7 Tips for Styling Your Oval Dining Table Beautifully

So, you have an oval dining table. Good choice! 🙂 But now you’re looking at it and wondering how to make it look less “furniture showroom” and more “magazine cover,” right? I understand. Oval tables are beautiful—they’re softer than rectangles, more interesting than circles, and honestly, they’re the Goldilocks of dining tables. But styling them? That’s where things get complicated.

I’ve spent way too much time obsessing over table settings (don’t judge), and I’m here to share what actually works. No fluff, no “elevate your space” nonsense—just real tips that’ll make your oval dining table the star of your dining room.

1. Choose a Centerpiece That Respects the Oval Shape

Here’s the thing: your oval table has a natural flow to it. Don’t fight it with a boxy, rectangular centerpiece. That’s like wearing running shoes with a tuxedo—technically possible, but why?

I learned this the hard way when I placed a square vase right in the middle of my table. It felt… strange. The shape simply contrasted with the curves of the table. Once I switched to an elongated centerpiece—think a low horizontal floral arrangement or a series of candles in a line—it all worked.

What works best:

• Long, low floral arrangements
• A row of small vases or candles
• Decorative bowls with a horizontal orientation
• Fruit displays in elongated containers

The key? Your centerpiece should mirror the length of the table without blocking your line of sight. No one wants to play hide and seek around a huge flower arrangement during dinner. Keep it under 12 inches tall and you’ll be golden.

2. Layer Your Table Linens Like a Pro

Want to know a secret? Table linens are basically makeup for your dining table. They hide imperfections and add personality. But here’s where most people mess up—they treat it like an all-or-nothing situation.

I’m a big fan of layers. Start with a tablecloth or go bare (if your table’s finish is stunning, why hide it?). Then add a table runner in the center. For oval tables, a runner that runs the length of the table creates a visual anchor. It’s like giving your desk a backbone – it just makes sense.

Element	Purpose	Style Tip
Tablecloth	Base layer, protection	Choose neutral or complementary colors
Runner	Visual anchor	Should extend 6-12″ beyond table edges
Placemats	Individual definition	Use contrasting textures for interest

IMO, placemats are underrated. They define each person’s space without overwhelming the table. Mix textures—maybe a linen runner with woven placemats—to keep things interesting. FYI, don’t stress about matching everything perfectly. Coordinated beats matchy-matchy every time.

3. Master the Art of Symmetry (But Not Too Much)

Oval tables are symmetrical in nature and you can use this to your advantage. But here’s the catch: Too much symmetry makes your desk look like a museum exhibit. You want balance, not a mirror image.

I like to create symmetry in the large elements – like placing candle holders on both ends – while keeping the smaller details a little more organic. Maybe three candles on one side and two on the other. Or a slightly off-center vase with a few scattered green leaves.

Think of it as organized chaos. Your eye should travel around the table comfortably, not get stuck in one spot going, “Huh, everything’s exactly the same.”

Balance without boredom:

• Anchor both ends with similar (not identical) pieces
• Use odd numbers for smaller decorative items
• Vary heights slightly to create visual interest
• Leave some breathing room—negative space is your friend

Ever noticed how the best-styled tables look effortless? That’s because they break the rules just enough to feel human.

4. Play with Height and Dimension

Flat tables are boring. There, I said. If everything on your desk is the same height, your eyes will have nowhere to go. You need layers and dimensions to make things stand out.

I use the “rule of three heights” when styling my table. Pick three different levels—low, medium, and tall—and work within those parameters. Maybe that’s a low bowl of lemons, medium candlesticks, and a taller vase with branches. Just remember: the tallest item should still allow conversation across the table.

Height hierarchy that works:

• Low (0-6 inches): Placemats, chargers, decorative bowls
• Medium (6-12 inches): Candles, small vases, bread baskets
• Tall (12-15 inches): Slender vases, tall candlesticks (use sparingly)

The error I constantly see? Everything is piled up in the middle, at the same height. Spread things out! Use the entire oval surface. The shape of your table practically begs for a longitudinal arrangement.

5. Don’t Ignore the Sides

Here’s something no one tells you: The sides of your oval table are prime real estate. Everyone focuses on the center, but the curved edges? That’s where you can get creative.

I like to put little decorative elements on the sides – maybe some candles, a small succulent, or even place cards for dinner parties. These little touches make the table feel intentional and carefully styled.

Just don’t overcrowd it. You still need space for serving dishes, drinks, and (let’s be honest) people’s elbows. But a few well-placed items along those curves? Chef’s kiss.

Side styling ideas:

• Small bud vases with single stems
• Votives or tea lights in groups of 2-3
• Decorative napkin rings as mini sculptures
• Seasonal elements (pinecones, shells, etc.)

The oval shape gives you these beautiful curves—use them! They’re like built-in styling zones.

6. Coordinate Your Chairs (Even If They Don’t Match)

Let’s talk about chairs for a second. You might think this is off topic, but trust me: your chairs directly affect the style of your table. I used to have a mismatched set that seemed… well, let’s just say it didn’t seem intentional.

The solution? You don’t need matching chairs, but you do need a unifying element. Maybe it’s the same color throw pillows, similar wood tones, or even a consistent metallic finish on the legs. Something that says, “Yes, these different chairs belong together.”

I tied mine together with matching seat cushions, and suddenly my “eclectic” look became “curated.” See the difference? One makes you look broke, the other makes you look artistic. :/

Chair coordination tricks:

• Use identical end chairs, mix the sides
• Add uniform cushions or slipcovers
• Paint mismatched chairs the same color
• Keep the style family similar (all modern, all farmhouse, etc.)

Your table’s styling doesn’t stop at the table’s edge. Those chairs frame the whole look.

7. Switch Things Up Seasonally

Do you know what’s sad? A beautifully styled table that never changes. I’m not saying redecorate every week (who has that much time?), but seasonal updates keep your dining room feeling fresh.

Spring? Bring in fresh flowers and pastel linens. Fall? Swap to deeper colors and add some pumpkins. Winter? Evergreen branches and metallics. You get the idea.

I keep a small box of seasonal decor that I rotate. It takes maybe 15 minutes to update the table, but it makes a huge difference. Plus, it gives you an excuse to increase home decor sales. (You’re welcome.)

Easy seasonal swaps:

• Change your table runner or placemats
• Rotate centerpiece elements (flowers, branches, decorative objects)
• Update candle colors
• Add seasonal produce as decor (citrus, apples, gourds)

The beauty of an oval table? It’s versatile enough to handle any style you throw at it. Take advantage of that flexibility!

Wrapping It Up

Styling an oval dining table isn’t rocket science, but it does require thinking about the table’s unique shape. Work with these curves, not against them. Create balance without being boring. Add dimension, play with those gorgeous sides, and don’t forget to change things up every now and then.

Even more important? Don’t stress too much. Your dining table should reflect your style and make you happy every time you walk past it. If something feels off, trust your instinct and adjust. The best decorated spaces always have a bit of personality – so let yours shine.

Now go make that oval table the showstopper it deserves to be! And hey, when people compliment it (and they will), just smile and act like it was effortless. 😉