Oval Dining Tables

The Streamlined Look of Oval Dining Table

With its elongated rounded shape, the versatile oval dining table beautifully suits diner spaces of all sizes. Egg-shaped naturally complement the human form, promoting relaxed and intimate dining experiences. Keep reading to learn what makes oval so appealing for kitchen tables.

Defining the Oval Table Shape

Oval eating tables feature a rounded elliptical shape, curving gently along two parallel longer sides that smoothly meet at two equal shorter ends. The oval's characteristics include:

• Elegant, organic oblong shape
• Provides more legroom than a circle
• Fits well in many dining room layouts
• Facilitates conversation across the narrower width
• Graceful silhouette complements dining chairs

Complementary Design Styles

The flexible table comes in a diverse range of materials and designs:

Contemporary - A polished stone or glass oval tabletop adds sleek modern appeal.

Rustic - Wire-brushed oak or acacia wood plank countertops offer rustic warmth.

Traditional - Ornate carved legs and decorative bases provide formal elegance.

Modern Farmhouse - Wooden oblong tops with metal bases blend old and new.

Mixing and Matching Dining Chairs

One creative way to furnish an oval dining table is by using a mix of variety chair styles and shapes. Complement the egg shape with back chairs interspersed with straight-backed side chairs. Or pair Parsons chairs with upholstered armchairs. Mismatched chairs in coordinating finishes and fabrics provide visual interest while oblong end chairs with exposed wood frames anchor the arrangement. Alternating high-back and low-back chair heights also adds appealing asymmetry to tables.

Don't be afraid to play with eclectic chair pairings to showcase the versatility of the oval option.

Extending Your Oval Table

One of the advantages of an oval dining table is the availability of built-in extension capabilities. Many oblong pieces include extension leaves stored inside the base that allow you to expand the table length when needed for additional seating.

The extension leaves smoothly slide out from hidden compartments to widen the table surface for special occasions and holidays when you need to accommodate extra place settings. Depending on the design, oval furniture can expand from its standard 6-8-person capacity to seat 10 or 12 guests when the leaves are inserted.

The extension leaf finish is designed to match the table, whether wood, glass, metal, or other materials, providing a uniform look when expanded. With the turn of a key or flip of a lever, oval extendable dining tables transform to meet your dynamic needs.

Ideal Pairings

• Coordinating oval-shaped pedestal bases provide stylistic harmony.
• Armless Parsons chairs tuck neatly under egg-shaped pieces.
• Ellipse tablecloths drape more evenly than rounds.
• A dramatic glass bowl centerpiece suits the oval shape.
• An area rug in an oval shape visually anchors the table.

Considering Scale and Proportions

When selecting an oval kitchen table, consider the proportions in relation to your space. An oval that is too large or too small can look awkward. Typically the length should be 1.5 to 2 times longer than the width. Allow at least 36-42 inches around each chair to accommodate seated diners and traffic flow. Extending to the edges of the room will feel overly dominant. Ideally, the furniture should be about two-thirds the length of the walls, leaving space at each end to define it within the room. Trust your eye and design instincts to find an oval table with a shape and scale that complements the architecture.