Dining Table Size Guide: What Fits Your Family & Space

When selecting your dining table, it is not only important to find something that looks good, but the table also has to be a right choice in respect to room style, your family needs and your lifestyle. Your dining table is expected to be convenient, functional, and with a suitable appearance to match your home. This guide will help you to choose the right size of table regardless of whether you have a small flat or a large dining room.

Why Does Size Matter?

Whether this is the focal point or not, your dining table usually becomes the centre of home. t’s where meals are shared, work happens, and memories are made. When your table is too large, you have an impression that it is capturing the room. When it is too small, everyone may not feel comfortable. And that is why fitting the size is so essential not only in terms of functionality, but also to flow and comfort.

Start with Measurements of your Area

One of the first steps to take into consideration prior to looking at dining tables is space measurements. This is what should be done:

• Measure the size of the area you are having a dining table in centimetres or metres.

• It will be best to leave at least 75 and 90 centimetres of clearance all around the table. This leaves people enough space to move around and slide chairs out.

• Think about the peripheral furniture, such as sideboards, radiators, etc. Also, ensure that the table does not obstruct a door or a window.

This will provide a sound understanding of the real space that you have at your disposal.

What Is the Target Number of People to be Seated?

The details of the number of people that you intend to seat on a regular basis will assist in the selection.

A small table with two or four seats should also suffice in case you are a couple or live by yourself. Families or people who love entertaining will have something larger. It goes something like this:

• The latter should be a small round, square, or rectangular table, say 80 to 100 centimetres in diameter, or across.

• A medium sized round/rectangular table (measuring 100-120 centimetres in the case of the former and 160 centimetres in the case of the latter) will do the trick when hosting 4 to 6 people.

• The table to serve 6-8 people should be larger, 130-150 centimetres in case of a round table and 180-240 centimetres in case of a rectangular one.

• For 8–10+ guests, opt for a rectangular table 240 cm or longer

The important thing to keep in mind is that comfort is critical. Every individual ought to be given a width of 60 centimetres to enable him or her to eat without bumping their arms.

The selection of the Table Shape

The form of table contributes a very large role to its fitting in your room and feeling around the table.

• Round tables are ideal for rooms that are either square or small. They pass the test of a good conversation and there are no sharp corners and that is very convenient when you have little children.

• The square tables also fit in the square rooms and are most ideal when it comes to accommodating four persons. They have a snug, balanced appearance.

• Rectangular shaped tables predominate and they are suitable in rooms that are longer in length. They accommodate more people and they provide a more serious dining atmosphere.

• Oval tables are like rectangular tables only that they are rounded at the corners. In a room, they appear much softer and are wonderful when an extra couple of guests need to squeeze themselves in.

Take the Case of an Extendable Table

An expandable table is a good option when you do not necessarily have the need of a large one on a regular basis but enjoy hosting. It can be made compact during most of the time and opened when people pay a visit. Fold-up or expandable tables are very convenient when there is limited space in the flat or small house but there is a necessity to be versatile.

Do Not Overlook Chairs

The tables are so easy to concentrate on that the places on which to sit in them are forgotten-but they do occupy space! These are some tips:

• Ensure there is a gap of at least 15 centimetres between the chairs to ensure that people do not have a squeezed seat.

• Make sure that chairs under the table slips can be moved. The height of most dining tables is between 75 centimetres and chairs typically occupy a height of anything between 45-48 centimetres.

• When the space becomes a concern, you can have bench seats or stackable chairs. When not in use, these can be stored out of the way easily.

The Table to Your Lifestyle

They are not only sizes and shapes, your dining table must fit your everyday living. Think about:

• Why do you eat most of your meals at the table, do you?

• Does it serve a working, a homework, a crafts or games purpose?

• Do you ever give dinners or entertain family?

• Are you going to have small children who might require a table which is resistant and easily washed?

A hard material and maintenance-free one such as a wooden or laminate table may be good everyday use. In case it serves more as a decoration in a room of rare use, such as a dining room, one could take a more fancy or fragile pattern.

Visualize It Before You Buy

Before the commitment, it helps to draw the dimension of the table in your room. Put down masking tape or newspaper of the area of the table that you are thinking about. This will make you able to observe the amount of space it will occupy as well as how you will be able to move around it. Also make sure that the table can go through your front door and any small corridors without the need of any special delivery technique!

Stylish Types of Dining Table

When you have the size and shape, it is possible to consider the design and material:

• Wooden tables would be classic, and last long with families.

• Glass tables are a very contemporary option and these will make a small room appear larger.

• Marble or stone tables are both classy and durable yet very heavy.

• Metal and industrial decor styles are fashionable and fit best in contemporary or loft-looking houses.

Buy a product that suits your area, complements your decoration and suits your style of living.

Final Thoughts

The dining table is not only a table to eat but also a table to have meals together, to communicate, to exchange and to share. Choosing an appropriate table depends on the size of the space you are using, the number of guests you will accommodate and how you will utilize that space.

The first steps would be measuring your room, and then decide on shape, number of places, and table style. No matter what the size or design of your dining area, the correct table will help tie everything in your space and make ordinary other moments something valuable.