A round table provides a more intimate setting and is perfect for maximizing small spaces. But it's important to know how to decorate a round dining room table. Unfortunately, they're not as forgiving as square or rectangular tables, so you need to put some thought into them.
The best way to decorate a round dining room table is to use round place settings and proportional decorations in the center. From there, you'll want to make sure everything on the table matches the color scheme and style of the rest of the room or home.
It's also important to only include one straight-edged element in your design. For example, if you have a rectangular table runner, you'll want to avoid using square plates. Keep this in mind as you look at the different products we're recommending.
Keep reading to find out more about what elements you should include on a round dining room table.
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 people love the look of tablecloths and how easy it is to clean them. They also protect the surface of your table so it lasts longer.
Obviously, you'll need a round table cloth that fits your table. For a more elegant look, you can get a longer one, but this can make it difficult to get in and out of your chair.
Here's an example of a long table cloth on a round dining table:
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Now, let's take a look at a few round table cloths so you can find one that matches your dining room's style and color scheme.
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This white and blue checkered tablecloth has tassels and works well with a variety of styles. It's simple so you can easily add other design elements and it brightens up a room.
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If you've got a laminate or plastic table that you want to cover, consider one of these vinyl fitted table covers. This company offers several other options that you can use to hide an unsightly table top.
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An easy way to add a touch of old-school elegance to any dining room is with lace. This crocheted lace table cloth comes in a few colors and is sure to make any room ready for high tea.
Table Runners
Although a table runner is technically a long piece of material that runs down the center of a table, there are also round runners which work perfectly with round tables. These are great for using at dinnertime to set food onto. They're also where you put decorations for special events.
Let's take a look at each of these types of table runners individually.
Round table runners
Round table runners work well with round tables for obvious reasons. They can be perfectly centered and are a great way to add a splash of color to the center of your table or to highlight a decoration. Ideally, you'll want one that is small enough that your place settings don't touch it but large enough that it doesn't look like a stray potholder.
Here's an example of a round table runner at work. This is a little small for our taste, but it works well with the size of the vase.
Here are some round table runners that you can buy if you want one for your dining room table:
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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.
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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.
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If you're primarily going to use the center of your table for placing hot dishes, why not get something that serves two purposes? This natural marble trivet is so beautiful you can leave it on the table even when you don't need it.
For a really 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 that you can't use a rectangular table runner with a round dining room table, but you can! In fact, this can be a great way to create some variety on your table without clashing. In most cases, you'll want to find one that will travel the length of the table and run 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:
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Be sure to check out these 100% cotton braided table runners. They have a variety of color and pattern options for you to choose from so you're sure to find one you like!
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This is a simple but elegant handmade table runner. Because of its neutral color and simple design, you can use it with nearly any color scheme.
Placemats for round tables
The first thing you have to consider when choosing placemats for a round table is the shape. 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:
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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 which makes them ideal for any home.
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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.
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If you want something different, these wedge placemats will get the job done. They're vinyl which makes them easy to clean, plus offer several color varieties.
Place Settings
The next part of the dining room table to think about are the plates, bowls, and cups. For the most part, these should be round to match the rest of the table but there's some wiggle room here.
If you're using circular placemats, it's best to stick with completely round place settings. However, if you don't have any other straight elements on the table and you want to skip the placemats, some square plates with rounded edges could liven up your dining table.
Here's a great example of how beautiful round plates look on a round table. The curves cause your eyes to follow the decorative elements all the way around the table which means guests will see more of the table.
Now, let's take a look at a few place settings that will go well with a round dining room table:
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Amazon Basic plate and bowl sets come in a number of patterns and colors so you can find the right one for you. They're simple yet elegant and will make a great addition to any table setting.
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These Melamine sets are also great for any round table setting and come in a variety of color options. Plus, they're shatterproof and chip-resistant so they'll last for years to come.
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How great are these Mystic Waves pieces? They're not quite round which is nice because it can break up some of the monotony of a round table, but won't completely clash with the look you're going for.
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If you're going to include a straight-edged element in your dining room table setup, this is one way to do it. These Gibson Elite plates are square but still have curved sides which make them great for round tables. Plus, they have quite a few color options.
Centerpieces for decorating round tables
The last thing you'll want to include for your table is a centerpiece. For those that dine "family style" with the food in the center of the table, you may not want to bother with a decorative piece on the table that will have to get moved every meal. However, if you're going to have a centerpiece, you need to make sure it works with the table.
For the most part, you'll want a rounded shape that is less than 1/4 of the diameter of the table. You'll also want to keep an eye on the height of these, as a tall centerpiece could prevent people from talking to each other during meals.
This is a perfect example of a round table centerpiece. It's proportioned correctly for the size of the table and is low enough that everyone can still see the other people at the table.
Here are a few options to help you decide what you want to decorate the center of your round dining room table with:
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This decorative candle set comes with a stand so there's no need 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.
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With this trio of fake potted plants, you have a few options. You can use one in the center of a smaller table, group all three together, or line them up to make the table a bit unbalanced. This will provide a bit of fun to your table.
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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 how to decorate 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 of our website. One of my favorite ideas is combining blue and brown in the kitchen, but this would also work perfectly in a dining room area.
Check these for more kitchen ideas:
50+ Minimalist Kitchen Ideas [Pictures That Will Inspire You]
30+ Boho Kitchen Ideas That Will Inspire You (Picture Post)
