A made-to-measure meeting table? Here's how to design the perfect one.

The perfect made-to-measure meeting table: a complete guide to making the right choice

At first glance, a meeting table might seem like a simple piece of furniture. Yet it is often where the most important conversations take place. It is where new ideas are born, clients are welcomed, projects are discussed and strategic decisions are made. The meeting table is, literally and figuratively, the centrepiece of the room. 

That is exactly why this choice deserves more attention than it often gets. Many organisations still opt for a standard table because it is available straight away. Only after a few months do they realise that the table is actually too big, too small or not practical enough. Sometimes the room turns out to be hard to move around in, colleagues sit too far apart, or the look simply doesn't match the rest of the interior. 

A made-to-measure meeting table avoids those compromises. You decide the dimensions, the shape, the materials and the finish, so the table fits the room perfectly and suits the way your organisation works together. 

Start with the room, not the table

The first question isn't which table you like the look of, but how the room is used. 

Is it a formal boardroom where clients are received? A creative project space for regular brainstorming sessions? Or a multi-purpose meeting room used every day by different teams? 

The available space also plays a major role. A table may look impressive, but if chairs can barely be pushed back or people struggle to move around, comfort suffers. 

That's why good design always starts with the room itself. Only then do you choose the shape, dimensions and finish. 

Why shape matters so much

Many people choose a table shape purely on looks. Yet the shape determines far more than appearance. It affects how many people sit facing each other, how much eye contact there is and even how conversations unfold. Some shapes create a formal atmosphere, while others actively encourage collaboration and open communication. 

The most popular shapes: 

• Rectangular: the timeless classic. The rectangular meeting table remains the most popular shape, and with good reason. It makes the most of the available space and offers plenty of seating. In long, narrow meeting rooms it is often the most logical choice. A rectangular table also conveys structure and professionalism. It naturally creates a clear place for the chair or whoever is leading the meeting. That makes this shape particularly well suited to executive rooms, board meetings and presentations. If you're looking for a prestigious meeting table with a businesslike look, you'll often find yourself drawn to this classic. 
• Oval: approachable and elegant. An oval meeting table looks friendlier than a rectangular one. With no sharp corners, it has a softer feel and often makes the room seem larger. An oval shape also has advantages during meetings. Participants can see each other more easily, so conversations flow more naturally. That makes this shape popular with organisations where collaboration is key. What's more, you're less likely to bump into a corner of the table. Especially in smaller meeting rooms, this makes moving around more comfortable. 
• Barrel shape: a boardroom favourite. The barrel shape is increasingly chosen for executive rooms and larger meeting spaces. At first sight it resembles a rectangle, but the top is slightly wider in the middle and tapers subtly towards the ends. As a result, participants sit closer together while everyone keeps enough personal space. The outcome is a table that is both prestigious and practical. It's no coincidence that the barrel shape is now one of the most popular choices for larger meeting tables. 
• Round: equality comes first. A round meeting table has no head position. Everyone sits literally the same distance from one another. That influences the dynamics of a conversation. The atmosphere becomes more informal, participants feel involved more quickly and everyone finds it easier to share their opinion. For brainstorming sessions, coaching or smaller discussion groups, a round table is therefore often the best choice. 
• Square: small, but surprisingly effective. Not every meeting room needs to seat ten or twelve people. For smaller meeting rooms, a square table is often an excellent solution. Its compact shape creates an equal layout without taking up unnecessary space. Ideal for short meetings, job interviews or one-to-one conversations. 
• Organic shapes are gaining ground. Where offices used to be dominated by straight lines, today we increasingly see organic shapes in interiors. Think of models such as Stone, Pebble, Hexa, Cloud and River. These tables look friendlier and break up the strict lines of an office environment. Organic shapes fit perfectly into modern workplaces where meeting, creativity and collaboration take centre stage. They create a softer feel and make a space less formal. That's precisely why more and more companies are no longer looking only at standard shapes. 

The right dimensions make all the difference

A beautiful table that isn't pleasant to use is still the wrong choice. That's why the dimensions deserve at least as much attention as the shape. Every user needs enough space to work comfortably, put down documents or use a laptop. 

The circulation space around the table matters too. When chairs keep hitting the wall or colleagues can barely get past each other, even a large meeting room quickly feels too small. A made-to-measure table offers a big advantage here. The dimensions are tailored entirely to the available space, so every centimetre is put to the best possible use. 

The base deserves just as much attention

When choosing a meeting table, attention often goes entirely to the tabletop. Yet the base also determines how the table looks and how pleasant it is to use. A sturdier base gives the table more presence. For large meeting tables, stability is of course at least as important as design. The base also plays a role in seating comfort. Nobody likes sitting with their legs against a table leg or frame. A well-chosen base ensures that every seat remains fully usable. 

Think about the technology too 

Meeting without a laptop, charger or screen is becoming increasingly rare. That's why power and connectivity are becoming an ever more important part of a meeting room. Built-in sockets, USB-C connections, HDMI ports and smart cable management let everyone connect their devices easily, without loose cables trailing across the tabletop. It not only looks more professional, it also prevents a cluttered workspace. 

A sustainable investment

A quality meeting table isn't something you buy for a few years, but often for decades. That's exactly why it pays to invest in durable materials and a high-quality finish. A table that perfectly suits your organisation today will still be a valuable part of your interior ten or fifteen years from now. 

Almost any shape is possible 

Where mainly standard sizes used to be available, made-to-measure now offers virtually unlimited possibilities. Besides rectangular, oval, round and barrel-shaped tables, models such as Nordic, Flow, Stone, Hexa, Shield, Live Edge, Soft Rectangle, Cloud, River and fully organic designs can easily be made. 

So you no longer have to adapt your interior to the table. Instead, the table is designed for your space. 

The right meeting table supports the way you work

A meeting table is much more than a place to sit together. It supports the way people communicate, collaborate and make decisions. That's why this choice deserves a well-considered approach. By taking into account the room, the shape, the dimensions, the materials and the technical features, you end up with a table that offers years of comfort and perfectly matches the image of your organisation. 

Ultimately, a made-to-measure meeting table isn't a luxury, but an investment in efficiency, image and ease of use. Precisely because no two organisations work the same way, there is no standard solution that is the best choice for everyone. With made-to-measure, you create a table that fully meets your needs, today and in the future. 

Sylvie Naessens, COO Buro International

FAQ: made-to-measure meeting tables

1. Which meeting table shape is best suited to my meeting room? That depends on the size of the room and how you use the table. A rectangular table is ideal for formal meetings and large groups. An oval or barrel-shaped table encourages more interaction, while a round table is perfect for brainstorming sessions and informal discussions. Not sure? We'll gladly advise you on the shape that best suits your space and way of working. 
2. Can I have a meeting table made fully to measure? Yes. A made-to-measure meeting table offers virtually unlimited possibilities. You choose the dimensions, shape, material, colour, base and any extras such as cable ports, power sockets or USB connections. That way, the table fits perfectly with your interior and your day-to-day way of working. 
3. How much space do I need around a meeting table? For a comfortable meeting room, we recommend allowing at least 90 to 120 centimetres of clear space around the table. That way, chairs can easily be pushed back and the room stays easy to move around in. At Buro International, we're happy to help you work out the ideal dimensions so your meeting table fits perfectly into the available space.