Lazy Susan Table Guide | Everything You Need to Know

Whether you have a large family, are expecting a lot of guests, or just want to have easier access to items at your dinner table, a lazy susan could be the perfect solution for you. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to add a lazy susan to your dinner table.

What Is A Lazy Susan Table?

A lazy susan table is a table with a rotating platform in the center, which is called a lazy susan. Items can be placed on the rotating center to be easily accessed by other people at the table. It removes the need to move or pass these items across the table manually. This can be especially useful for family-style meals or shared dishes at restaurants. Rather than constantly passing or rearranging items on the table, a lazy susan table keeps everything conveniently located in one place where everyone can access it.

You can get a dining room table with a lazy susan built in or add a lazy susan to your table top. Not only are they useful for your indoor dining room, but they can also help you with outdoor entertainment.

Types Of Lazy Susans

Lazy susans can be added to tables, cabinets, under the sink, and more. Let’s look at some different styles and how they fit in your dining room: 

Round Lazy Susan

This is the most common style of lazy susan. It’s a rotating circular shape that can be placed on your dining room table or in your cabinets. This style is the perfect lazy susan for a round table.

Square Or Rectangular Lazy Susan

As the name suggests, this lazy susan features four flat sides and can be square or rectangular. It is perfect for a rectangular dining table. 

Pie Cut Lazy Susan

Pie-cut lazy susans are similar to round ones, except that they have a missing piece that looks like someone took a slice out of the pie. These are typically used in corner cabinets to increase accessibility to hard-to-reach corners. They’re also a great option to maximize your pantry space.

D Shaped Or Half Moon Lazy Susan

This looks very similar to the round lazy susan, but it features one flat side. It is the perfect fit for cabinets with hinged doors and another great solution for the hard-to-reach corners of your cabinet.

Lazy Susan Materials

Lazy susans can be made from various materials that each offer their own unique attributes. Here are some commonly used materials for lazy susans:

Wood

This is the most traditional material used in lazy susans. They can be made with any type of wood, such as maple, oak, bamboo, or walnut.

Plastic

If you want a lightweight but still durable lazy that’s easy to clean, look no further than a plastic one. They come in a variety of colors and styles, making them a perfect addition to an indoor or outdoor dining table.

Metal

These are a sturdy option that will fit seamlessly into a contemporary-style home. They can be made of either stainless steel or aluminum.

Glass

While more fragile, they are easy to clean and maintain. Most lazy susans of this kind are made from tempered glass for increased durability. 

Marble or Stone

This is a great option if you need to serve heavy dishes. They can be heavy themselves, but they offer added stability.

Ceramic

This material is heat-resistant, which is perfect for serving hot dishes. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns.

How Big Should A Lazy Susan Be For A Table?

The size of a lazy susan for a table depends on a number of factors. If you’re looking to add one to your own table, you may wonder how big the lazy susan table top needs to be to fit on your dining table. Here are some general guidelines to help you get started:

Diameter

The diameter of a lazy susan table tells you how much surface area it takes up. For a round dining table with a lazy susan, you’ll want the diameter of the lazy susan’s table top should be slightly smaller than the table’s diameter. For a square or rectangular table, its diameter should be chosen to fit within the table’s dimensions to leave enough space for dishes and utensils to fit around it. Here are some common lazy susan sizes:

1. 12 Inches (30 cm) Diameter
   • This is an ideal size for a smaller dining table or countertops. It has just enough space for condiments, sauces, or small serving dishes.
2. 18 Inches (45 cm) Diameter
   • A medium-sized lazy susan would be the perfect fit for an average-sized dining table or kitchen cabinets. It can fit serving dishes, bowls, and platters.
3. 24 Inches (61 cm) Diameter
   • This is a larger lazy susan table suitable for a large dining table or spacious kitchen cabinets. It can accommodate a variety of dishes and multiple guests. 

Functionality

You’ll also want to consider how many people the lazy susan table will be serving. If you want to serve more people, you’ll want a wider table top. However, you don’t want it to be too large, or everyone won’t be able to fit around the table to eat.

Clearance

As mentioned above, it’s important for those eating to be able to reach the lazy susan easily and still have enough room for their plates and utensils. If it’s too small, people won’t be able to reach it. But if it’s too large, it may restrict movement and make it difficult to eat at the table.

What Do You Put On A Lazy Susan On A Table?

You can put anything you want on a lazy susan table! Since lazy susan tables are commonly used to get access to items at the dinner table or on a kitchen counter, here are some common items you could consider putting on them:

Condiments And Seasonings

Condiments such as ketchup, mustard, mayo, hot sauce, or salad dressings and seasonings like salt and pepper would make it easy for those dining to add additional flavors to their meals without having to pass them around. 

Sauces And Dips

You could also put sauces and dips such as salsa, guacamole, or hummus and pair them with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks for easy snacking. 

Serving Dishes

Rather than having to pass around serving dishes of appetizers, snacks, or side dishes, setting them on the lazy susan gives everyone easy access to them.

Utensils and Tableware

Instead of pre-setting the table or having everyone grab their own utensils out of the kitchen, placing them on a lazy susan gives all your guests easy access to them. You can keep utensils such as forks, knives, and spoons or tableware like plates, bowls, and napkins so that everything needed for the meal is within arm’s reach. 

Drinks

The same goes for drinks. You can place bottles or cans of water, soda, beer or wine on the table for easy access. Why not take it one step further and include glasses or cups for serving the drinks?

How To Decorate Lazy Susan On Dining Table

There are many ways you can decorate a lazy susan table. If you want to make your lazy susan table top your own, here are some ideas of how to decorate it:

Centerpiece

The center of your lazy susan table can be the focal point of decorative pieces. To add your own flare, you can add a vase of fresh flowers, a seasonal arrangement, a decorative bowl filled with fruit, or a tablecloth. Here is some more information on how to create your own centerpiece.

Tableware

Not only is tableware a great addition to a lazy susan for a table, but it also can serve as decoration. You can mix and match different colors, patterns, and textures to make it your own. 

Seasonal Decor

If you want to celebrate a certain season or holiday, you can put seasonal decorations such as pumpkins, gourds, ornaments for the holidays, or seashells to reflect the time of year. 

Candles Or Tealights

Whether it’s date night or you just want to add some ambiance, consider adding some candles or tealights to your lazy susan. You can add scented candles, coordinated colored tealights, or decorative candle holders to elevate your lazy susan for any occasion. 

How To Clean A Lazy Susan Table

It’s important to perform regular maintenance on your lazy susan table. Whether a spill happens or you just want to ensure smooth operation, here’s a complete guide on how to look after your lazy susan:

Remove Items

First, you’ll want to take everything off the table and put them aside in a safe location.

Wipe Down The Surface

Now that everything’s out of the way, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the surface of the lazy susan table. For tougher stains and spills, use warm water and mild dish soap, as abrasive cleaners and scouring pads could scratch the surface.

Clean The Rotating Mechanism

It’s essential to clean and maintain the turntable or bearings on your lazy susan to ensure it continues to rotate smoothly. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the rotating mechanism and remove any dust, dirt, or debris. To get into those hard-to-reach places, you can use a small brush or toothbrush.

Dry The Surface

Once you’ve finished wiping everything down, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off any remaining wet spots. This prevents water spots and keeps the table top looking clean and shiny.

Sanitize

It’s up to you if you want to sanitize your lazy susan to kill germs and bacteria. If you decide to sanitize it, pay close attention to the disinfectant spray or wipes that you choose to use and make sure they’re safe to use on this surface. 

Replace Items

Now that you’re done, it’s time to put all the items you set aside back on the lazy susan.