to the wall, lowering one part.
Folding table for a small kitchen Source roomester.ru
Dining area in a modern style Source pinterest.com
- For a small kitchen. A round kitchen table in the interior does not fit into every space. In a small room, a truncated version is relevant - a semicircular model. Less common is a model attached with the flat side to a wall or window sill. When folded, such a tabletop does not take up space, and is installed in the working position using a support leg.
When every square meter counts Source hedraflors.com
In the spirit of minimalism Source pinterest.com
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in the construction of turnkey country houses
Design feature
Designers are constantly striving to push the limits of ergonomics and functionality of round table designs while maintaining their elegance and beauty. Today it is worth highlighting two options for countertop designs. Let's look at them in more detail.
Sliding
The extendable table consists of three elements. When folded, it has a round shape. By moving the two halves of the tabletops apart and installing an additional link between them, the table takes on an oval shape and becomes large and spacious.
Folding
A folding table, or book table, is one of the most popular for use in a small kitchen. Laying out this type of structure is much simpler than sliding options. The tabletop consists of two elements, one of which is lowered when folded and has the shape of a semicircle. To enlarge it and make it round, you need to lift half of the tabletop and secure it with a special structure.
This table can seat up to 10 people. However, when folded, it is suitable for use by two or three people, and you can sit at it only on one side, since it will be uncomfortable for a person to sit in the folded half.
Materials
The nice thing about round tables is that they are compatible with any design. The main thing to do is to choose the right material and color of the countertop. Products made from the following materials are available for sale:
- Tree. A classic, solid and durable option. The pattern and texture of the surface depends on the raw materials used: solid pine, birch, ash, oak. A wooden round table in the living room interior requires periodic maintenance; it is varnished and polished.
French chic Source boopalinaandbebe.com
Ready for breakfast Source pscreative.info
Dining area in the living room Source pinterest.com
- Imitation wood. Inexpensive countertops are made from fiberboard and particleboard. A budget option (which is better to avoid) is laminated chipboard. The material absorbs water well, which is why it quickly deforms, and also emits toxic formaldehyde. Veneered MDF is a higher quality material: durable and with a wide choice of colors and textures.
MDF table top Source pinterest.com
Light wood dining table Source realty.rbc.ru
Plastic model in Provence style Source pinterest.ca
- Glass. A glass tabletop does not visually clutter up the space, and therefore is relevant for a small room. For its manufacture, especially durable hardened triplex, sometimes colored or matte, is used.
With forging elements Source ro.aviarydecor.com
Original support design Source qacico.com
In vintage style Source moderncontempo.com
- Plastic. Plastic products are lightweight, easy to clean, and have a variety of appearances. Unfortunately, they do not fit into all styles.
For geometry lovers Source www.heals.com
How to cheer up Source pic2.me
Such furniture is easy to care for Source tass-sib.ru
- Rare options. Countertops made of metal, stone or mosaic tiles are rarely found. As a rule, such products are made to order and are not cheap. In addition to their impressive decor, they are distinguished by their long service life and ease of maintenance.
With marble top Source www.pinterest.nz
Designer's work Source dorofeybrychov.ru
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in interior redevelopment
Tile
The tile has a rather exotic appearance, is heavy, but does not require maintenance and is easy to use.
Color
The color of the table is determined solely by the interior and the taste of the owners. A kitchen or living room with a round table will look more interesting if you choose chairs that differ in tone from the tabletop (lighter or darker). Popular colors are:
- White. A white table makes the interior slightly sterile (unless it’s minimalism). A milky or cream-colored model is perceived much more positively.
Graphic color selection Source soldronzgreen.com
- Brown (natural wood). A universal color for the dining area, cozy and familiar, with many variations. Brown models fit into all styles, from Provence and country, to loft and Scandinavian.
In a traditional interior Source dizayndoma101.com
- Black. In certain styles (modern, high-tech), black furniture looks elegant, in others it looks ridiculous. In the right environment, a black table can become the highlight of the interior.
Black varnish always attracts attention Source www.goodnewsarchitecture.com
- Grey. Universal solution; a gray tabletop can be combined with all colors; looks organic in both classic and ultra-modern surroundings.
Living room in classic French style Source pinterest.ru
- Colors of rainbow. Installing a bright (yellow, red, blue) table is justified if it will play a major role in the interior of the room. For the best effect, the surroundings should be of contrasting color.
In Provence style Source vdomax.ru
Ideas for tables in the kitchen-living room
If the kitchen-living room has a rectangular and slightly elongated shape, then it is better to place this structure near a window or balcony, in a spacious room with square geometry; a round table will look very impressive in the middle. Also, quite often in this interior a bar model with shelves or drawers is used in combination with high stools or chairs; this design will allow you to visually zone the space.
How to choose
When choosing, take into account the following parameters:
- Format and size of the room. First of all, evaluate the area of the room in which you plan to place the table. In a small room, the best place would be the corner area. If the kitchen or living room is large, a massive model is appropriate.
There should be free space around Source yandex.ru
- Family size. A round dining table is usually purchased for a small family. A model designed for 8 or more people will be too large to communicate comfortably.
For 8 persons Source www.chinahao.com
- Product Features. The main factors are the design and material of the countertop. If there is not much space, and you like to invite guests, purchasing a transforming table will help.
Romance for two Source designm2.ru
How to position a round table correctly
The most successful option is a central location in the room. Thus, the table becomes the main design element. You can install lamps above it to further highlight this area. You definitely shouldn’t place such a table in the corner of the room. Firstly, this is not practical, and secondly, such an arrangement will not look harmonious at all.
They smooth out the overall design and make the atmosphere more comfortable.
Table and style
Although round-shaped models fit into any interior, there are some restrictions on the choice of material and color scheme:
- In a classic interior. The tabletop is made of unpainted solid wood. The dark color gives the product solidity, the light color gives it elegance.
Contrast solution Source nitaweb.com
- In an informal interior. In a Provence or shabby chic living room, a wooden table painted white, perhaps with a worn effect, looks decent. The legs may be carved or curved; the original option is forged or rattan supports.
Shabby chic Source jossandmain.com
Dining table in the living room Source sk.designluxpro.com
A little more Provence Source houzz.ru
- In modern styles. Models with a thin wooden tabletop are recommended. The glass or plastic option will visually look smaller than its actual size. A plastic table, complemented by the same chairs, will be an excellent option for a living room (dining room, kitchen) in a high-tech or minimalist style.
In the Art Nouveau style Source dizayndoma.net
Practical elegance Source culturegravity.com
Kitchen design options with a round table (photo selection)
Round and oval kitchen tables look very elegant and aesthetically pleasing. You can verify this by looking at a selection of photos showing designs with such products.
The main thing is to choose the appropriate material and style of the product.
Pros and cons of the round table
This option has both advantages and disadvantages. First, let's list the positive aspects:
- adding comfort to the design;
- lack of bulkiness;
- take up less space and leave more free space for passage;
- such a table can be placed both in residential and non-residential spaces;
- makes it possible to quickly style the space.
Round tables for the kitchen, in the interior of an apartment or house, look very neat.
But there are several disadvantages. For example, this option is not suitable for an interior where square and rectangular shapes predominate. Also, such a model cannot be placed directly against the wall - this will disrupt the harmony in the interior. Finding a cheap middle table is almost impossible, since most of them belong to the middle and high price segment.
Such tables add maximum coziness to the atmosphere, emphasize its sophisticated appearance and allow you to create an accent in a certain part of the room.
What are the advantages of a round table in terms of design?
Of course, when planning space, many designers will prefer a round product, because such slots look more elegant and aesthetically pleasing. It is much easier to fit a round-shaped model into any design, and it will not look so bulky.
They have a fairly light appearance, due to which the space does not look overloaded.
MDF and chipboard laminated with plastic
To produce chipboard, wood chips are used, bonded together with a polymer resin, and MDF is made from wood fiber, glued together with ling and paraffin.
It is important to understand that in the first case, the product emits formaldehyde vapor during operation, and in the second, it is environmentally friendly. Both materials are coated with plastic for strength.
Furniture has both advantages and disadvantages:
- variety of colors and imitations of textures;
- heat resistance - of course, it’s better not to place a hot pan, but it can withstand hot temperatures;
- a glossy surface is more susceptible to mechanical stress than a matte one;
- The chipboard or MDF material itself is very sensitive to moisture, so it is necessary to carefully cover the ends with an edge.
Along the wall or in the center of the room?
Depends on the area of the room
Before deciding to purchase a specific model, determine where the table will be installed. Here's what happens using the example of a rectangular model 80x120 cm: if you move the table against the wall with the long side, four people will sit at it; if you place the table perpendicular to the wall, five people will fit behind it; if you place the table in the center of the room - six.
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On the picture:
If the number of seats at the table is not critical, aesthetic preferences come to the fore, but if you have chosen a square or rectangular table, it is more rational to place it not against the wall, but closer to the center of the room.
Choose depending on style
At the peak of popularity today are neoclassical, scandi, eco, loft, shabby chic, ethnic, contemporary. But the most relevant is eclecticism.
Looking at most modern interior design projects, it is difficult to pinpoint a style. This is because strict adherence to the usual canons is a thing of the past. Loft and scandi are united, the classics are infused with modern features. American style has also already firmly established itself in the interiors of not only private homes, but also apartments with small kitchens.
All these stylistic features also predetermine trends in choosing a dining group. To set some guidelines in choosing furniture, we divided it by design into several large groups.
Classic + modern style
Pompous, richly decorated tables are a thing of the past. But you can easily afford one small decorative detail - a carved base or an interestingly shaped base with curved legs.
A stone countertop will also be relevant.
Ethno
Ethnic motifs in the interior reflect not only national characteristics, but also the area in which the house is located.
For example:
- in Mediterranean style (by the sea);
- country (countryside).
The trend is a light touch of antiquity.
Scuffs and the effect of aged wood would be appropriate.
Eco
The trend for using natural materials also applies to the design of dining tables. The rougher the finish of the finished product, the more natural it will look within the eco style.
Industrial and Scandinavian motifs
Regardless of whether you use loft in its pure form or combine it with softer scandi, the dining group should have the same features - rough and industrial.
Contemporary
Contemporary (from English) - modern, which fully corresponds to three components - comfort, simplicity and functionality. Models of such tables will become part of the decor and will harmonize with the rest of the furniture thanks to their laconic, universal design.
Types of sliding tables
The following designs are available:
The insert is stored in a drawer under the table top. When the tabletop is extended, the board is inserted between the extended parts of the tabletop.
The insert is located in the center and is divided into two parts, which rotate after the table is extended.
The book-table has a lowered part, which, if necessary, rises and rests on an additional leg attached to the inside of the tabletop. When folded, it moves conveniently against the wall.
An original model that unfolds by rotating a special structure and filling the resulting voids with segments located below.
Modern trends and ideas
The concept of “modern” is multifaceted and voluminous. Let's see what is relevant today.
On the one hand, simplicity and geometric shapes, a minimum of decor, but at the same time very thoughtful content are valued.
On the other hand, a dining table can become the main decoration of a dining room or kitchen, attracting attention with its unusual design and original idea of execution. As a rule, this is designer or hand made furniture that is not repeated.
Models of transforming tables are also relevant today: sliding, roll-out, with interesting layout mechanisms, with an underframe and an inset tabletop. The simpler and lighter the mechanism, the better.
Folding models take into account the living conditions of most citizens in the best possible way. Small apartments and kitchens, the area of which does not exceed 7 square meters, require a special approach to arranging the dining area. For the same reason, invisible glass tables are relevant, making the interior more free and visually spacious.
Read about choosing a table for a small kitchen in our separate article.
Watch also a useful video from the designer about kitchen tables and the features of their choice:
DIY table made of PVC pipes
This cute round table made from PVC pipes is nothing less than a wedding gift from a bridesmaid. As they say, it's a matter of taste, although why not a table? So, here is a long list of materials and tools, if you prepare all this, then assembling a table from PVC pipes is already a couple of trifles. Most of the work is on the countertop. The boards need to be glued, sanded, painted. Then cut out a circle and attach it to the pipe frame with clamps. You can make it easier by finding thick plywood or chipboard. In general, whatever you like best.
- PVC pipe approximately 3m (outer diameter 25mm)
- 4 90° connectors
- 4 tees
- 4 clamps 25 mm
- 24 washers (optional)
- 8 20mm flat head screws (no longer than the thickness of the table top)
- 4 rubber caps
- 8mm long bolt and nut
- Black spray paint
- Textile
Tools for making PVC table legs:
- Pipe cutter
- Rubber hammer
Tools for making a wooden tabletop:
- Jigsaw
- Fraser
- Orbital sander
- Clamps
- Wood glue
- Drill and drill bits
How to make a round tabletop with your own hands
If you have a base from an old table, you can make a round tabletop with your own hands , as shown in this example, and have a practically new dining table.
You can cut out the circle using a jigsaw, although it is not that easy. But if you don't have a router, just take your time and be prepared to do a lot of sanding to get the edges straight. With a milling machine, of course, everything is simpler. How to do this, look below at the step-by-step photos.
Be sure to add bottom slats (here 2×2 lumber) in the direction indicated to support the tabletop. Trim to a suitable length and pinch the ends. Don't take up the middle with 2×4s, they are only there to raise the tabletop to the appropriate height. Here are the boards you will need.
Round table with a secret
In this example, you will learn how to make a round table with a drawer - a secret compartment for storing valuables. Every home should have a little secret, it's more interesting.
The hardest part was creating the circular rings that went around the edges. If you want to make something that will contain a secret, you will need to put in extra effort to make sure it is hidden. To help hide the hidden area of the table, I had to make some supports for the top.
Features of choosing the right kitchen table
Choosing a furniture product with optimal design parameters helps increase the functionality of the kitchen and its degree of comfort.
Tables are:
- Sliding. An extendable kitchen table is an excellent solution for those who cannot afford large-sized furniture. It requires a minimum of space, can be made from different materials, and, if necessary, can easily be adapted to a large number of people.
- Transformers. Such models are practical, easy to use, and attractive in appearance. They can be adjusted both in diameter and height.
- Cabinets. The designs are designed for kitchens with limited space. They are small in size and have great functionality.
- Bars. Bar models are distinguished from standard tables by their height. They are not suitable for a large family - it is better to choose them for newlyweds.
To choose the right dining table for the kitchen, you need to decide in advance on the required parameters and an acceptable budget.
It is also worth considering the planned number of users and the style of the room. Only in this case will the purchase bring you joy.
We recommend reading:
Coffee tables for modern interiors: their shapes and main varietiesWardrobe for a loggia, pros and cons, optimal models, dimensions, materials
Types of kitchen countertops: features, advantages and disadvantages, expert advice, comparative characteristics of various materials
