I recently bought a new table, downsizing from 54 in. to 40 in. I was worried initially for the same reason you are. But it hasn't been intrusive. In fact, it's been pleasantly intimate.

At Thanksgiving, there was only room for a centerpiece *or* serving dishes, and we certainly couldn't put a big platter of turkey on the table. We put food on the sideboard, which turned out not to be inconvenient for those second & third helpings after all.

Our kitchen table is only 30" wide and DH and I sit there most nights for dinner (kids sit at the island). It is cozy, but even at 30" we have space for our plates, etc. -- I would think 40-42" in a dining room would be just fine. In fact, I think my DR table is 42" wide and it's fine (our DR is even smaller than yours -- we got rid of the china hutch and the room works much better now).

We have a narrower table (34" across) that we would never replace. I've learned that centerpieces just need to be the right scale, e.g. instead of a big bunch of flowers, three small vases down the length. No candelabras, just single candlesticks lined up. We never keep serving dishes on the table, we plate in the kitchen, but that is more of a "me" thing and not a function of the table really so I can't speak to that. My table seats eight (it's loooong) and even with every seat filled you are never in danger of full placesettings hitting each other across the table. Bonus: a beautiful runner always looks awesome because it takes up more of the space and really gives a look as opposed to being lost on some larger tables.

imso
Curious why are you "forced" to sell the 44" wide table

My DR is similiar size as yours & my DR table is 42 wide - I would think 44" would work - Do you have pics?

A round table will take up more room and be more difficult w/clearances

My DR table is old Duncan Phyfe - 38" wide!! in a 12x12 room with a buffet that is 19"D. It is old so the chairs are much smaller so I have 33" of clearance between buffet & table - so not ideal but it works - the other side is a big open arch so people can walk around very easily. Over the holidays - I set up an additional buffet in the foyer for the food & that eased traffic flow.

On the table there is plenty of width for table settings & a simple arrangement on the table - my fav arrangements are using my mint julep cups - 3 - down the center of the table - simple on a table runner - S&P & butter dish.

Althou, I am like Brownsymom - If I had the choice to purchase!! I would buy round for a square room - use the china cab in another room. I love the look of a round table in a square room - love dining at a round table. You might could even build in cabs/retro fit premade shelves around a window or door taking up very little space for china storage or for book storage.

Smiles:)

Hi and thanks so much for all the replies! The reason I am forced(guess I could have come up with a better word) is that mine was destroyed in a hurricane storm surge last year. I guess I should call it a "DO OVER!" =) It was only a year and half old and I really liked the set, just was a little tight.

I also love the look of the round tables, but I really want some sort of sideboard or china hutch in there. I lived in a really small house for 25 years with no dining room whatsoever so I was really excited to be able to display china and pretty glasses!!!(OMG like did I really use the word really 3 times??? lol) I did manage to salvage most of the glasses and such so I still want to have a way to display them. I'm not sure that corner cabinets would be practical as far as storage goes.

Glad to hear about the narrower tables and that they are intimate and cozy! I have seen some narrower ones online at Ballards and Pottery Barn. I feel much more confident in trying one of those now that I have heard such postive things from yall. Thanks again!

I have a similar size room. I used to have a 42 in round and now have a 36x60 that extends to 36x78 the room looks BIGGER with the larger table! I never would have thought that but iut really fills the space well. I have space for two arm chairs in corners.

My 10' X 16' DR has a table 30" X 60" in it.
We also have a smallish buffet and a china cabinet in the room.

Like myredhouse said, there is not room on the table for serving dishes and a centrepiece, but we manage just fine and seat 6 comfortably.

38 inch wide table allows plenty of space for us...family of 4 but quite often have 5 or 6 for dinner. We have space for serving dishes as well. It would definitely appear narrower and allow more space than your 44 inch table. My other table is 44 inches. I speak from experience

Does anyone know of a table that is narrow maybe 40 inches or 38 that extends to 102 inches with leaves?? For holiday dinners?

I 2nd that last post... I'm looking for a really narrow dining table (around 38) that extends to about 100! anyone?

it would be really helpful if people with the narrow tables could tell me where they found them.

Our dining room is 9' x 14'. After some searching, we got this table, which is 38" wide and can extend to 82" long with 3 leaves -- not quite the 100" that others are looking for, but it works for us.

Narrow dining table

My current table is 35 inches wide and I can fit serving plates between. Definitely not a turkey platter though. When I have company I skip the centerpiece -- rather view the people I talk to anyway. Without leaves in (there are two of them) this is 53 inches long. I can't get down stairs to measure them (broken leg) but I suspect they're each about 13-15 inches long. It's not fancy.

I got this table from the parents years ago so I can't tell you where it originally came from.

My table is 39" wide (Restoration Hardware) and it's great for conversation and serving. I haven't tried a turkey, but I wouldn't want the turkey on the table anyway!

I'm a vegan, so no worries about fitting a turkey!

Ours is 36" x 53" and has leaves that slide out from underneath on both ends. We seat four adults and one child at the holidays and use one leaf to hold the food. We bought it from a Danish design store. The Danes probably eat way less than we Americans and have room to spare on the table.

Easier to reach over when one is looking away to taste their food ROFLMAO

Our beachhouse kitchen is a long rectangle

We bought the cherry MT. LEBANON SHAKER WORK TABLE, in 8', which is 33" wide. While the table is used mostly for prep and casual meals, I find no issues at all with the 33".

Ours is 36 wide and it works very well for us. I would like to get some upholstered chairs or at least two upholstered arm chairs for the heads of the table.

I had a 28" wide table custom built for my screened in porch, wanted to be able to seat 8 without overwhelming the room with a huge table. It works very well, no plates touch but they are close and I use multiple small flower vases and votives scattered along the table. We have a serving buffet nearby so need for large platters but smaller serving dishes fit. In my opinion many table are wider than they need to be. Dining at a narrower table is a more intimate experience. Also as someone commented above, a standard runner looks great as it fills much of the table top.

That's the size that I've been struggling with 28" wide for very narrow Living room/dinning room. Really cant go much bigger because than the room will be so cramped. Do you have a photo to post? Where did you have it custom made? Did you have the traditional four post legs at each end so chairs have more space. How long did you make it? We originally for Thanksgiving made a 30 inch plywood top which was great for once a year but not everyday living.

Anyone have links to their smaller tables? I am in a similar situation... Thanks!

Rebecca Lustig I just went through all of the agonizing and searching for a smaller dining room table. I found most came in 60” or 72” long. I just bought a table at Pier 1 which was 66” x 38”. Its a beautiful table. Depending on the size you are looking for, I found options at Pier 1, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Bassett and I believe Crate and Barrel. Basset is wonderful because you can customize the table, somewhat. I believe their width was 36” wide.

For those wanting a long, narrow table, here is a great option.

You do realize sarahdecor posted that in 2009!

Seagrass_gw hahaha, no! That’s what I get for trying to play online while taking care of two kids.