An assortment of round conference tables is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique round conference tables was constructed with extraordinary care, often using
stone,
marble and
wood. We have 61 antique and vintage round conference tables in-stock, while there are 95 modern editions to choose from as well. Round conference tables have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Round conference tables are generally popular furniture pieces, but
mid-century modern,
modern and
Art Deco styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Some round conference tables are too large for some spaces — a variety of smaller round conference tables, measuring 33.5 inches across, are available at 1stDibs. Round conference tables have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by
Herman Miller,
Charles and Ray Eames and
Knoll are consistently popular.
Vintage, new and antique conference tables are key to designing functional offices, setting the tone through shape and materials.
The evolution of floor plans and office furniture such as desks or office chairs shows how the workplace has changed over the years. One trend in the 20th century was the open floor plan, which was pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright. The profoundly influential architect’s design for the 1936 office building for SC Johnson Wax was an early example. Soon, major American furniture manufacturers would take aim at creating furnishings for the workplace.
In 1942, Herman Miller, anticipating a postwar economic boom, began making office furniture for the first time, while at Knoll, a special office-focused division created by Florence Knoll in the mid-1940s designed office spaces for the likes of GM and CBS.
Open-floor-plan offices became mainstream by the mid-century as a way to reflect a company’s values. Working in an open space meant that employees were equal and the design was aimed at improving communication and cooperation. The conference table was key to this vision. Businesses with an open floor plan needed a place for meetings and this ensured that the conference table and conference room became staples of the modern office.
A round conference table is egalitarian and informal, getting people to participate and share ideas. A rectangular conference table is more structured, allowing executives to sit at the end of the table to conduct the meeting.
The style and color of the table are also important. A bold color can make participants feel more creative; a unique shape can evoke innovation and modernity. Creatives often invest in eye-catching furniture to express their company’s individuality.
A variety of conference tables can be found on 1stDibs, from postmodern conference tables for forward-looking businesses to new and custom options to make a conference room stand out.