The Dining Room Table Size Guide: Height, Size, Seating Capacity, and Shape
We often find people confused about what size dining table to get, and what color the table should be to complement the floor and other furniture pieces. That’s why we’re going to talk about dining tables today, and put together these infographics to help you create a perfectly scaled dining table that will be the focal point of your room.
Dining Table Height
Dining Table Size and Seating Capacity
Round Table vs. Rectangular Table
Dining Table Height
When you're working on a dining room makeover and shopping for a new table, it can be tricky to know what size will work best. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect height for your table.
Standard Height: Standard height of dining tables is about 28" – 30" high and is meant to be used with chairs that have seat heights of 18" – 23". This height is more formal and works well for families with a wide range of ages and mobility.
Another thing to consider for comfort is the distance between the seat and the tabletop. The average diner finds a scale of 10 to 12 inches the most comfortable, but it varies by the thickness of the tabletop, the height of the apron, and by the size of the diner.
Dining Table Seating Capacity
How big of a dining room table do I need? How many people can fit at my table in my formal dining room? What shape should I get?
Well, both dining room width and length impact how you move around the room, so it is important to first know the dimensions of your dining room while shopping.
And the table width, length, and shape will affect seating capacity and how comfortable eating at your table will be.
Use the infographic below as a reference for combining seating capacity, table shape, and table size in your space.
Tips:
There should be at least 36" of space between the table and the wall or other furniture so guests can easily walk around the table. We also recommend having at least 48" between a table and a doorway. When deciding on a rug, add about 2 feet on each side of the dining table to achieve an “optimal” size. You don’t want anybody to have to squeeze between the chairs and the wall or have someone trip over the rug.
Round Table vs. Rectangular Table
What we like about the round table:
Round dining tables have a more intimate feel to them, making them ideal for dinner parties with close friends or family. Round tables are also a great option for kitchens or spaces without a designated dining room. And Round tables are less likely to bump into, for me anyway. Like many people, I bump into furniture all the time, which makes me really appreciate a round table.
What we don’t like about the round table:
If you have a large dining room, a large round table does make it difficult for guests to talk across the table. If you prefer to host large groups while still having some intimacy, a rectangular or oval table may be your better option.
With a standard 18″ x 18″ dining chair, here’s your guide to buying round dining tables:
A 36″ round table can fit 4 people comfortably.
A 42″ round table can seat 5 people comfortably.
A 60″ round table can seat 6-7 people comfortably.
A 72″ round table can seat between 8-10 people comfortably.
With a standard 18″ x 18″ dining chair, here’s your guide to buying square dining tables:
A 36″ square dining table can seat up to 4 people comfortably.
A 60″ square dining table can seat up to 8 people comfortably.
Rectangular table:
Rectangular dining tables are the most common table shape for any dining area. They fit easily in a dining room, can seat a big group of people, and most importantly, they look great. Oval tables are less common but can add some nice contour to a dining room that has the space for it.
With a standard 18″ x 18″ dining chair, here’s your guide to buying rectangular dining tables:
A 60″ rectangular dining table can seat between 4-6 people comfortably.
A 72″ rectangular dining table can seat up to 6-8 people comfortably
An 86″ rectangular dining table can seat up to 8 people comfortably.
A 108″ rectangular dining table can seat up to 10 people comfortably.
A 130″ rectangular dining table can seat up to 12 people comfortably.
With a standard 18″ x 18″ dining chair, here’s your guide to buying oval dining tables:
A 60″ oval dining table can seat up to 6 people comfortably.
A 97″ oval dining table can seat up to 8 people comfortably.
A 108″ oval dining table can seat up to 10 people comfortably.
A 120″ oval dining table can seat up to 12 people comfortably.
Once you have selected your dining table and chairs, it will then be easy to move on to other dining room decorating ideas - adding a table centerpiece, pendant light, or wall décor, for example.
If you are looking for a special table size that’s not covered here, feel free to contact us or comment below. Aurtem has been making dining tables and other home furnishings for more than 10 years, we can definitely answer your questions and help you choose the perfect table for your home.