Finding the Ideal Dining Table Size for Your Space
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Written by: Evolution Furniture
Finding the ideal dining table size for your home can be a challenge, especially if your dining room is especially small or large, or if you need your table to be an unusual height. This is why some homeowners and business owners choose
custom made furniture from Evolution Furniture. We sell furniture that fits your home and lifestyle.
Want to know more about our work? Check out our custom furniture design portfolio to see the different types of furniture styles we can offer.
Standard Dining Table Sizes
Standard dining table sizes can vary. Knowing how many people you need to seat at your dining room table can help you decide how big it needs to be. Most rectangular dining room tables allow for at least 2 feet of space per person.
Circular dining room tables tend to come in smaller sizes, fitting between 4 and 6 people. To fit four people at a circular dining room table, look for a table with a 54-inch diameter.
Remember that more space just means more room and comfort, to a degree. A table that's too big for the number of people seated at the table can feel isolating or strange.
Standard dining room tables are typically about 30 inches high. This is adequate for most people to sit comfortably during their meal.
Measuring & Space Guidelines
In addition to the number of people who will sit at your dining room table, it's also important to consider the size of the room where the table will be placed. If the space is too small for the table, guests seated at the table will have difficulty getting to their chairs.
Buy a table that will fit through the doorway. Bigger tables can be difficult to move through doorways and down hallways. Take into consideration any and all obstacles that might prevent you from moving your dining room table into your home. If your dining room table needs to clear narrow doorways, consider buying a table that you can take apart and assemble in your dining room.
Important Considerations
If you're planning to order a custom table for your home, this is your opportunity to get the size of the table just right. There are many considerations that need to be taken into account when trying to choose the dimensions for your dining table.
Room Size
Measure the dimensions of the room. Next, consider the size of the table relative to the dimensions. The size of the room and the size of the table should be proportionate to one another. If your dining room is huge, then your table should be big too.
Seating Arrangements
Chairs need at least 18 to 24 inches of clearance from the table to pull out, which means that your table needs at least 18 to 24 inches of space between the table's edge and the wall. Ideally, chairs will be given between 42 and 48 inches of space between the table and the wall.
Table Shape
The shape of the table matters. Round tables are best for smaller groups in a small room. Rectangular tables are best for larger groups.
Dimensions
It's important to choose a table with dimensions that don't place guests too far apart from one another. For example, a large circular table that seats 10 people may need a long diameter to fit so many, and thus may require a lot of extra space in the middle of the table.
Table Length
Allow 2 feet for each person at your table to sit. If you're worried about being able to accommodate larger groups from time to time, talk to your custom furniture designer. Your furniture designer can help you decide how much length will need to be added to fit bigger groups without adding too much space.
Table Width
If you're choosing a rectangular table, a width of 36 to 42 inches is typical because this allows for plenty of space for dishes and table settings, without putting too much space between guests.
Table Height
Although 30 inches in height is typical for a dining room table, some people with a taller frame prefer a table that sits 31 inches high. Avoid going higher, as this can make shopping for chairs or seating children more difficult.
Tabletop Thickness
Although a very thick tabletop can add an element of visual interest, thick tables have less space underneath, which can lead to discomfort.
Table Clearance
Plan to leave extra space between the table and the doorway, as the doorway can be a high traffic area where you'll need room for more than one person to walk through at a time. If there isn't adequate space between the table and the doorway, accidents can occur when trying to set the table or clean up after dinner.
Table-to-Light Fixture Clearance
If you're hanging a pendant light over the table, keep the bottom end of the pendant at least 30 inches over the tabletop. If a pendant light is already hanging in the room, remember to buy a table that can be positioned beneath the pendant, or plan to move the pendant if necessary.
Rug Size Vs Table Size
Rugs add beauty to dining rooms, but can also cause problems, if the rug is too small. An ideal rug will fit completely under the table and provide plenty of clearance for chairs, so that even when chairs are pushed out, they will still sit on the rug. Plan to buy a rug that extends out at least 24 inches on each side of the dining room table.
Custom Made Dining Table Tailored to Your Unique Spaces
Searching for the ideal dining table size? Call Evolution Furniture to learn about custom furniture for interior designers. We also make custom residential furniture and custom commercial furniture. Contact Evolution Furniture to get started with your order.
