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Round vs Banquet Tables
Round tables seat eight to ten guests facing each other, which is best for conversation and a classic reception look. Banquet tables line up into long rows, seat more people in a narrow room and suit family-style dinners. Many events mix both: rounds for guests, banquets for the head table, buffet and bar.
60" round table
From $14.85 each
8' banquet table
From $12.65 each
Side by side
60" round table vs 8' banquet table
| Feature | 60" round table | 8' banquet table |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 comfortably, up to 10 | 8 comfortably, up to 10 with ends |
| Space per guest | About 12 sq ft with aisles | About 10 sq ft with aisles |
| Conversation | Everyone can see everyone | You talk to neighbours and across |
| Look | Classic reception, centrepiece in the middle | Long, family-style tables with runners |
| Linens | 120" round to the floor | 90" x 156" to the floor |
| Also used for | Cake, guest book, cocktail | Head table, buffet, bar, gifts |
| Rental price | See the 60" round table price | See the 8' banquet table price |
Prices are based on local rental companies' published rates plus our booking fee. Your final quote is confirmed by the rental company for your date and venue.
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Choose a 60" round table if…
- You want a classic reception look
- Guests are seated with people they may not know well
- The room is square or wide
Choose a 8' banquet table if…
- The room is long and narrow
- You want family-style dining or long garden tables
- You need to fit more guests into the same space
In detail
What to think about
Space and capacity
Long tables use space more efficiently because they line up end to end with one aisle between rows. Round tables need walking room on every side, so the same room seats fewer guests at rounds. If your venue is tight, run the numbers in the venue capacity calculator before you choose.
In a tent, rounds are easier to place around poles. Long tables work best in frame tents with no centre poles.
Atmosphere
Rounds make each table its own small party. Long tables make the whole room feel like one dinner, which is why they are popular for rehearsal dinners, farm-to-table menus and family celebrations.
Mixing works well: long tables down the middle with rounds around the edge, or one long head table facing a room of rounds.
Cost
Per table, rental prices are close, and the bigger difference is linens: floor-length round cloths and long banquet cloths are priced differently. Use the tables and chairs calculator for a full table count and a rough price at our catalog rates.
Run your numbers
- Tables and chairs calculator: Rounds or banquets, cocktail tables, ceremony chairs and every extra table.
- Venue capacity calculator: How many guests a room holds for dinner, a ceremony, a cocktail party or a meeting.
- Tablecloth and linen calculator: The right tablecloth size for every table and drop, plus napkins and runners.
Questions
FAQ
How many round tables do I need for 100 guests?
Can I mix round and banquet tables?
Which is cheaper to rent?
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