5 table top shapes for your house advice, living room furniture style, Home interior design

5 Table Top Shapes: Choose the Best Style for Your House

6 May 2025

When you build a new house, you will probably start asking: “How can I choose a beautiful table top unique for a room or for a workspace?”. That’s why we are here to collect table top shapes in sizes and materials. The guide below will help you choose durable, cost-effective but unique table top styles. Let’s get started now!

Popular Tabletop Materials

How do you choose which tabletop type is ideal for your space? A variety of factors contribute to this outcome. Currently, the following tabletop materials are available:

Natural wood (oak, walnut, maple, teak)

Industrial wood (MDF, HDF, veneer)
Stone (marble, granite, quartz)
Metal (stainless steel, aluminum)

Glass
Synthetic materials (laminate, acrylic)

So, among so many choices, which type should you choose to be suitable? The table below may help you consider the pros and cons, which vary depending on the purpose and your style.

Materials

Pros

Cons

Usage ideas

Natural wood

– Natural wood grain

– Warm wood color

– Durable because it can be repainted

– Vulnerable to scratches, dents

– Absorb water and heat damage

– It can be expensive and requires regular maintenance

– Hardwood is suitable for furniture, flooring and cabinetry

– Softwood is lighter and suitable for construction, framing

– Both can be used for dining tables, desks and tea tables

Industrial wood

– Cheaper than natural wood

– The surface has less warping

– May not look natural

– Edges may be chipped

– Not as durable as natural wood in the long run

– Often used as a base material or with a veneer layer – Suitable for economical options and designs requiring flat surfaces

Stone

– Durable

– Heat-resistant

– Scratch-resistant to a certain extent

– Easy to clean

– Very heavy

– Cold to the touch, spongy (some types)

– Can chip or crack with a strong impact

– Expensive

– Great for kitchen and dining tables, can be used outdoors

– Proper sealing and care are required depending on the type of stone

Metal

– Long-lasting

– Heat-resistant

– Easy to clean and lightweight

– Easily scratched

– May make noise

– May be cold to the touch

– Some metals may rust (steel, iron)

– Show fingerprints easily

– Often used for industrial or modern design, outdoor furniture or as a base with another material above

– Consider the finish to prevent rust

Glass

– The surface is shiny

– Easy to clean

– Does not stain

– When sunlight shines on glass, your table creates a beautiful sparkling effect

– Vulnerable to scratches and chips

– May make noise

– Show fingerprints easily

– Cold to the touch

– May not be ideal for families with young children

– Often used for tea tables, dining tables with separate bases and desks

– Tempered glass is a mandatory element to ensure safety

Synthetic materials

– Diverse in colors and patterns

– Cheaper than other materials

– Waterproof, stain-resistant

– Can mimic other materials

– Can not be as durable as natural materials in the long term

– Limited repair options

– May be susceptible to heat damage (laminate)

– Suitable for economical options, high traffic areas

– Can be used when water resistance is needed (e.g. kitchenettes, craft tables)

Materials to make table top from natural to synthetic

Photo: ©Geri Art; Grain45; Andrzej Rostek; FactoryTh on Canva.com

How to Choose The Right Table Size for Your Room Size?

To choose the right table top size, you need to know how you will use the table. For example, you choose a dining table, coffee table, living room table or desk based on your intended use and available space. In addition, you also need to consider whether your house has children or pets to choose the right material such as a wooden table, a plastic table, a stone table, etc. The easy-to-clean feature should also be prioritized to help the table surface stay shiny. Solid wood types are resistant to abrasion.

The first step is to measure the room to leave a clear path for the easy movement of chairs. The general rule is to leave a distance of 24-30 inches between each person and maintain at least 3 feet of space around the table. Another tip is that depending on the size of the room, whether it is a dining room or a living room, the size of the table will change. You can refer to the following parameters to choose the right size based on the number of people and the size of furniture in the house:

For a dining table:

4-6 people: 48-72 inches (120-180 cm).
6-8 people: 72-96 inches (180-240 cm).
8-10 people: 96-120 inches (240-300 cm).

For a coffee table:

Length: About two-thirds the length of your sofa, 30-50 inches (76-127 cm). Larger sofas (7 feet or longer) can be longer (50 inches or more).
Width: 16-40 inches (40-100 cm).

Height: Typically 16-18 inches (40-46 cm), ideally as high as the sofa cushions or slightly lower.

For a desk table:

Standard: 48-72 inches (122-183 cm).

Compact: 30-48 inches (76-122 cm).

Table Top Shapes That Are Suitable for Your Space

There are more table top shapes than you might think such as square, round, oval and other irregular shapes. You can also refer to the information we provide below:

1. Rectangular Table Tops

Rectangular tables are very flexible, so you can use them as a reception table, dining table or work table. If your room is small, you can put the table close to the wall to save space. If there are more people, you can combine rectangular tables to easily increase the area. A small rectangular table for 4 people should be about 48 inches in length and for 6 people should be about 60-72 inches in length. If the table is used as a personal desk, choose a size from 48-60 inches in length.

2. Square Table Tops

Square tables are more compact than rectangular tables and are also suitable for smaller spaces. If you make a coffee table, you can choose a size from 24-36 inches x 24-36 inches. If you need a small dining table for 2-4 people, choose a size of 36-48 inches x 36-48 inches. Epoxy tables are favored by most consumers because of their durability of up to 20 years. If you like modern aesthetics, consider a square table top shape with epoxy designs. You can go to https://lumbergrand.com – a trustworthy website that offers a choice of wood grain and color options.

Square tables can be used as small dining tables or coffee tables

Photo: Lumber Grand

3. Round/Circular Table Tops

Round tables have softer curves and no sharp edges, making them safe for children and the elderly. But you won’t be able to place them against a wall. Small coffee tables range from 24 to 36 inches in size, while small dining tables are 36 to 48 inches in diameter for 2 to 4 people. Round table top is also great for making a dining table, with medium sizes ranging from 48 to 60 inches.

You can use the round table tops to build mini coffee tables or reading tables

Photo: Lumber Grand

4. Oval Table Tops

Oval tables are a combination of round and rectangular table top shapes, with softer lines and better capacity than round tables. Small oval dining tables are 60-72 inches long x 36-42 inches wide and serve 4-6 people. Medium-sized dining tables are about 78-96 inches long and 42-48 inches wide and serve 6-8 people.

5. D Shape/Semi Circle Table Tops

The D-shaped table is a half-D or half-circle table; you can place the flat surface on one side against the wall to save space. This table has a strange shape that is easy to impress when guests come to visit because it is not very popular. This table has the following common sizes: width of about 18-36 inches and length of 9-18 inches if it is a side table. In the case of a study table or a work table, it will have a size of 36-48 inches, however, we will feel uncomfortable, you can consider other table top shapes such as round, square or rectangle.

You will be able to choose a table top shape suitable for your dining room, living room, or study corner with our detailed guide. Remember to measure the space, consider seating needs and take into account the shape of the table. A unique table with an eye-catching design will significantly enhance your living space.

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