Who doesn’t love a long, detailed search for the perfect dining room table? Our hunt began almost as soon as we moved into our house. The small formal dining room quickly became “the office” after my husband suggested adding French doors, and we were sold. That change set off a longer plan: we wanted a casual dining room that could handle large family gatherings while still feeling relaxed and inviting.
We have a big family—about a dozen usually when everyone gathers for birthdays or simple dinners—so the original dining room wouldn’t do. After many sketches and conversations we decided to open a wide 5–6 foot pass-through between the kitchen and the former living room and convert that space into a casual dining room and library, adjacent to a defined entryway. Below are images showing the floor plan and the space as it looks now.
For this new casual dining area I imagined a round table—softer and more inviting than a sharp rectangular table. I also pictured bright green leather (or faux leather) Parsons chairs for an approachable, modern contrast with a slightly rustic, chunky table. The goal was a multiuse table: big family meals, crafts, homework, everything. Kid-proof, wipeable chairs were a must.
The challenge: round tables typically seat four, sometimes six. We needed something that could seat eight. After measuring and taping sizes on the floor we learned a 70″ round table should comfortably accommodate eight people with modest Parsons chairs. Finding a 70″ round table, however, turned out to be harder than expected.
I scoured the web and catalogues and found a few possibilities at various price points: a 60″ round table around $998; a 70″ model near $1,995; a 48″ table that extended to a 72″ oval for about $1,299; and a 60″ pedestal table on sale for $1,499. All either felt too small for eight or were priced in the $1,300–$2,000 range, which was more than we wanted to spend.
We visited thrift stores, antique shops, and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. The closest find was a 50″ diner-style laminate table—too small and not the look we wanted. A DIY top that large felt risky: finding a single, solid 70″ slab of attractive hardwood would be difficult and expensive; building it from planks risked a cobbled-together look rather than the chunky, substantial table we wanted.
Then my sister-in-law suggested trying a discount furniture store locally known as The Dump. We stopped in, and to our surprise there was a beautiful rustic yet clean-lined 70″ round table with a non-invasive pedestal base—perfect for keeping legs unobstructed and allowing everyone to gather comfortably. The table felt right: solid, sturdy, and roomy enough for eight.
At first the table was priced with eight chairs included for $1,800, which was out of our range. I asked if they would sell the table separately because we planned to pair it with green Parsons chairs instead of the included set. After negotiating and explaining we’d give the table a good home, the manager agreed to sell the floor model table alone for $799. I bought it on the spot, practically doing a little happy dance in the store.
The table is made of Sheesham, also known as Indian Rosewood, a sturdy hardwood commonly used in furniture for durability. The tabletop isn’t perfectly smooth or glossy; it has a subtly hand-carved, rippled surface. Those natural peaks and valleys mean that everyday nicks and child-driven scrapes will blend in rather than show up as glaring hairline scratches. That finish suits our lifestyle—I want furniture that will be used and loved, not something we have to constantly worry about protecting.
This 70″ round table will seat at least eight and, combined with the island seating we plan to add in the kitchen (which should seat four), will allow us to accommodate about a dozen people comfortably. It feels like the perfect solution for casual family dinners, holiday gatherings, and everyday life—durable, welcoming, and full of character.
We’re eagerly awaiting delivery. Expect photos of the table in its new home soon once it arrives and we set up the room around it.