A Guide to Different Table Shapes

Choosing the Right Table Shape, Size, and Style for Events

View full range of banqueting tables for hire in our tables category: Table Hire

We have depots in London, Southampton, Luton and Corsham (South West) covering all of the south coast.

When planning an event, the type of tables you choose to hire can play a crucial role in shaping the overall ambiance, guest experience, and functionality. Different events call for hiring different types of tables, depending on the style of the gathering, the venue, and the seating arrangements. Whether it's a formal wedding, a casual garden party, or a lively food and beer festival, hiring the appropriate table shape, size, and style can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best tables for your next event.

1. Round Tables

Best for: Weddings, Banquets, Garden Parties

Round tables are a staple at formal events like weddings and banquets, known for promoting conversation and an intimate feel. These tables encourage face-to-face interactions since guests can easily see and talk to each other without the barriers created by rectangular tables.

Sizes and Styles: Round tables generally come in sizes ranging from 36 inches to 72 inches in diameter. Smaller round tables can seat four to six people, while larger ones can accommodate up to ten guests. For a more formal setting, such as a wedding reception, hire round tables and add our elegant linens then you can bring centrepieces to create a refined aesthetic. At garden parties, round tables can be paired with informal seating for a relaxed yet inviting atmosphere.

Round tables are a great table to hire for venues with ample space, as they require more room per guest compared to rectangular or square tables. For weddings and banquets, using a combination of large and small round tables ensures guests are evenly distributed while maintaining an elegant layout. This is why we keep a wide array of sizes and styles to allow maximum flexibility.

2. Square Tables

Best for: Intimate Gatherings, Corporate Events, Cocktail Parties

Square tables are a perfect table hire option for smaller, more intimate settings where guests can interact closely. These tables are often used for small family gatherings, corporate luncheons, or cocktail parties. They offer a more modern and clean aesthetic compared to round or rectangular tables.

Sizes and Styles: Typically seating four to eight guests, square tables range from 36 inches to 60 inches on each side. They provide a balanced look in the space, especially in smaller venues. Square tables work well in events where networking and close conversation are key, such as business dinners or engagement parties. For cocktail parties, smaller square tables encourage standing guests to mingle, often without the need for full seating.

Square tables also lend themselves to modular designs; placing several square tables together can create unique configurations, offering flexibility in event layout.

3. Long Trestle Tables

Best for: Rustic Weddings, Food Festivals, Beer Festivals, Family-Style Banquets

Trestle tables, also known as banquet tables or farm tables, are ideal for large gatherings where communal dining or a rustic vibe is desired. These long tables are perfect for food and beer festivals, allowing multiple guests to sit together in a relaxed, social atmosphere. They are also a popular choice for rustic weddings and family-style dinners, where large platters of food are shared among guests.

Sizes and Styles: Our Trestle tables are typically rectangular, available in various sizes and heights. They can be set into rows extending the length of your event space, they can seat a large number of people, depending on the size. Their simplicity makes them a versatile option for both formal and casual events. At rustic weddings, for example, a bare wooden trestle table adorned with greenery and simple tableware creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.

For food and beer festivals, trestle tables are often left uncovered for easy cleanup, and their large surface area accommodates platters, drinks, and even board games or communal activities. These tables work best in open spaces, such as large dining halls, outdoor venues, or festival grounds, where they can be arranged in rows or clusters to encourage socialising.

4. Tall Bar Tables

Best for: Cocktail Receptions, Networking Events, Food and Drink Festivals

Tall bar tables, also known as poseur tables, cocktail tables or high-tops, are perfect for events that encourage mingling and casual conversations. These poseur tables are often used in cocktail receptions, food and beer festivals, and networking events, where guests can stand and socialise without the need for formal seating. They are a perfect hire option

Sizes and Styles: Bar tables typically have a smaller surface area, around 24 to 36 inches in diameter, and are designed to accommodate two to four people. They are available in a variety of styles. At Allens we generally favour sleek, modern design. For cocktail receptions, placing several bar tables around the venue encourages guests to move around, engage with different people, and enjoy drinks and appetizers.

These tables also work well for outdoor festivals, where space might be limited, and the focus is on keeping the event lively and casual. Bar tables are easy to move and rearrange, providing flexibility to the event layout as the crowd shifts throughout the day or evening so they are a great hire option.

Planning which type of Table to Hire

Choosing the right tables to hire for your event depends on the style, guest count, and atmosphere you want to create. Round tables promote conversation and intimacy, ideal for weddings and banquets. Square tables are modern and perfect for smaller gatherings or corporate events. Long trestle tables offer a communal feel, making them the go-to choice for rustic weddings and festivals. Finally, tall bar tables bring a casual, social dynamic that’s ideal for cocktail parties and food festivals. By understanding the purpose of each table type, you can hire the right type or types of table and elevate your event’s ambiance and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for your guests.

Don’t forget to consider hiring table linen

Hiring Table Linen can play a crucial role in enhancing both the aesthetic and functional appeal of tables, regardless of their shape or size. Here at Allens we have a wide array of different styles and colours available to hire in order to cover our tables allowing you to get just the right look for your event. Aesthetically, tablecloths instantly elevate the look of any event, creating a polished and cohesive appearance. They can set the tone, whether it's a luxurious wedding with rich fabrics and elegant designs or a casual garden party with light, breezy linens. The colours and patterns of table linens can complement the overall theme and decor, transforming a plain table into a sophisticated focal point.

Functionally, table linens provide a protective layer, shielding tables from scratches, stains, and spills. For events involving food and drinks, linens are practical as they help in absorbing accidental spills, making cleanup easier and reducing the chances of damage to the table. Also worth considering : linens help stabilise tableware, preventing dishes, glasses, and utensils from slipping on smoother surfaces. They offer a seamless and neat look to the event setup. Whether it’s a formal event or a casual gathering, hiring table linens brings an essential element that enhances the functionality and visual appeal of tables, contributing to an overall well-organised and elegant event setting.

For more information on our Banqueting/Function table hire range, please feel free to get in touch with us here at Allens Catering Equipment and Furniture Hire today. You can call 020 8574 9600 (London) or 023 8065 2316 (South Coast) or send us an email at [email protected]

For banquet or function table hire in London and the south coast, you can find what you need for your event needs at Allens Hire. Contact us today!