How to Decorate a Round Dining Room Table

Looking to transform your round dining room table into a stunning focal point? We’ve covered some tips below to help you get started.

The short answer:

The best way to decorate a round dining room table is to use round place settings and a proportional centerpiece. Make sure everything matches the color scheme and style of the room.

And here’s a fun tip: include only one straight-edged element, like a rectangular runner, and steer clear of square plates. Excited to transform your table? Keep reading for our top product recommendations!

Tablecloths

The first thing you put on a table is a tablecloth.

Of course, if you have a beautiful wooden table, you may not use one, but many love the look of tablecloths and how easy they are to clean. They also protect the surface of your table, so it lasts longer.

Obviously, you’ll need a round tablecloth that fits your table. A longer one is more elegant, but it can make getting in and out of your chair difficult.

Here’s an example of a long tablecloth on a round dining table:

Now, let’s look at a few round tablecloths to find one that matches your dining room’s style and color scheme.

This white and blue checkered tablecloth has tassels and works well with various styles. It’s simple, so you can easily add other design elements, and it brightens up a room.

If you have a laminate or plastic table that you want to cover, consider one of these vinyl-fitted table covers. This company offers several other options for hiding an unsightly table top.

An easy way to add a touch of old-school elegance to any dining room is with lace. This crocheted lace tablecloth comes in a few colors and will prepare any room for high tea.

Table Runners

Although a table runner is technically a long piece of material that runs down the center of a table, round runners also work perfectly with round tables. They’re great for serving food and decorating for special events.

Let’s explore both types of table runners.

Round table runners

Round table runners center beautifully, adding a splash of color or highlighting a decoration.

Ideally, you’ll want one small enough to keep place settings clear yet large enough not to look like a stray potholder.

Here’s an example of a round table runner at work. It’s a little small for our taste but works well with the fruit bowl’s size.

Here are some round table runners that you can buy if you want one for your dining room table:

This earth-colored Heritage Lace table topper works well on any table or with any color tablecloth. The picture doesn’t do it justice, as it has intricate leaf designs along the edges and in the center.

Another option if elegance is what you’re going for is this round mirror. It goes particularly well with lit candles in the center and will turn any occasion into a special one.

If you use your table’s center for hot dishes, get something dual-purpose. This natural marble trivet is beautiful enough to leave on display even when not in use.

For an inexpensive option, any round placemat will work well as a table runner, so don’t be afraid to get creative in your search.

We’ll show you some round placemats later, so you might be able to get some more ideas there.

Rectangular table runners for a round table

You may think you can’t use a rectangular table runner with a round dining room table, but you can! This can be a great way to create variety on your table without clashing.

In most cases, you’ll want to find one that travels the length of the table and runs over the edges.

Although this is an oval table, you can see how a table runner works on a round table:

Here are a couple of table runners to get you started on finding one for your own round dining room table:

Be sure to check out these 100% cotton braided table runners. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you’re sure to find one you like!

This is a simple but elegant handmade table runner. Because of its neutral color and simple design, it can be used with nearly any color scheme.

Placemats for round tables

The shape is the first thing you must consider when choosing placemats for a round table.

You need to use round placemats. Otherwise, they tend to overlap each other or otherwise cause problems because of their shape.

Here’s a great example of how well round placemats fit on a round table:

Let’s take a look at a few round placemats you can add to your dining room table:

These classic woven placemats come in a few different colors, so you can get a set that best matches your decor. They’re flat and easy to clean, making them ideal for any home.

These braided round placemats are great if you’re going for a natural look or love incorporating beach themes into your home. They’re also thick enough to use as a trivet.

If you want something different, these wedge placemats will do the job. They’re vinyl, which makes them easy to clean, and they come in several color varieties.

Place Settings

Next, let’s consider the plates, bowls, and cups. Round shapes generally work best to complement the table, but there’s room for creativity.

Using circular placemats? Stick with round place settings. If not, square plates with rounded edges can add interest.

Here’s an example of round plates on a round table. The curves guide your eyes around the table, showcasing its beauty.

Now, let’s take a look at a few place settings that will go well with a round dining room table:

Amazon Basic plate and bowl sets come in several patterns and colors, so you can find the right one for you. They’re simple yet elegant and will add great to any table setting.

These Melamine sets are also great for any round table setting and come in various color options. They’re shatterproof and chip-resistant, so they’ll last for years.

How great are these Mystic Waves pieces? They’re not quite round, which is nice because they can break up some of the monotony of a round table, but they won’t completely clash with the look you’re looking for.

This is one way to include a straight-edged element in your dining room table setup.

These Gibson Soho plates are square but still have curved sides, making them great for round tables. They also come in quite a few color options.

Centerpieces for decorating round tables

The last thing to consider is a centerpiece. If you dine “family style,” you might skip this to avoid moving it for every meal. Otherwise, ensure your centerpiece suits the table.

Choose a rounded centerpiece that’s less than 1/4 of the table’s diameter and keep it low to allow conversation.

Here’s a perfect example of a round table centerpiece: proportioned correctly and low enough for easy conversation.

Here are a few options to help you decide what you want to decorate the center of your round dining room table with:

This decorative candle set comes with a stand, so you won’t have to worry about putting a table runner underneath it. It also continues with the round shape, but the different heights add a touch of uniqueness.

With this trio of fake potted plants, you have options. Place one in the center of a small table, group all three together, or line them up for a playful, unbalanced look. This adds a fun touch to your table.

Last but certainly not least is this potted silk orchid. Because of its neutral colors, it goes well with any color scheme. It’s also only 17 inches in height, which should still allow most people to speak over it.

Want More Ideas for Your Dining Room?

Now, you have everything you need to know about decorating a round dining room table. As you can see, it’s all about proper proportions and shape.

If you want more ideas for your dining room or kitchen, be sure to check out that area on our website.

One of my favorite ideas is combining blue and brown in the kitchen, which works perfectly in a dining room area.

Check these for more kitchen ideas:

30+ Boho Kitchen Ideas That Will Inspire You (Picture Post)

70+ Rustic Kitchen Ideas [Inspiration Photo Post]

14 Kitchen Decorating Ideas for Renters