Round side tables suit bungalows because they are easy to move around. With no corners to catch on, a round top lets people pass close to a sofa or armchair without bumping into it, which matters in single storey homes where living rooms often double as the main route between rooms. For most bungalow seats, a diameter of around 40 to 50cm is comfortable, with a pedestal or drum base for stability and a height close to the arm of the chair beside it.
Shape is only one part of the decision, though. The base, material and placement all affect how a round table feels in a lower ceilinged room with wide windows. Our range of modern side tables UK sale includes round designs in glass, wood, marble and metal, and this guide explains how to choose the right one for your bungalow.
Many bungalow living rooms are rectangular, with a large front window, a fireplace or TV wall and perhaps an opening into a dining area or kitchen. Furniture lines up along those straight walls, and the room can easily feel boxy. A round table introduces a curve that softens the geometry and draws the eye gently around the room. Seeing round tables alongside sofas and storage in our modern living room furniture UK range is a helpful way to picture that effect before you choose.
Round tables also sit well in the bay windows found in many older bungalows. A small round table beside a chair in the bay follows the shape of the window and creates a natural reading spot that makes the most of the light.
In practical terms, a round top reduces the risk of knocks. In homes where older relatives live or visit, or where grandchildren run through, that can make a noticeable difference to how relaxed the room feels.
A round table looks smaller than a square table of the same width, because the corners are removed. That is useful in a compact room, but it also means you should check the usable surface carefully.
To test a size, cut a circle of card or newspaper to the diameter you are considering and place it on the floor where the table will go. Walk around it for a day or two. You will quickly see whether it feels comfortable or crowded.
With a round table, the base shapes the whole character of the piece and affects both stability and how much floor you can see.
A single central column on a weighted foot keeps the floor around the table clear and looks elegant. It is also easy to tuck close to a sofa arm, because there are no legs to collide with the sofa feet. Check that the foot is heavy and wide enough to keep the table steady when someone leans on the edge.
Three splayed legs have a mid century character and a light, open look. They are very stable on uneven floors, which can be helpful in older bungalows where floors are not perfectly level.
Four slim legs under a round top give a classic look and good stability. They take up a little more floor space visually than a pedestal but sit happily in most rooms.
A solid drum is a sculptural choice, and many hide storage inside. Drums carry more visual weight, so they suit rooms with plenty of floor space or work as a single statement piece in a room with otherwise light furniture.
Bungalows often have generous windows but lower ceilings than older two storey houses. Materials that reflect or let through light help keep the room feeling open.
Glass is an obvious choice. A round glass top on a slim frame almost disappears, letting the floor and rug show through and keeping sightlines clear across the room. Our glass side tables UK include clear and smoked designs with round tops.
Pale woods such as light oak or ash bring warmth without heaviness, and they suit the many bungalows with a relaxed, garden facing feel. Darker walnut can look rich in a room with plenty of daylight, especially as a single accent.
Marble adds a sense of quality and permanence, and a round marble top on a slim metal or wooden base keeps the overall look light. White and grey veined marble pairs well with pale walls, while darker stone suits a moodier scheme. Our modern marble side tables UK sale offer round options in a range of tones.
Set the table close enough to the arm to reach easily, with its edge roughly in line with the front of the arm. A round top means the corner nearest the walkway will not catch passing legs.
A slightly larger round table between two chairs creates a sociable spot for conversation or a cup of tea. Keep the chairs angled gently towards each other and the table centred between them.
A small pedestal table in a bay, with a single chair, makes a calm reading spot. Choose a light material so the table does not block the view.
Many bungalows have a sunroom or conservatory at the back. A round glass or metal table copes well with the extra light, and a round shape sits comfortably among plants and cane or rattan seating.
Most sofas, TV units and sideboards are rectangular, and that contrast is exactly what makes a round table effective. To keep the room balanced, repeat the curve once or twice elsewhere, perhaps in a round mirror, a curved lamp base or a round rug under the coffee table. Repeating a material helps too, such as matching the wood of a round side table with the legs of a coffee table.
For more ideas on softening a room with curves, our article on rounded corner dining tables for UK homes explores how curved shapes improve movement and comfort in everyday rooms.
Because a round table has no corners, weight sits differently on the top. Lean on the edge of a pedestal table and the force is concentrated on one side of the base. A good quality pedestal table counters this with a heavy, wide foot. If you plan to place a tall lamp on the table, check that the base is sturdy and position the lamp towards the centre.
Think about cables before you place the table. Ideally, a lamp flex should drop down behind the table close to the wall, rather than trailing across the floor. A table close to a socket makes this easier.
Felt pads under the base protect wooden floors and allow you to move the table gently when cleaning.
Bungalow living rooms often catch light from more than one direction, particularly in homes with windows to both the front and the garden. A round table placed near a window will be seen in very different light at breakfast and in the evening. Glass and polished stone sparkle in morning sun, while matt wood and soft lacquer look calm throughout the day. If the table sits in strong direct light, think about how its finish will look at different hours before you choose.
In the evening, a round table becomes a natural home for a lamp. Because the top is circular, a lamp placed at the centre sheds light evenly in every direction, creating a soft pool around the chair or sofa. A table with a lower shelf can hold a few books or a basket, keeping the top free for the lamp and a drink.
A round side table is a simple way to make a bungalow living room feel softer and easier to use. Choose a diameter that suits the seat, a base that keeps the table steady and a material that keeps the room light. Then repeat the curve somewhere else in the room so the shape feels intentional. You can see our full collection at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
For most sofa ends, a diameter of around 40 to 50cm works well. Choose smaller for tight spaces or larger if the table sits between two chairs.
A well made pedestal table with a heavy, wide foot is very stable. Check the weight and base size before choosing, particularly if the table will hold a lamp.
Yes. The contrast can look very attractive. Repeat the material or colour between the two tables so they feel related.
Glass and pale wood are good choices for keeping a room light. Marble on a slim base also works well without adding heaviness.
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