Cross-Base Tables

Will a Cross Base Get in the Way of Chairs?

A cross base can affect how chairs slide in, so it helps to check where the arms of the cross actually extend under the top. Some bases are positioned low enough that seating feels easy on all four sides, especially when paired with a modern dining table and chairs layout. Many people find that a central pedestal with a cross offers better legroom than four corner legs, as long as you’re not dealing with unusually deep chair frames. Even on a round dining table or an oval dining table, the idea is the same: if the cross sits low and stays within the footprint of the top, no one ends up knocking their knees when they pull in.

How Do I Pair Chairs With a Cross-Base Table?

When styling a cross-base table, open-frame or visually light chairs help keep the shape of the base visible instead of hiding it. You can echo the cross detail through chair angles or overhead lighting, though small contrasts in material and finish often look more natural in modern living spaces. Matching tones creates a unified, quiet look, while mixing finishes gives the base more presence without feeling forced. Most design references show simple armless chairs because they let the cross breathe and keep the geometry clean.