The rectangular dining room table has been the heart of many dining rooms for years. You’ve all seen the grand dining rooms depicted in movies. You know, the ones that have tables so long, people on opposite ends can’t even talk to each other. But society (and design) is changing and now people are shifting away from the formal and adding more casual, cozy and fun layouts with open floor plans. This new trend has allowed people to move toward smaller table shapes and many families share their meals together on a tables that are either round or square. But which shape is better for your home?

Both round and square tables have their advantages and offer an intimate dining experience, so which one you use might depend on your situation and personal preference. Some people simply prefer the look of round over square (or vice versa) and make a decision based on style. Judging by appearance, however, might not always give you the best shape for your situation. Think about the benefits of each shape before making a decision.

A square table fits in perfectly with square rooms and can be placed against the wall if you only need seating for three people. Square tables generally provide more surface space for people to work on and with four legs, are more stable than round tables. Another reason to get a square table is if you ever need to expand. Some tables are designed to expand into a larger table, or you can easily set two tables together.