Dining Table Size Guide : What size table do I need ?

DINING TABLE SIZE GUIDE 

Are you having trouble working out what size table you need for your dining room? Not sure what shape table to go for ? Do you have an awkward dining space and don’t know how best to arrange it? We’ve put together a handy guide with lots of tips to help you find the right size and shape dining table for your particular needs.

What size table do I need?

By far the most common question we get asked is, “what size dining table do I need?”.

Nine times out of ten, we can’t give you a direct answer – at least not straight away. There a few important questions to ask before arriving at the right size dining table that is perfect for your space.

A dining table is the heart of the home and is host to all kinds of activities and events. So you will want to consider how you will use your table. But there are many shapes and sizes of tables out there and ultimately, your dining table needs to fit your kitchen or dining room and provide enough seating.

What shape table is best for my dining room ? 

The very first thing to consider in choosing a dining table is the shape of the space where your table will go. This part is the easy bit. Simply match the proportions of the table with the proportions of the room or space you have available. As a general rule, a square space will suit a round or square table and an elongated space will suit a rectangular or oval table. If you have an elongated or rectangular room, but only have a square part of it available because of other furniture in the room, then a round or square table will still suit this space.

How much space to I need around my table?

Before you decide how many people you can seat around your table, it is essential to calculate the space you have available. You will need to take walls, furniture and doorways into consideration.

• To ensure you have enough room around your table you need a minimum of 80 cm to 100 cm (31 to 40) inches clearance space. The measurement should be taken from the nearest object. This measurement may still create a tight fit for people to get up and down from their seats at the table. But it is the minimum requirement.
• For a more comfortable distance between walls and the dining room table, leave at least 100 to 125 cm (40 to 49 inches). This will allow people to get up and down easily from their seats.
• Distance between a dining table and a doorway. Provide at least 125 cm (49 inches) between the table and a doorway to allow people to enter and exit the room easily.

Space Saving Tips

The above dimensions are a useful guide, but they don’t have to be followed to the letter. If you are short on space, you may need to find some wiggle room. Using chairs with no arms will mean you can slide them right in when not in use. Better still, benches or banquette seating are great space saving options.

Measuring Tip: If you are unable to visualise the space your table will take up. Mark out the area by laying newspaper or objects on the floor and then walk around it. Open doors and cupboards too. This will instantly give you a sense of how much room is left to play with.

Once you have worked out the shape of your table and how much space you have around it, you can begin to arrive at it’s size. Most dining tables come in three basic shapes : rectangular, square or round. The following guides give an idea of how many people you might be able to seat around various standard sizes. Your space may dictate that you need a size that is not listed here of course, in which case, a bespoke size table is in order.

Rectangular Dining Tables : Standard Size Guide

A rectangle is the most common dining table shape, and the most versatile. They are available in a variety of sizes that can accommodate from two to twelve people and beyond. Rectangular tables can be placed side by side or end to end to create a sumptuous banquet style for parties. Or for a more modest occasion you can add stored or removable extending leaves for occasional use.

Round Dining Tables : Standard Size Guide

Round tables are excellent space savers if you have limited room and they are perfect when paired with corner banquette seating. A round table can also encourage closer social interaction because everyone sits the same distance from each other. No more being left out of the conversation with the person at the far end of the table! However, the larger the round table, the further away you get from the guests on the other side of the table. This shape definitely lends itself best from 2 up to 8 seats.

Square Dining Tables : Standard Size Guide

Thanks to their shape, everyone around a square table can feel equal – there is no head of the table. Everyone can feel as important as the other guests. This creates a sense of intimacy and makes it much easier to have a conversation with everybody. Square tables can also be a great option in a rectangular space, where the room is used for dining and living. It can help divide the room into two definable square spaces.

Oval Dining Tables

The oval table is a mixture of a round and rectangular shapes and is therefore, easily adapted to different spaces – rectangular or square. However, like a rectangular table, the oval is more adapted to use in a medium to larger sized dining room. If your dining room is on the smaller side, opt for circular or square instead. Oval tables aren’t the most commonly used dining table shape, but this works to its’ advantage and can give an original edge to the look you are trying to create. Most modern oval tables make a really bold statement.