Table size guide: Which table size is right for me?

Getting the preparation right

When it comes to a dining table, design is only part of the picture. The table also needs to fit the room and provide enough space for family and guests.

Grab a piece of paper and take a few minutes before you start browsing the different table models. Once the following two points are settled, it will be much easier to find the right table and choose between the available sizes.

1. How much space is available for the table?

Start by measuring the area. But don't forget: the dining table isn't the only thing taking up space in the room. Make sure to factor in the chairs and the circulation routes around them.

There should be at least 80 cm between the table edge and the wall.

How does that figure break down? The average depth of a chair is between 45 and 55 cm. A further 30 cm is needed to push the chair back and sit down comfortably. If you also want to move freely between the wall and the chair, you should plan for even more space.

Tip: You can mark out the table area in your dining space using string. This gives you a much better sense of the dimensions than drawing the table size on a floor plan – and you can actually walk around it.

2. How many people sit at the table regularly and occasionally?

Alongside the available space, it's also important to consider how many people regularly sit at the table and how many guests you want to be able to seat at maximum.

For everyday use, you can plan for a generous place setting width, and when guests come, switch to a tighter seating arrangement and use the head and foot ends of the table.

If space for the dining table is limited, an extendable table is a good option – you can reposition and extend it when you have visitors.

How much space per person is needed at rectangular tables?

Place setting size / table length per person

• A tight place setting is 50 cm.
• A comfortable place setting is 60 cm.
• A generous place setting is 70 cm.

A standard place setting size is 60 cm × 40 cm (length × depth).

If you have the space, you can allow yourself the comfort of 70 cm per person. When guests arrive, everyone can squeeze into a cosy 50 cm – though over a longer meal, that can feel quite tight.

Table width

• A narrow table width is 80 cm.
• A comfortable table width is 90 cm.
• A generous table width is 100 cm.

In addition to the place setting per person (ideally 40 cm deep), there needs to be room for serving dishes and other items in the centre of the table. 90 cm is a reliable width, 100 cm is very comfortable, and 80 cm works well if space is limited.

How much space per person is needed at round tables?

Calculating the right size for a round table is slightly more complex than for a rectangular one. The space required per person is the same, however.

• A tight place setting is 50 cm.
• A comfortable place setting is 60 cm.
• A generous place setting is 70 cm.

To calculate the dining table size, it can again be helpful to mark out the table and place settings in the room to get a feel for the dimensions. Otherwise, this formula will help (measurements in cm):

• Table diameter = number of seats ÷ 3.14 (Pi) × space per person
• Number of seats = table diameter × 3.14 (Pi) ÷ space per person

Good to know: At a round dining table, the seating space per person narrows towards the centre.

Which table size for how many people?

The table below is designed to help you choose the right table size. There is nothing to stop you choosing custom dimensions that differ from those shown.

At a glance: table sizes and number of people

The table below shows which table sizes correspond to which number of people. We have based these on the reference values mentioned above:

Rectangular tables (length)

With an extendable table, you have the option of adding one or two extra leaves (each 50 cm) to the extendable table, creating space for 2 or 4 additional seats.

Round tables (diameter)

Round tables are also available as extendable models. A rectangular extension leaf of 50 cm can be added to create space for two additional seats.

How high should a dining table be?

The standard height for dining tables is 76 cm.

This height works well for people of average height, between 1.65 m and 1.85 m.

If your household tends to be shorter or taller than average, a lower or higher dining table may be worth considering. However: when guests come or children are in the house, that calculation no longer holds.

For this reason, we generally recommend the standard height of 76 cm. If you prefer something different, this table may help:

Table height by body height

How high should a dining chair be?

The standard height for dining chairs is 46 cm.

As a rule of thumb, the seat surface should be 30 cm lower than the top of the dining table. For a 76 cm table, the chair should therefore be 46 cm high.

For comfortable seating, the gap between the chair seat and the underside of the table should be at least 20 cm.

If the chair has armrests, it is also useful to be able to push it under the table. The armrests should therefore not be higher than the underside of the table.

Summary

With the formulas and rules of thumb above, you can find the right dimensions for your new dining table with minimal effort. Take the time to think through the various factors carefully – that way you can be confident of finding a table you'll enjoy for years to come. Not only does that save money, it also makes good use of resources: a table that lasts.

Now you're ready to start configuring our made-to-measure solid wood tables. Enjoy.

If you have any questions, we're happy to help you personally.