Small Round Dining Tables UK: Sizes, Seating and Best Picks

A small round dining table is 70cm to 100cm across. As a rule of thumb, a 70cm table seats 2, an 80cm table seats 2 comfortably (3 at a squeeze), a 90cm table seats 3 comfortably (4 at a squeeze) and a 100cm table seats 4 snugly. Leave at least 90cm clear all the way round it, so the chairs can be pulled out and someone can still walk past. Below we explain how to read those sizes, round versus rectangular, which base to pick and four small round tables from Opal Retail.

In this article

• How many people sit at a small round table?
• How much space does a round table need?
• Pedestal or four legs?
• Is a round table right for a small room?
• What about drop-leaf and folding round tables?
• Which small round dining tables does Opal Retail sell?
• FAQ

How many people sit at a small round table?

It depends on the diameter and on how snug you are happy to be. The table below uses the table edge (diameter multiplied by 3.14) and about 60cm of edge per person, a figure UK dining table size guides commonly use, then takes off one or two seats because chair width and the base always cost you some room. The squeeze column is our judgement of the most you could fit for a quick meal. These are our own rule-of-thumb figures, not a standard.

UK guides vary on exact capacity, which is why we give both a comfortable and a squeeze figure. Treat the squeeze number as a quick meal, not a long Sunday lunch. If you regularly eat with a full table, go one size up.

Not sure what size you need overall? Our dining table size guide covers rectangular tables too.

How much space does a round table need?

Allow at least 90cm between the table edge and the nearest wall or furniture. Many UK size guides give 90cm as a comfortable minimum, and some quote 100cm to 120cm for busy walkways.

• Measure the whole circle. The 90cm applies on every side where someone sits, not just along one wall.
• Walkway side: if people walk behind the chairs, aim for 100cm or more.
• Mark it out: put masking tape or a laid-out bin bag on the floor at the table's diameter and walk around it before you buy.

Pedestal or four legs?

For a small table, a single central base is usually the better choice. Nobody has to sit around a corner leg, the chairs tuck in further and you can fit an extra chair in anywhere around the edge. The trade-off is stability: a pedestal with a small base can wobble if someone leans on the edge, so check the base footprint and the weight rating.

Four-leg and cross-leg tables spread the load, but the legs can clash with chair backs and knees. If your chairs are wide in the seat, you may not be able to push them all the way in. Buy the chairs with the table in mind, or browse our dining chairs once you know your table size.

Is a round table right for a small room?

Often yes, but not always. Round tables have no corners to bang into, the chairs do not stick out as far, and nobody sits at the head. They suit square and squarish spaces, and they work well in a small open-plan kitchen-diner. Our kitchen diner ideas show how to place one in the room.

Be honest about the downsides. In a long, narrow room a round table can waste the length, and a rectangular or oval top may fit better. Wider round tables make reaching across for dishes awkward, and board games and cards feel stretched when everyone is far apart.

What about drop-leaf and folding round tables?

If the room has to do other jobs, a round drop-leaf table is worth a look. With the leaves down it sits against a wall or in a corner, and with them up it opens to a full circle for guests. It can also double as a temporary desk. Check how stable the leaves are when raised, and remember that the folded footprint is small but the open diameter still needs the 90cm clearance. Our guide to folding and drop-leaf dining tables for small spaces covers rectangular versions too.

Which small round dining tables does Opal Retail sell?

These are four small round tables from Opal Retail. Every size below comes from each product's own listing. Browse the full range in our dining tables collection.

70cm, seats 2

Round Two Seater Dining Table, Minimalist, Black

A 70cm top on a steel frame with a non-slip pad. Suits a couple in a flat or a breakfast nook.

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80cm, listing says 2 to 4

Round Dining Table for Small Kitchens, 80cm, Industrial Oak Finish

An 80cm oak-effect top on black cross legs with adjustable feet. The listing says 2 to 4; we would plan on two comfortably, three at a squeeze.

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80cm, listing says up to 4

Round Dining Table for Kitchen or Dining Room, Wood Finish

80cm across and 75cm high on a steel frame rated to 100kg. The listing says it fits up to four, which is more than we would squeeze around an 80cm top (three at most).

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89cm open, drop leaf

Folding Round Dining Table for 4, Drop Leaf, Natural

89cm across when both leaves are up, with pine legs. The listing says it seats up to four. Fold the leaves down when you need the floor space.

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All four are at the compact end. If you need to seat five or more regularly, look at a larger round table or an extendable one instead, rather than stretching a small top. For tables with matching chairs, see our guide to the best small dining table sets, and for the wider picture our dining room furniture buying guide.

Frequently asked questions

How many people sit at a 100cm round table?

Three to four people comfortably, and four snugly. Larger tops start around 110cm if you want four people with proper elbow room.

How many people sit at an 80cm round table?

Two comfortably, and three at a squeeze. Some listings say 2 to 4, but four people around 80cm will be elbow to elbow.

How much space do I need around a small round dining table?

At least 90cm from the table edge to the nearest wall or furniture. Allow 100cm or more if people walk behind the chairs.

Is a pedestal or four-leg round table better for a small space?

A pedestal base usually gives more legroom and lets the chairs tuck in. Check the base size and weight rating so it does not wobble.

Can I fit a round table in a rectangular kitchen?

Yes, if the narrow side leaves at least 90cm clear around the table. In a long, narrow kitchen, a rectangular or oval table may suit better.