I think that if the rug is slightly bigger than the table and that when the chairs are pushed out, they are still on the rug, that could work?

One more thing...it wouldn't be bad (in my opinion) to repeat the round theme with something round or circular as a light option or a decorative bowl... That way it doesn't look like it was an accident..

I don't see a problem with a round rug and a square table. Go for it! I'm with you on the fact that a good round table is hard to find.

So long as they are in a nice proportion to each other, I see no problem. And hey, sometimes contrasting shapes work better than repeated shapes.

It will work as long as the rug has a bigger footprint than the table AND the chairs when they are in use. If the rug is too small it will look off -- it will look off even if you had a round table. To achieve this, you'll need at least an 8 foot diameter rug for a standard 4 foot square table; 6 foot rug will be too small. Make sure there are other curvlinear elements in your dining vignette and that you don't overdo it with straight lines. Chairs can have curvlinear elements as well as whatever you choose to put on top of the table.

Designers for millions of years have been putting together circles, rectangles and squares without the world coming to an end. Don't think too much and just do it.

Hey Danny,
I think this sounds like a great idea. A fun weekend project could be sanding down (assuming it's wood) your square table, re-staining, painting a large circle in the middle of the table and then re-varnishing. The circles edges could go right to the edge of the table and you could choose a great contrasting color or even make some sort of circular pattern out of it. This would be an even better match than a circular table by mixing the 2 circles with the square.
Even if you aren't down for this much work, a circular table topper or Marie-Eves idea of a bowl could work too.
Good luck!

I agree, the rug just needs to be comfortably bigger than your table and chairs.

Is this your "dream dining room"? Keep looking until you find the round table that's in your heart.

A square table will work, sure, but you'll always wonder what magic could have been.

forget sanding and seeking a new table. i think it will look great if it is the right size. also, consider taking an old sheet (or get one at goodwill) and cutting it the same size as the rug. lay it out under the table to see if you like how the size looks. if so... i say buy the rug.

Wow! Thanks for all of the advice. I actually think I just found the right round table. It's 45" in diameter. Would a 6' round rug be large enough?

NO! You will drive yourself crazy with the back legs of your chairs catching on the edge of a 6' rug. Better no rug at all than that constant irritation.

...sorry if I shouted - I'm nuts because my chair legs keep catching...

For a good round table I would recommend doing the following (at least it worked out perfect for me):

I found a terribly ugly one at a thrift store for about $10 - the only thing that mattered to me was the circumference. Then I simply changed it to meet my needs on a VERY low budged.
When I bought it, it was a kitchen dining table, so I shortened the legs, sawing them to a coffee-table hight. Then I covered it all (including legs) with white mosaic tiles I got on sale. It looks truly amazing (if I do say so myself)! Looks like a fancy design piece and fits perfectly into my living room. My little Gaudi-ish table, hehe.

The whole project cost me about $30, and though it was rather time consuming to do the mosaic work; it was so very rewarding in the end! :o)

Hope that helps someone in search of the perfect round table ;o)

Would you bother asking this question if it were a round table on a square rug? I doubt it. It's the same as any other rug choice, as long as it's the right size and goes well with everything else with the room, go for it!

Sorry Danny Boy, but Tricia Rose is right...a six ft diameter rug is too small. Unfortunately C&B only has the Memphis in that size. If you really like the rug can you use it anywhere else?

I went today to pick up the rug and saw a 48" dining table with chairs on it, and sitting down around the table, it all actually worked quite fine.

Also, ended up with a 45" diameter table today, so that should also buy a few inches. It may be close, but I think all of the chairs will look fit (and look good) on the rug.

I'll try it out. Crate and Barrel has a great return policy. I'll post pics to update. Thanks for all of the advice... although I'm going against some of it!

-Danny