There are so many. Where do I begin?

Round or square, tall or small, there's no getting around the fact that you have an abundance of options at your fingertips when it comes to hospitality tables. And while choice can be a good problem to have, you have to start narrowing it down a bit in order to track down the right table for your needs. So let's break it down somewhat.

The first question you should ask yourself is who will be using this furniture. Will it be clients expecting a slick, professional experience? Staff or students who put a premium on comfort and usability? Or patrons in a hospitality setting, who expect clean, clear surfaces at all times?

That dovetails into the second question: what kind of use will these tables see? From dining to brainstorming sessions, it's important to be aware of the needs you need to satisfy. After all, there's a big difference between a table that's perfect for holding small snacks and an altogether larger surface that facilitates collaboration between groups of participants.

A table for every need

Hospitality tables are generally united by one thing: they're designed to be compact. In fact, most models measure no more than 30 inches across. At those dimensions, round tabletops can be used to suggest a friendly, "pull up a chair" type of area—while square tables are often perceived to be a little more formal and functional in most circumstances, creating more elbow space for that "bring to the table" type of feel.

Height is another consideration, and not just because you need to ensure compatibility with your seating: tall, bar-height tables are perfect for informal settings—break rooms, diners, shared spaces—while standard height models suggest a longer stay at the table, especially when used in collaborative settings like meeting rooms.

The finer details matter too

Okay, so now you're building a better idea of exactly the table you need. How are you going to choose between the many models that meet your broad criteria? Start by considering the benefits—and drawbacks—of having one central leg instead of four. The former configuration might be perfect for those areas where people are constantly coming and going—and don't want to bash their knees on table legs—while the latter is likely to be a little more steady and robust.

There's also the question of the finish. It's primarily an aesthetic decision, of course, but there's more to it than that. For example, you can create a sense of class and elegance with a high-quality mahogany wood finish, but it won't stand up to scratches, stains, or burns as well as a thermal-fused melamine laminate with T-mold edge banding.

Of course, your choice of hospitality table may also have a knock-on effect on your seating. Will your current dining chairs match up—visually and ergonomically—or is it time to consider an upgrade, like Modway dining chairs?

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