Dining Table Size and Seating Guide: How to Choose

When it comes to dining table size, there’s a lot to think about. Not only does the size of your dining table impact the number of people you can seat and entertain in your dining room, it also has a huge impact on the look and feel of a room. As a rough dining table size guide, see the below infographic:

 

 

With that said, there are other factors than size that play a part. This includes the shape of the table and the type of dining chair you choose. Below, we’ll dive into dining table sizing, why it’s so important and what you should keep in mind to ensure you pick the right size. We’ll also run through the optimal amount of dining chairs that go with each table size. Read on to find out more!

Why the size of your dining room table is important

Shopping for furniture is different from any other shopping. It’s a large purchase that you only do every few years, maybe even less often than that. Your furniture also has a major impact on your home, and this is especially true when it comes to your dining table. As the centrepiece of your dining room, the table has a huge impact on how the room looks and feels.

It goes without saying that it’s important that your dining table isn’t too large for the room. The size of your dining table doesn’t just impact functionality, it also impacts the room’s aesthetics. It not only determines how many people can be seated at it, but it can also help to make the room look and feel more spacious or cosy.

This is why dining table size is such an important aspect of finding the perfect dining table!

Standard height dining tables

Standard height tables are about 76 cm high (30 inches) and are meant to be used with chairs that have seat heights of about 45 cm (18 inches). This height will suit most people, leaving 12 inches beneath the table for legroom. The standard height will work well for families with a wide range of age and mobility.

What size table is right for your dining room?

Dining tables come in all shapes and sizes but the most common you’ll find are:

• Rectangular - the most traditional and common choice.
• Circular - ideal for smaller dining areas and compact spaces.
• Square - the best of both round and rectangular tables.
• Oval - a softer aesthetic compared to rectangular tables.

Of these, our research tells us that the most common are circular and rectangular. This, of course, makes a difference to the sizes on offer as each shape cannot be fairly compared. Different table shapes suit different dining room styles and sizes, so we’ve decided to split this section up into both circular and rectangular tables.

This is in order to help you get a better understanding of the different sizes and their benefits without getting too caught up on the differing shapes.

Circular dining table size

To judge the size of circular dining tables, you always use the diameter. This is the size from one side of the table to the other.

Circular tables work very well in the centre of a room as a feature piece. Plus, they  have the advantage that you can easily fit an extra chair or two underneath them since they don’t have corners.

Below is a list of some of the most common circular dining table sizes on the market. We’ve also included how many chairs you can potentially fit around them.

• 60 cm to 90 cm = 2 chairs
• 90 cm to 120 cm = 4 chairs
• 120 cm to 150 cm = 6 chairs 
• 150 cm+ = 8 chairs and up!

Small sizes

The smaller circular table sizes, between 60 cm and 90 cm wide, are great for small households. 60 cm and 70 cm tables are usually only suitable for two, but tables with a diameter of 90 cm can usually seat four without taking up a large amount of room. 

If you have a small kitchen or dining room and you’d like a freestanding table, then these smaller circular varieties are a great option.

Medium sizes

Medium-sized circular tables are between 90 cm and 150 cm in diameter. These tables can seat between four to six people and are better suited to larger rooms. Bear in mind that you’ll need at least 200 cm for a table that’s 120 cm in diameter since the chairs also take up room on either side. In an ideal world, you’ll have even more than this.

These tables are great for larger rooms and again make for a great centrepiece. 

Large sizes

Larger circular tables are more than 150 cm in diameter and are generally reserved for larger rooms. Large tables can give a dining room an elegant, luxurious look and feel, while also seating a large number of people.

Rectangular dining table size

Rectangular dining table sizes are a little different since these tables have a long and a shorter side. This shape offers a number of advantages, the most notable of which is that it fits into a corner. This can save space, although it does limit the number of chairs that can be positioned around it.

There are a huge number of dining room table sizes to choose from, with widths ranging from 65cm on the low end, and lengths ranging to well over 2 metres!

Below is a list of some of the most common circular dining table sizes on the market. These also include how many chairs you can potentially fit around them.

• Up to 100 = 2 chairs
• 100 to 150 cm = 4 chairs
• 100 to 180 cm = 6 chairs 
• 180 cm+ = 8 chairs and up!

Small sizes

The smaller rectangular table sizes, ranging from 100 cm to 150cm long, are great for small households. You should fit 2 to 4 dining chairs around a small dining table.

Medium sizes

Medium-sized rectangular dining tables are around 150 to 180cm long. You should fit 4 to 6 dining chairs around a medium dining table.

Large sizes

Larger circular tables are more than 180 in length and are generally only used in bigger dining rooms. You should fit 6 to 8 dining chairs around a large dining table.

How to choose the right size dining table

The size of your dining table you choose depends on three factors:

1. The size of your dining room 
2. The size of your family
3. The type of dining chairs you opt for

Measuring your dining room is a great place to start so that you can plan the space before you buy. The size of your family will obviously mean ensuring that there is enough room for everyone at the table. With that said, for practicality, we recommend that you choose the largest dining table you can afford and reasonably fit into the space. This will future proof your purchase, unless you're planning on downsizing in the future.

When it comes to rectangular vs circular dining room tables, ultimately it comes down to personal preference. The main difference is that rectangular fit well against a wall, whereas circular are more suited to being freestanding. This, along with the amount of space you have, will help you to determine what type and size is right for you.

When it comes to dining chairs, those without arms work well for circular dining tables as they fit under easily. This means you’re not losing out on space when not in use. This is also true of rectangular dining chairs but if you’ve got the space, particularly at the head of the table, dining chairs with arms look great. Either way, be sure to check the dimensions of your new dining chairs to ensure they’ll work for your dining table layout plans.

Dining Table Chairs

Choosing the right dining table size is a vital part of creating a wonderful dining space. Now that you know why the size of your dining table is so important, as well as what sizes there are and what the advantages and disadvantages are, you are one step closer to finding the perfect model for you. Interested in learning more about how many chairs you need for your dining table? Read our guide to Dining Chair Size, Height & Width.

If you’re interested in buying a new set of dining room chairs to go with your new table, or you have any questions after reading this post, feel free to reach out! Or find your perfect dining chairs here.

 

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