Most dining tables come in one of the basic shapes: rectangular, square, and round. The width and depth of the table vary based on the shape. Here are the standard table sizes for each shape.
• Square table sizes. Square tables are best for seating four people and usually range between 36" and 44" wide. Occasionally, square tables are actually counter height rather than standard table height, meaning they measure between 34" and 36" tall.
Shop Dining Tables Online .
• Rectangular table sizes. Rectangular is the most common table shape, and the dimensions vary depending on how many people you'd like to seat. Most rectangular tables are between 36" and 40" wide. A table that seats four should be about 48" long. To seat four to six people, look for a table that is at least 60" long. For six to eight guests, your table should be at least 78" long. The rule of thumb is to allow 24" of space per seat at your dining table.
Shop Rectangular Tables Online
• Round table sizes. Diameter is the key measurement for a round table. Like square tables, this shape is better suited for smaller groups, and they can fit perfectly in smaller spaces. The cozy intimacy of a round table like our Bella table makes it the as the center of life in a busy family – homework and bill paying one minute, a relaxed family dinner the next. You can seat four people at a table that is between 36" and 44" in diameter; four to six people will fit at a table that's 44" to 54" in diameter, and your table should be 54" in diameter or larger to fit six to eight diners.
Shop Round Dining Tables Online
The dining table is the focal point of the dining room and with so much attention being drawn to the table, it’s important to spend some time on it to get it right. Mapping out a size that’s proportionate to the space, determining the number of chairs that’ll fit, and landing on a shape are the three biggest factors in selecting a dining table. It can feel overwhelming when you’re starting from scratch, but there are some fundamental guidelines to help you make an informed decision.
Let’s break the guidelines down step by step –
DETERMINING TABLE SIZE
First things first, to determine what size dining table will fit in the space, you’ll need to do a little measuring. Measure the length and width of the room. If you have any furniture like a sideboard, measure from that instead of the wall. Now, subtract 6 ft (or 72”) from both the length and width. This is the size of the table that you can fit comfortably in the space.
There should be roughly 36” of space between the dining table and the wall or any furniture you have in the room to account for chairs and a walking path.
NOTE: If you have an open concept dining room, map out a dining room zone with painters tape. Then subtract 36” from each side to determine a table size.
SEATING FOR RECTANGLE TABLES
The general rule of thumb is 2 feet per seat. Take the total table length (in inches) and divide it by 24. This will determine how many chairs you can fit at the table length wise. If your table is at least 36” wide, you can add chairs on the ends as well.
NOTE: If your dining chairs have arms, you may need more than 2 ft per seat. Aim for 2-6” of space between chairs.
ANOTHER NOTE: If your dining table has inset legs, you may need to adjust the number of chairs that fit. This is why I prefer dining tables that have legs as close to the corners as possible.
SEATING FOR ROUND TABLES
Generally speaking, round tables can’t seat as many people as rectangle tables. To determine how many chairs can fit at a round table, multiply the table top diameter (in inches) by 3.14. Then divide by 24 (for cozy seating) or 30 (for comfortable seating).
24” per seat may seem a little snug for round tables, but it’s cozy for family dinners. For hosting or formal dinners, you’ll find that 30” per seat is more comfortable.
DETERMINING TABLE SHAPE
I like to use the shape of the room as a guide for the shape of the table. A rectangle room looks best with a rectangle table while a square room looks best with a round table.
For small spaces, like a corner nook for example, round tables are often best. They create ample walking space along the perimeter without looking too bulky for the space.
NOTE: Keep in mind that dining rooms with multiple functions (i.e. a dining room and back entry in one) may affect the shape of the table. For example, this dining room is square, but with the back entry also in the room, the dining area needs to be pushed to the side to accommodate for a walkway. The room is then divided into two zones – a dining zone and a walkway zone. With the new dining zone being rectangle, a rectangle table works best.
With all these tips in mind, I created a table size and seating diagram for you to reference.
RECTANGLE & ROUND DINING TABLES
JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.
Until next time,
blog
OH HEY,
I’m Danica!
My goal is simple: To make design less intimidating and more inspiring with DIY’s, home renovations, and design tips.
Popular Topics
For more information, please visit How to cook with fresh bamboo leaves?.