What are the ideal dimensions for my dining table?

This question is asked to us regularly by our customers, we will try to provide you with the best possible answer.

What are the ideal dimensions for my dining table and how many people will be able to sit at it?

You will notice a lot of different answers to the same question on the net, it is above all a question of the space that you consider to be necessary for each guest to be able to sit comfortably at the table. So pay attention to what you find on the net, some sites talk about providing 30 cm per guest which is clearly insufficient except for exceptional and rare occasions, in no way should you apply this margin for regular or daily use.

We will offer you a solution for each table shape and according to the number of guests you would like to seat there. The dimensions of your dining chairs or armchairs are very important to calculate the ideal dimensions of your table. In the case of a restaurant chair , it is vital to take into account the total span of the seat. Whether it is a walnut chair or a metal chair, the important thing is of course the size, without forgetting the height of the armrests or other elements intended to pass under the top. If your chairs or armchairs do not easily pass under the top, you will have to take into account more space around the perimeter of your table as well.

What table dimensions should I use to seat 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or more than 14 guests?

Before thinking about the dimensions of your dining table, you must already be certain about the shape you want for your table.

What shape for my dining table? Square, rectangular or round?

Floor space and layout of the dining room

The shape of your dining table will depend on the layout of the walls and the layout of your dining room. The floor space available for both the table and the guests is an important parameter because they must each be able to access their respective places smoothly. You must allow at least 70 cm between the edges of the table and any other obstacle (usually the walls but also other furniture) to access the table. This is equivalent to adding 140 cm to the length and width of the table in order to check that you have enough free space (on the floor and depending on the surrounding furniture). The ideal is to have at least 120 cm of distance between the table and the walls.

• Functional and practical aspect: access of guests to the table

  So study the available floor space by imagining what access you want to offer knowing that the back and forths when sitting down to eat can be numerous in a family, everyone must be able to leave and join the table easily. Otherwise it will always be the same person who will make the back and forths 🙂!

  The shape of a dining table can be round, square or rectangular for the most common options. There are also oval, elliptical or even hexagonal or octagonal tables.

• Round table: it invites conviviality because each guest will be able to participate in conversations in perfect equality with respect to the center of the table and attention.
• Oval table: it softens the gaps between guests that can be found on a rectangular table.
• Elliptical table: Same as oval table, often a round table is extendable and becomes an oval or elliptical table when you extend a central extension.
• Hexagonal table: Same as the round table because it facilitates communication while presenting a clear difference in design because of this geometric shape which has become very trendy in 2019/2020.
• Octagonal table: Same as the round table
• Square table: often used in smaller spaces or simply because it can be placed against a wall so as not to lose space on one side (in the case of using only two sides of the table by a couple).
• Rectangular table: this offers the most possibilities in terms of accommodating a variable and large number of guests. The possibilities of extending the table are very popular because we often plan to occasionally have a larger number of guests than usual.

How much space should be provided for each person seated at a dining table?

This question is controversial and there is a lot of conflicting information. It is above all a personal choice (with an impact on the comfort of all guests of course) that you will have to make.

• 30 cm per guest: this is a configuration that we believe should be reserved for exceptional occasions (Christmas parties for example, once a year) because your guests will eat with their elbows literally glued to their bodies.
• 45 cm per guest: this becomes much more pleasant but it remains a little narrow all the same. It is then necessary to think of a minimum space between the guests of at least 15 cm to guarantee optimal comfort.
• 60 cm per guest: this is the optimal space to provide per guest, each having ample space, it is no longer necessary to provide additional space between each guest

Above all, remember that each guest also needs at least 35 cm of space below the table top in order to sit comfortably. This 35 cm must be respected in order to avoid your guests’ legs hitting each other under the table, especially at the corners of each table… this consideration is crucial when you choose to seat guests at the end of the table…

Another consideration is the width and depth of the chairs or armchairs. This will directly impact the seating possibilities of your table because wide armchairs with large armrests will further limit the available space. Measure the seat and total width of your chairs or armchairs carefully. It goes without saying that the seat height must also be compatible with the height of your table top (generally 75 cm). Also check that the height of the armrests is compatible with the height of the top.

Keep in mind that a placemat is usually 40 to 45 cm wide and 30 to 35 cm high. It is important to take this into account so as not to have placemats that overlap each other, giving the impression of insufficient space.

The common space in the center of any table allows you to place dishes and decorations. Keep in mind, for example, that with a large round table, it will be difficult to access any food placed in the center. A rotating central tray can be an interesting option so that everyone can serve themselves easily.

In the sketches that we will show you next, we have taken into account two levels of comfort at the table:

• Normal, i.e. 45 cm wide by 35 cm deep (essential under the table)

We will represent the normal comfort option (45x35c m) by this icon:

• Extra, i.e. 60 cm wide by 35 cm deep (essential under the table)

We will represent the extra comfort option (60x35c m) by this icon:

What dimensions for a square dining table?

Here we show you the options for both comfort levels, “normal” (45x35cm placemat) and “extra” (60x35cm placemat).

How many people for a 90x90cm square table?

1. 1. With 45 cm per guest: 4 people

      If you use the “normal” comfort option (45×35 cm per guest) you can seat up to 4 people but be careful that the placemats will overlap so you will have to look for smaller placemats or not use any at all… In fact, the most significant problem comes from the fact that under the table, the guests’ legs will touch because each will only have 22.5 cm of depth.

      

   2. With 60 cm per guest: 2 people

      With the “optimal” comfort option (60×35 cm per guest), you will only be able to seat two people. That said, it is quite possible to seat four people because the only real concern is the size of the placemats (same as for the “normal” comfort solution), as regards the space to the left and right of each seat as well as the depth under the table (35 cm for each if they are seated as described in the previous diagram), each guest will be comfortably seated with one side of the table all to themselves. Opt for less wide placemats and each guest will be comfortably seated.

      Note that you can also seat two people at a smaller square table, 60 x 60 cm (these are very common dimensions in bistros, cafes and restaurants, typically the “table for two”) whether you opt for the “normal” comfort option (45 x 35 cm per guest) or the “optimal” comfort option (60 x 35 cm per guest).

How many people for a 120x120cm square table?

1. 1. With 45 cm per guest: 6 people

      If you use the “normal” comfort option (45×35 cm per guest) you can seat up to 6 people. With the planned depth of 35 cm per guest below the table, you will have no worries if you respect the layout proposed in the sketch below.

      

   2. With 60 cm per guest: 4 people

      With the “optimal” comfort option (60×35 cm per guest), you can seat four people at a square table measuring 120 x 120 cm. 

      

How many people for a 140x140cm square table?

1. 1. With 45 cm per guest: 8 people

      If you use the “normal” comfort option (45×35 cm per guest) you can seat up to 6 people. With the planned depth of 35 cm per guest below the table, you will have no worries if you respect the layout proposed in the sketch below.

   2. With 60 cm per guest: 6 people

      With the “optimal” comfort option (60×35 cm per guest), you can seat six people at a square table measuring 140 x 140 cm. 

How many people for a 160x160cm square table?

1. 1. With 45 cm per guest: 10 people

      If you use the “normal” comfort option (45×35 cm per guest) you can seat up to 6 people. With the planned depth of 35 cm per guest below the table, you will have no worries if you respect the layout proposed in the sketch below.

      

   2. With 60 cm per guest: 8 people

      With the “optimal” comfort option (60×35 cm per guest), you can seat eight people at a square table measuring 140 x 140 cm. It is true that the sets of these dimensions overlap, so it will be better to choose a table measuring 180 x 180 cm (see further down in this article).

      

Combine design and functionality without counting the space at the table to welcome your guests

Did you know?
We offer many solutions for those looking for smart and ergonomic furniture such as a coffee table with a lifting top. You will see that a coffee table that can be transformed into a dining table offers you many advantages. The same is true with a console that can be transformed into a dining table.

How many people for a 180x180cm square table?

1. 1. With 45 cm per guest: 10 people

      If you use the “normal” comfort option (45×35 cm per guest) you can seat up to 10 people. With the planned depth of 35 cm per guest below the table, you will have no worries if you respect the layout proposed in the sketch below.

      

   2. With 60 cm per guest: 8 people

      With the “optimal” comfort option (60×35 cm per guest), you can seat eight people at a square table measuring 180 x 180 cm. 

      

How many people for a 200x200cm square table?

1. 1. 1. With 45 cm per guest: 14 people

         If you use the “normal” comfort option (45×35 cm per guest) you can seat up to 10 people. With the planned depth of 35 cm per guest below the table, you will have no worries if you respect the layout proposed in the sketch below.

         

      2. With 60 cm per guest: 10 people

         With the “optimal” comfort option (60×35 cm per guest), you can seat ten people at a square table measuring 200 x 200 cm. 

         

What dimensions for a round dining table?

Here we will go through the possible options taking into account a round shape for your dining table as well as the “normal” comfort option (45×35 cm per guest). You can of course plan to squeeze the guests in more tightly.

How many people for a 90cm diameter round table?

With 45 cm per guest: 2 people

You will have no problem seating 2 people around a 90 cm diameter table.

It is indeed a prudent choice for “normal” comfort, but depending on the occasion, you can seat 3 or even 4 people there if you squeeze in as much as possible and do not use table sets that will inevitably overlap.

How many people for a round table of 120cm diameter?

With 45 cm per guest: 4 people

You will have no problem seating 4 people around a 120 cm diameter table.

How many people for a round table of 140cm diameter?

With 45 cm per guest: 4 people

You will have no problem seating 4 people around a table that is 140 cm in diameter. By squeezing in, you can include one or two more people, you just need to allow less than 45 cm per guest.

How many people for a round table of 160cm diameter?

With 45 cm per guest: 6 people

You will have no problem seating 6 people around a 160 cm diameter table.

Note that a round table of 160 cm in diameter is already very imposing, normally of a significant weight. As with any round table, be sure to ensure perfect stability and avoid any risk of tipping.

How many people for a round table of 180cm diameter?

With 45 cm per guest: 8 people

You will have no problem seating 8 people around a table measuring 180 cm in diameter.

We are in the field of very large round tables, the models are rare on the market and above all pay attention to the quality and stability of your table.

How many people for a round table of 200cm diameter?

With 45 cm per guest: 10 people

A rarity on the market, acquiring a table with a diameter of 200 cm often requires going through a custom-made specialist in order to have a table of these extraordinary dimensions. 

You will have no problem seating 10 people around a 200 cm diameter table. 

What dimensions for a rectangular dining table?

Here we will go through the possible options taking into account a rectangular shape for your dining table as well as the “normal” comfort option (45×35 cm per guest) and the “extra” comfort option (65×35 cm per guest). You can of course plan to squeeze the guests in even more.

How many people for a rectangular table 140 cm long and 100 cm wide?

With 45 cm per guest: 8 people

This arrangement could cause inconvenience due to the depth below the table (knees touching).

With 60 cm per guest: 6 people

The advantage of seating only 6 people will be felt in the comfort of those at the head of the table.

How many people for a rectangular table 160 cm long and 100 cm wide?

With 45 cm per guest: 8 people

It is best to have at least 160 cm in length to accommodate 8 guests. In any case, you will not be able to seat more due to the limited space below your table.

With 60 cm per guest: 6 people

Similarly, the comfort is increased by going from 140 to 160 cm in length, as you can’t seat more guests.

How many people for a rectangular table 180 cm long and 100 cm wide?

With 45 cm per guest: 10 people

By squeezing together, you can seat up to 10 people with limited comfort. Keep in mind that the placemats will overlap, especially for the people at the head of the table.

With 60 cm per guest: 8 people

Be careful of the space below the table at each corner of the table due to the width of 100 cm, possibly prefer a width of 110 or 120 cm if possible.

How many people for a rectangular table 200 cm long and 100 cm wide?

With 45 cm per guest: 10 people

You can seat up to 10 people there with increased comfort compared to a length of 180 cm.

With 60 cm per guest: 8 people

Be careful of the space below the table at each corner of the table due to the width of 100 cm, possibly prefer a width of 110 or 120 cm if possible.

How many people for a rectangular table 240 cm long and 100 cm wide?

With 45 cm per guest: 12 people

You can seat up to 12 people there.

With 60 cm per guest: 10 people

Again, pay attention to the space under the table at each corner of the table due to the 100cm width, possibly prefer a width of 110 or 120cm if possible. Remember that the placemats will overlap, especially for the people at the head of the table.

How many people for a rectangular table 300 cm long and 100 cm wide?

With 45 cm per guest: 14 people

You can seat up to 14 people there if you squeeze them in a little.

With 60 cm per guest: 12 people

Again, pay attention to the space below the table at each table corner due to the 100cm width, possibly prefer a width of 110 or 120cm if possible.

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