Nights (and Days) at the Round Table: Compact Dining Done Right
King Arthur knew what he was doing when he ditched the traditional head seat, opting instead for the more democratic round table. Whether castle or compact home, the round dining table – with no awkward corners or conversational hierarchies – is one of those simple yet game-changing design choices that maximises space, enhances flow, and fosters a sense of intimacy. These tables tuck seamlessly into open-plan layouts and offer flexible seating arrangements – all with a smaller footprint than their rectangular counterparts.
Gather ’Round
The round table’s compact footprint and smooth edges allow for easy movement, making them especially ideal for the smallest of multifunctional living spaces. For the aptly named 33sqm/355sqft Apartment 33 in Amsterdam, architects and owners Carla Radoll and Bruno Graca integrated a bespoke round dining table as a natural anchor within the open kitchen-living space. Paired with a brass pendant light designed for the project, the table does a great job of adding warmth and character while allowing seamless movement through the compact layout. Along a canal in the same city, the Fraijman-designed 45sqm/484sqft Amsterdam apartment, Scheeps, utilizes a round, modular dining table that expands to accommodate up to eight guests. Set against the home’s clean lines and carefully curated sightlines, the table’s soft curves add an inviting sense of fluidity.
Centre Pieces
More than just efficient in size, the round dining table presents another opportunity as well: to turn a functional surface into a bold design statement. In the Maximalist Mini Loft, a 57sqm/614sqft apartment in Paris, architect Anthony Authié of Zyva Studio did just this by embracing playful material contrasts. Authié selected a granite round table for how it played nicely against the sleek, stainless steel kitchen – a nod to both science labs and comic book villains. The central table, surrounded by Mario Bros.–inspired orange stools, is not just a dining spot but a sculptural statement, reinforcing the loft’s high-impact aesthetic. Similarly, in London’s 54sqm/581sqft Camden Loft, a round table offsets the rectilinear precision of built-in storage and shelving. Craft Design architect Armando Elias amplifies the organic feel with an eclectic mix of curved dining chairs, creating a dynamic yet cohesive visual balance within the open-plan space.
A Roundabout Way to Define Space
The right furniture choices can really define and zone open spaces without the need for physical barriers. And while this is often done with sofas or joinery units, a round table offers a more subtle, versatile solution. After eliminating interior walls and integrating storage along the perimeter of Casa Gialla, a 47sqm/506sqft apartment in Madrid, architect Gonzalo Pardo was left with an open space that lacked distinct areas. To help create some definition, he selected a forest-green round table that serves as both a functional dining area and a design counterpoint to the striking yellow cabinetry. Light enough to move, it also doubles as terrace furniture, embodying the adaptability crucial in compact homes.
Meanwhile, in Lisbon’s Marvila Attic (60sqm/645sqft), designers Eliza Borkowska and Magdalena Czaplu of KEMA Studio used a round dining table to subtly define the boundary between kitchen and living areas. Positioned under natural light from four new skylights, the table anchors the space while maintaining an airy, unencumbered flow.
Full-Circle Design
From playful centrepieces to space-saving essentials, round tables prove their worth in small-scale design. The possibilities are endless when it comes to different materials, sizes, and functionalities (we hardly touched on the many extendable round table options for those who love to entertain), so you can always find something that suits you. By encouraging better movement, seating flexibility, and a natural sense of togetherness, these tables are more than just furniture – they’re spatial problem-solvers ripe with aesthetic possibilities.
