Traditionally, square or rectangular tables have been the choice of American households when it comes to having a dining space in the kitchen. The common belief is that it makes better use of space.

The truth lies somewhere in between. While the same-size square table may offer more table space than round kitchen tables, the trade-off, at least in some more space-challenging homes, is less room to maneuver around it.

With round kitchen tables, you get the added benefit of smoother tabletop lines, allowing everyone to spread out a little further, especially with a pedestal model. Because there are no hard edges, a round table will not only give you more room to move around, it will allow your guests to get in and out of their chairs more easily, especially if space is a bit tight.

There are ways you can increase the efficiency of your round kitchen tables even more. For example, you can always opt for a smaller table that has leaves that can be added when you need a little extra space for dining. This is a great solution if you want to keep your kitchen area tidy.

You can also go with round kitchen tables that have folding sides. When not needed, the leaves can be folded, creating a square table. When guests arrive, simply lift up and lock the foldable sides in place, either two or all four.

One of the best things about any round table is the beautiful look it gives your kitchen. While some homeowners like to have their table and chairs anchored in a corner of the room, out of the way, you can also place your table front and center. This works particularly well if your kitchen has an open floor plan. You can use it instead of a kitchen island. In fact, you can find a nice bistro table that is perfect in the center of the kitchen, as it gives you a higher table that can double as a prep space for meal prepping or baking.

Round kitchen tables also have a few other tricks they can do. With the right kind of table, you can turn your kitchen into a retro dining space, ranging from something that has a country-inspired look with a rustic table with a rough finish to a 1950s dining room, complete with a countertop. formica style and padded chairs.

Glass is particularly popular these days, as homeowners try to keep kitchens open and inviting. They’re also great for smaller kitchens, since glass doesn’t create a visual barrier like a solid top does. When shopping for round glass kitchen tables, make sure you buy a quality table from a reputable manufacturer. They will offer tables with thicker glass, reducing the possibility of breakage. You may also want to opt for a table that has a textured or patterned glass surface, as it will hide fingerprints and require slightly less frequent cleaning.

That said, glass tables are extremely easy to clean with regular window cleaner. As such, they require as much maintenance as a good or metal lid. After cleaning up any food residue, simply spray with cleaner and wipe with paper towels until you have a streak-free finish.

If you want to add a splash of color to the kitchen, consider adding a round table that has a gloss finish or has colored chairs instead of the traditional stainless steel or wood finishes. This can create a wonderful focal point in the kitchen while visually bringing the space to life.