As you venture to start your business, you slowly realize, that starting a restaurant is not all about the menu.
The vibe of the restaurant, theme, layout, creating a comfortable environment: every element is working to create your dream restaurant space.
But then there are those decisions, which when overlooked (literally) shape how your customers experience the dining – the table tops!
Not to be overlooked, the shape of table tops is not to be taken lightly. While there are many shapes, round and square table tops dominate the conversation/ argument.
Yes, here we enter the age-old debate of round vs. square table tops.
There are some nuances, and we will tackle them all for you to figure out which shape is the king of your restaurant.
Aesthetic Appeal of Table Tops
In the restaurant industry, first impressions matter. You may have noticed there is a lot of effort put into serving the food.
Why does the chef need to go lengths in presenting the food?
As Julia Child said,
“It’s so beautifully arranged on the plate – you know someone’s fingers have been all over it.”
The same goes for the space where you place the beautifully set plate, the table top. Restaurant table tops contribute to the overall aesthetic and ambiance of your space.
Whether you are aiming for a cozy or intimate vibe, sleek or modern design, the visual and spatial impact of the table top can help you make smart choices.
Round Table Tops ǀ Flow and Elegance
Round table tops are just like Swiss army knives, versatile, accommodating, and stylish. The circle shape creates a sense of inclusivity, encouraging connection and conversation.
There are no edges for patrons to feel left out or isolated. Here is why you must pick round table tops for your restaurant:
Soft Lines
Round designs give a softer look to any space. Architects and interior designers make use of this shape in various elements to make a space appear soft to the eyes and inviting.
Round table tops give a soft look, and quaint vibe – perfect for a casual cafe, coffee house and bistro.
Efficient Use of Space
Have a snug corner of no use, put up a round table and chair to make it look even cozier.
When having big groups, join the round tables together to form a big caterpillar formation. The round shape doesn’t make it look crowded or clunky.
Versatile Design Element
You can use a round table top for any theme. For instance, the glass table top makes a perfect design element for a chic and modern space.
On the other hand, the round wooden table top perfectly creates a rustic and antique vibe.
Square Table Top ǀ When Geometry Meets Functionality
For clean and contemporary designs, the square table tops are a space saver. They stack neatly against a corner, and form a bigger table when placed with another – maximizing the space smartly.
Here is why you need to pick square table tops for your next design idea.
Easy to Align
These seamlessly arrange one after another, or as a standalone table. Ideal for nooks and corners, casual diners, and even large banquet halls.
Defined Spaces
If you are someone like Monica, you need everything organized to the T, square table tops just understand the assignment.
Corners Sorted
There are always those corners you cannot seem to fit into other design aspects.
With one square table and chair, the tricky corner is sorted into a cozy and secluded seating option for those who love to sip their coffee and observe the crowd.
Battle of Shapes: Space Optimization
Space is everything in the restaurant business. These table tops need to work in a harmony and make perfect utilization of space without looking overtly crowded.
Round Table Tops for Small Spaces
For those nooks and corners, round table tops make an excellent utilization of space.
When in a high-traffic area, these round table tops don’t jab you on your sides as you move around. The servers in your restaurant will thank you for picking the round table tops.
Square Table Tops for Maximizing Seating
We find square table tops Tetris of the real world. Their angular shape makes it easy for you to shuffle, adjust, and move with the flow of patrons in the lunch hour rush.
The shape enables you to form a grid-like situation and create a nice and clean-looking restaurant floor. When expecting larger groups, join these together to make one large table and have more space.
Comfort Meets Practicality ǀ The Social Experience
Depending on the theme of the restaurant, square and round table tops dictate the vibe of the dining experience. Here is how:
Social Aura of Round Table Tops
The look and feel of round table tops are cozy to the core. It’s no news these table tops induce a feeling of coziness and intimacy. Couples are always picking these tables as the absence of corners creates a sense of comfort for patrons.
Orderliness for The Win
Every table has its designated space with a square table top. For certain people, predictability brings a sense of comfort.
Also, when you are meeting with friends and associates, the corners of square table tops ensure there is no bumping of elbows – wouldn’t that be disturbing??
We can only sum it up in the words of Henry Adams for you to perceive what shape works best for you:
“Chaos often breeds life, when order breeds habit.”
Quick Round-Up of Pros and Cons
| Shape | Pros | Cons |
| Round Table Tops | inclusive vibe, great for small tricky spaces, soft on eyes | limited surface area, hard to combine |
| Square Table Tops | maximize space, easy to align, defined seating | corners may feel isolated, less organic |
Hybrid Solution: Use Both
Here is a million bucks thought – why not use both shapes to maximize space and keep it unpredictable?
You can use square table tops that can be joined together to cater to large groups. Meanwhile, round table tops would be perfect for those regular loners who come in for their quick fix of caffeine daily.
The hybrid idea would add a unique style and visual variety to your restaurant space.
Final Words
After all the clarity, here is food for thought: there is no one-size-fits-all answer to a table top.
Round and square table tops bring their own characteristics and personality to every restaurant. Only you would know best which shape is the winner for your space.
Take your time to consider all the pros and cons. You can also draw a plan on your restaurant floor using duct tape. Moving around these drawings would give you some new ideas on how to maximize space, and keep it quaint and cozy, while functional.
Which design suits your restaurant? The round-table conversationalist or the square-table strategist, or a mix of both? Whatever you pick, this design is uniquely yours!
Vogue Decor can achieve the same design for round and square table tops. With our customization service for restaurants in Montreal, Canada, we have been not only restaurant furniture suppliers but design consultants as well.
Here is to the happy vibes and happy customers every day.
