The table is the heart of the dining room.
The table that will work best in an octagonal-shaped space is the one that fulfills all the necessary functions of the dining room table, as defined by the occupants, while adhering to basic design guidelines. The shape of the dining area determines the shape of the table. The room may be one shape, but the area assigned to dining may be another. An octagon is an eight-sided figure and can fall under the guidelines of either a rectangle/oval or square/round shape. It is helpful to list the typical and maximum number of people to be seated at the table and to know the style of the room before purchasing a dining room table.
Oval Table
If the octagon shape is longer than it is wide, it is considered under the guidelines of a rectangle, and an oval table would be appropriate for the space. An oval is the most formal table shape, and if that is not the mood or style of the dining room, reconsider this shape table. Allow 24 inches of table edge per person while seated.
Rectangular Table
A rectangular-shaped table is also acceptable within an octagonal space that is longer than it is wide if the style is informal. This is the most common of dining room table shapes and is available in a myriad of design styles. Allow one person to be seated at each end of the table and 24 inches for each person per side.
Round Table
An octagonal space that is equal in width and length falls under the purview of round and square shapes. A round dining table can be a difficult table shape to accommodate, because it tends to occupy more square feet per person than rectangular or oval tables. It is considered a highly formal shape. Allow 24 inches for each person around the circumference of the table.
Square Table
A square table would be acceptable in an octagonal space that is equal in width and length. This table shape is informal and uses the most space per person of any table shape. It is becoming more popular in modern-style homes and is often seen built considerably higher than more formal tables, with corresponding chairs of extended height. Allow 24 inches for each person around the perimeter of the table.
Octagonal Table
An octagonal table that mirrors the shape of the space would be acceptable. An octagonal table of rectangular shape tends to be more formal than a basic rectangle or square table. An octagonal table that is more round is less formal than a round or oval table.
Two Tips
Extra leaves are an option for changing the shape of a table. For example, a square table becomes rectangular with leaves added.
For ease of service and clearing, when all the chairs are pulled back there should be at least 3 feet of space between the back of the chairs and any furniture or walls.
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