I would choose the round ...prefer the pedestal base and the round top would be good counterpoint to your island and squares/rectangles composing your space-pantries,walkways, etc.

If the round one has a leaf, it'll be an oval. I prefer the round/oval table the best for your space.

nosoccermom-I have thought about oval, but for some reason the shape doesn't appeal to me as much as round or rectangular. Though I agree that the shape would work well in the space!

I vote round. We have a 4.5 diameter round table that seats 6 comfortably. Eating at a round table gives meals an intimate feel.

I vote round but for the reasons nancyjwb mentioned - not because it will look better in your space (it might, but my reason is that I love round tables for family meals)

I'd be worried that a round table that seats 6 takes up a lot of space. I wanted a round table, but it didn't work in the narrow space. You'd need at least 54" diameter. A rectangular table that seats 6 is perhaps 72" long but considerable narrower, maybe 38-40". A round table, say 48" diameter, which seats 4, can extend to 72" with an insert. The advantage is that with pedestal legs, you can always scoot one more chair in.

Of the two you posted, I prefer the round. I dislike trestle tables because I find them uncomfortable for anyone sitting on the ends (no room for peoples' legs.)

If you're unsure of shape, I'd get some big pieces of cardboard and cut to size. Place over your existing table and see what you think. (We did this with a big piece of plywood for trying out an island size, shape, and location.)

Will you use the table for anything besides family meals? Homework? Crafts? Laptop computer? Sewing projects?

I think the round table looks great and is fine for cozy meals, but when you sit down you don't have a lot of width for non-eating activities. I have a round extension table that I keep both leaves in all the time. When I have projects, I use the long side, because the regular 46" diameter doesn't give me enough lateral space.

Linelle-good questions! I think we'll use the table as multi-purpose spot! Though we'll have an island with seating nearby, I'm sure the kids will also use it for homework/art projects, etc...

In general, I think rectangular tables work better for more than four people. To fit more than four comfortably & have room for everyone's legs, a round table will get too big to easily converse, etc. I have found that when I'm at a round table big enough to fit 6 (or more), it becomes difficult to converse with anyone across the table b/c the table is too big (diameter) - you end up having to yell across the expanse necessary to accommodate more then four people. With a rectangular table, you keep the 42" or so of depth and even though you add 2' to the length for each extra person - you can still easily converse with just about everyone.

For only four people, I think a round table works and I like them, but not for larger #s.

Now, the particular style of table is a different issue. Trestle tables are a nightmare for anyone with long legs - I intensely dislike them b/c I'm always bumping my knees and shins on the bar that runs the length of the table. They're also uncomfortable for people on the ends b/c there's not enough leg room at all, as Chicagoans also mentioned.

Several of you have brought up good points about the trestle tables that I hadn't thought of. I like the look of them, but it sounds as though they aren't the most comfortable/practical choice.

I like rectangular tables with well thought out leg access and which add extra leaves at the end so that you can easily expand the table without having to dsturb anyone already eating...it is a lot of work. The table you show will only seat six if the chairs are relatively small....