How to Know What Size Dining Table to Buy
When choosing a table, there are a few things to consider, but it all boils down to the size of your dining room, the table shape, and your personal taste. We'll show you how to choose the appropriate dining table in this dining table guide.
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What Size Dining Room Table to Choose?
The first step to figuring out the right size dining table is measuring the space of your room. You want there to be enough room for people to pass by as well as have a table that's the right proportion to the room size.
Allow 36" between table edges and the wall or other furniture. (Less clearance is needed if table is against an area without traffic flow.) For optimal spacing, allow 42"-48". That way, your guests and family members can move comfortably around the table and the room.
How Many People Do You Want to Seat?
The next step is to figure out how many guests you'll be seating. We recommend starting with the number of people you seat on a daily basis, as well as how frequently you have guests. Each diner will require roughly 2 feet of space as a general guideline, although this may vary if you have oversized chairs. Consider our extendable tables if you anticipate having additional guests or just to have the option to change the length. Some tables, like our Pathway Extendable Table (pictured above), offer storage for up to 2 leaves, while others can store up to 4 leaves, making it a great space-saving option. So, you can enjoy the regular seating while easily extending the table when necessary.
Dining Table Size Based on Seating
To dine comfortably, each person needs approximately 24 inches wide (61cm) of seating space for a typical dining table - including round tables. Of course, this varies based on the type of chairs, but this is a rough estimate. Consider extending the seating allowance to 28–30 inches (71–76cm) for more elbow room, especially if you have chairs with armrests or wide seats.
Though standard table width is usually 42” on a rectangular table, we recommend a 48” width for the most comfortable seating arrangement. This enables you to place food in the center of the table for easy reach. It also typically does not change the overall space your tables and chairs take up in a room. There are design considerations that may indicate the need for a 42” width and space limitations that may push you narrower yet. We work with you to design the table to meet your space and aesthetic needs.
Table Shape
Round, rectangular, or square? Perhaps an extendable table? Well, the most important question is the shape of the room, and how many you want to seat. Let's start with round tables.
Round Tables
Round dining tables work well for maximizing seating in small spaces and fostering conversation over a meal or a fun night of games or puzzles. With round tables using less space, there’s less bumping around making it the perfect intimate setting. If you’d like a larger table for special occasions, our extendable round tables, like the Granby Barnwood Table, is wonderful for accommodating large families or extra guests. But keep in mind, adding middle leaves to a round table transforms the table into an oval.
Another option is to start with a larger table like the 84" round Granby table pictured above -a much larger table than the typical 48" or 60" round tables that are requested more frequently.
Below are our guidelines for choosing the right size table for your family.
Round Table Seating Capacity
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2-4 People: 36" (3 ft)
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4-6 People: 48" (4 ft)
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6-8 People: 60" (5 ft)
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Up to 10 People: 72" (6 ft)
Square Tables
Square dining tables are similar to round tables and create a more intimate dining experience with all diners spaced evenly apart. Plus, no armchairs are necessary for square tables and there’s a bit more surface area! If you have a square dining room, a square table will be the perfect complement. (Square dining tables become rectangular when leaves/extensions are inserted.) It’s important to note that as your square or round table increases in size, it will be more challenging for diners to reach the center of the table. If you want the table to seat more than four people, a rectangular table may be best.
Square Table Seating Capacity
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2-4 People: 36" (3 ft)
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4-6 People: 48" (4 ft)
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6-8 People: 54" (4.5 ft)
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Up to 12 People: 72" (6 ft)
Our 54" x 54" Hawthorne Extendable Table can comfortably seat 6-8. (Additional leaves will extend the table up to a 54" x 102" rectangular table for seating 10-12; more size options available.)
Rectangular Tables
Rectangular dining tables are the preferred option if you need to seat more than 8, and they work perfectly in long, narrow dining spaces. The standard width for a rectangular table is 42”, but we recommend 48” for added comfort and ample space for food. (If you're in a pinch, another bonus you get with a 48"W table is the cozy seating for two on each end!)
Some rectangular tables are available in different lengths.
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4 people: 42 inches wide x 48 inches long
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4-6 people: 42 inches wide x 60 inches long
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6-8 people: 42 inches wide x 78 inches long
Perfect for large families, the Bennet Dining Table shown above is expanded to 42"W x 78"L with both middle leaves inserted. Without the leaves, it measures 42" x 42". (More table dimensions are available for the Bennet.)
Live Edge and Solid Top Dining Tables
The general information regarding table size and recommended seating space also applies to Live Edge and Solid Top tables. However, these two table types cannot accommodate middle leaves or breadboard extensions. Two beautiful examples of Live Edge and solid top tables (like the walnut Beckett) are shown below.
Ready to Purchase a Dining Room Table?
As you can see, there are quite a few important steps you’ll want to consider before making your final decision. After getting the correct measurements, you’ll be on your way to making lovely memories throughout the years with your magnificent dining table.
Shop all Rustic Red Door dining tables keeping the size guides in mind. But if you’re looking for something more specific, we’d be happy to help. Send an inquiry to one of our design specialists and we'll help you create your dream dining table for your home!