How Do I Determine the Proper Dining Table Size for a Room?
When determining dining table size, consider the number of seats at the table, the clearance around the table and the room's proportions. The most important thing is allowing enough clearance to walk around the table while diners are seated at it.
Seating and Table Size
Comfortable seating should allow 24 to 28 inches of table edge per seat. For example, a rectangular table 36 to 42 inches wide and 6 feet long can seat six to eight. Round tables up to 60 inches can seat four -- or six if the larger table has a pedestal base.
Clearances and Walkways
While recommendations vary, a clearance of 36 to 42 inches from table edge to a wall or other furniture allows adequate space for seating plus a walkway behind the diners. Using this guideline, a dining room 10-by-12-feet long accommodates a table 36 to 42 inches wide and 60 to 72 inches long. The same room could fit a 48-inch round or square table with room for additional furniture along one of the shorter walls.
Room and Table Proportions
Keep your table and room proportions similar. Round and square tables go best with a square or nearly square dining space. Long, narrow dining areas need long, rectangular tables. Consider size as well. If you have a large, rectangular room, allow a generous clearance of 48 to 54 inches.
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Writer Bio
Jan Burch has written about home, garden, wellness and other topics since 1992. Her articles have appeared in ByLine, Living Natural and New Mexico Woman. Based in Albuquerque, Burch is a Feng Shui consultant and Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner. A life-long crafting enthusiast, she holds a master's degree from the University of California.