The Pseudo Egalitarian

While the square table shape gives an impression of being egalitarian due to the lack of an obvious head of the table, there is a sense of “this space is mine”. Importantly, this factor is enforced by the fact that this is not the kind of table where you can comfortably make more room for additional diners, highlighting its fixed and conservative outlook. As with the rectangular Boss table setting, the hierarchical power play can again be examined through views commanded and kitchen proximity.

The Gentle Hierarchy

The oval table, while dispensing with unwelcoming hard corners, nevertheless maintains a hierarchical seating plan. The food preparer and server may appear to maintain equal status with the head, but this is of course lessened by the fact that they must conduct kitchen duties. The oval table affords each sitter with more personal space while also allowing for the relatively easy introduction of additional diners – although the personal space would most likely be relinquished first by the diners seated at the centre, not the head.

The Egalitarian Round

Also referred to as the True Egalitarian, the round table gives a sense that everyone seated at this table is equal. While placement in a room in relationship to views and kitchen access continues to play a part, the lack of corners, equal allocation of space and the fact that everyone can move a little to accommodate additional diners, adds to the sense of equal status at this table.