What Size Dining Table Do I Need?
Figuring out what size table is right for your space can be confusing and frustrating. Luckily, with a few simple tips, it doesn’t have to be.
We build thousands of tables each year and here’s what you need to know to be a table sizing pro:
Tip 1: Seating Capacity
Figuring out how many people you want to seat at your table is a great place to start. Chair widths and spacing preferences vary, but as a general rule:
For Rectangular Tables:
6’ tables seat 6 loved ones
8’ tables seat 8 loved ones
10’ tables seat 10 loved ones
12’ tables seat 12 loved ones
For Round Tables:
48” tables seat 4 loved ones
54” tables seat 4-5 loved ones
60” tables seat 5-6 loved ones
72" tables seat 6-8 loved ones
For Square Tables:
46” tables seat 4 loved ones
55” tables seat 4-8 loved ones
60“ tables seat 8 loved ones
66” tables seat 8 loved ones
Tip 2: Painter's Tape
Use painter's tape to draw a table on the floor. This will really help you visualize the new table in your space. Then simply take a tape measure and measure what you drew on the ground with painter’s tape. If you can maximize your space with a 6.75’ table, perfect. That’s what we’ll build.
Tip 3: Spacing Rules
If you know the room’s dimensions, but don’t have access to the space, here’s a spacing tip that will really help with the math.
- You typically want approximately 3 feet of clearance around all four sides your table. This typically will allow for a chair to be pushed back when someone stands up or for someone to be able to slide behind a chair that’s pulled up to the table.
- If you really need to maximize seating for a space, you might consider a bench along one or both sides instead of chairs. You can seat more people at a bench than with chairs when needed and you can tuck it under the table when not in use.
Still need help? Let one of our design consultants help!
Shoot us an email sales@carpenterjames.com or give us a call 479-633-7557.
We’d love to help guide you to the perfect dining table size and shape for your space.
Now that you’ve got your size figured out, let’s take a dive into finish options. What color is best for your space?
Lori