It'd need to be 54" x 54" minimum for seating comfort, and that'd be hard to reach the middle of. You'd also need a much wider/squarer room to place one in. Most dining tables are elongated because the room that they are in is elongated. The room would need to be at least 13 x 13 in order to give the right walking distance behind the table, and if it were an elongated room, a square table wouldn't look proportionate.

I have seen a square table used successfully in a breakfast nook that was octagonal, but it fit in there more like a table for a banquette would rather than a tradional table and chairs.

alice, what a coincidence. We too were searching for a square table for 8. We were originally looking for a 60" square, but found that would be too big for our space. We were having a hard time finding one so we wnet to a local furniture store and they have made one for us to our exact specifications. It has turned out to be not as expensive as we thought a custom table would be and they have made it 56" X 56" for us. We got to pick the legs, apron, height, and finish and it is being delivered today between 10:00 and 12:00 if the snow doesn't mess us up. We do have a square room where it will be residing. In regards to not being able to reach stuff in the middle of the table, we may get a lazy susan for the table if we think it's needed. I'll take some pitures for you after it gets here.

Site below is more casual-modern than you may be looking for - but it perfectly illustrates both square tables and square tables that normally seat 6 but can have a leaf.

The exact one linked below will seat 8 without a leaf and it is 55" per side. If you compare photos with one that is 48" to a side (or less), compare the table setting and seating positions illustrated - to me it shows why live wire said at least 54" to a side. I think it could fit in a 12 x 12 space if you didn't have any other furniture or a major traffic walkway.

Here is a link that might be useful: Modern table

I would think a square table for 8 would be quite large...a non-square rectangular one would work better. If you have a square table, it would have to be approx 6' x 6'. A non-square table would only have to be about 42" wide (vs 72") but approx 8' long.

24" per person along the side of the table & at least 18" deep/person for leg/knee room. You'll need an extra foot or so on each end to accommodate the people sitting near the corners b/c they share leg/knee space.

Then there's the approx 36" all around...not counting general walking space, doorways, anything else in the room...

I guess I should have refreshed b/f posting!

Anyway, if you check the above link...there's no room for knees/legs & you certainly cannot push the chairs in...there's complete overlap...that's why it's shown w/the chairs completely pulled out...so you can't see how it really won't work (at least not comfortably!)

We have had two matching tables in our dining room for many years, each 55" x 55". We picked this so we can configure them according to how many people we have. (We dislike big tables when there's a small group.) We usually keep the tables apart, so we can seat up to 8 at each table. When we have 10-12 people for dinner, we usually push the tables together & use protective table pads (ordered to fit the tables) with a tablecloth to bridge them. Our tables have a center pedestal so there are no legs to get in the way for any diner.

The 55" square is wider than usual, but we usually use the center for table decorations rather than food. We either use a sideboard for buffet service or plate in the kitchen. A big lazy susan would work well too. The toughest thing about a square table of this size is that you must get a custom tablecloth or use place mats.

Table and chairs just got delivered. It is true that you can not keep 8 chairs pushed in around the table when not in use. We knew that going in and we will keep 6 chairs pushed all the way in for every day. We wanted to be able to fit 8 for eating when grandparents are over and we will be able to do that comfortably. The extra chairs will live in the dining room when not needed. Here are some pics of 56 X 56 table.

I have a square table for eight. It is 60"x60" with the leaf, 42x60 rect. witout it.

donna214-I hate my table/chairs and Im not thrilled with square tables in general anymore, BUT, yours is beautiful and looks great in your space.

Alice-I Forgot to add that my 60x60 sits 8 very comfortably and there is no issue with leg room. It is however impossible to find a table cloth for it and I dont sew.

I have a square dining room table that is 42" x 42". I love it, but when I realized that just a few inches more doubles that capacity. I saw a table that was 54" that seats eight comfortable. I love the small table because it really does bring everyone close together, but will soon upgrade to a 54" so that I can accomodate eight.

I love square tables. My friend just go the pottery barn one in her house and she loves it. Her dining space is not overly large and more hexagonal shape and it works nicely in there. With the leaf, it might be a bit crowded, but that is only on special occasions. I personally love the Pottery Barn one.

donna, I'm in love with your table. Would you mind sharing where you got it, what brand, etc.? Thanks, Jeanie

Thanks gma j. We had the table built by a local furniture store here in NJ called the British Home Emporium. They did a great job and the link is below.

Here is a link that might be useful: British Home Emporium

I looked forever for a square table to seat 8! I finally found a perfect match for me at Haverty's furniture...except it turns from square to round. I LOVE my table! The leaves drop and form a 46" square, you can have 2 leaves up or all four for a 65" circle. It easily seats 8 and it came with a lazy susan.

donna, thank you. I'm still drooling. My cousin is going to build my table when I figure out exactly what I want. Do you know what kind of wood was used and what kind of finish? It looks like it is a solid-top table without a leaf - am I seeing this correctly? Sorry to be so nosy, but I think I'm in love.:) Jeanie

contemporary tables:
dimensions:55"x55"
structure: metal lacquered white, black
top:glass in 6 colors

or
dimensions:55"x55"
structure: anodized natural aluminum, anodized black aluminum
top:carrara marble, glass, dark brown oak or bleach oak
dimensions:55"x55"

Hi again Donna- I just responded to your post on the decorating forum and am now stalking you:)!
I really love your table (and the light that will be going there too). Any details on the brand/finish would be great so I can go to British Home and check it out.

TIA!

Crescent, I replied to you over on the decorating forum. Don't want to hijack this thread anymore than I already have!

It's interesting that you say these small tables fit 8 comfortably, I don't mean to offend, but may I ask how tall you are or how long your legs are? There is no way we could put 8 around those tables!

Hmmmm....are you talking about 8 adults or 2 adults + 6 small/young children? If the latter, keep in mind those children will grow very rapidly into adult-size...probably taller than you! (Both my children are now taller than me.)

When I look at the pictures you've posted I picture people sitting there and all I can see are 8 people competing for leg and elbow room!

Well...you all claim they're comfortable, so I guess I stand corrected at the required dimensions of a 6'x6' table for 8... So, if you have the room Alice462, then go ahead with a smaller table!

We also have a square table that seats 8.

Typically we have it in it's smaller 40x60 size because there's still only the two of us (for a couple more months!), but with one leaf in, it is 60x60 square. With the second leaf in, it's 80x60 and comfortably sat 10 adults for Thanksgiving dinner. There's plenty of room for the chairs to push in and plenty of elbow room.

It's from what I would call a semi-custom furniture company called Canadale. We chose the dimensions, the finish, the edge and leg styles and the chairs. It is really a beautiful table. I only have a picture of it in it's small 40x60 size, otherwise I would post it for you.

The only downfall is that it really is impossible to find table cloths for it when the leaves are in. We just use a runner or placemats instead, but if anyone has any good leads for wide tablecloths, please let me know!

Wow - thanks so much everyone. As usual, you provide much food for thought! I need to do some serious measuring and pondering about what is going to work in our space. The pictures are great and buehl, as always, your expertise provides useful information for me in the decision making process.

Thanks again -- this info. is so very helpful!

Alice

Custom made tablecoth at the link...

More here:

More

Here is a link that might be useful: Custom Tablecloth

I have the Pottery Barn (franscisco?) table and we love it. Generally we sit 7 at it quite comfortably and we are not small.

We have had a 60x60 table that seats 8 for years. I got it online from Sams. We love it for eating and playing games. It is a counter height and really made the space more modern. I have recently seen a similar table on Wayfair.