Ah, the age-old question of what size dining table is right for you! It's tricky, but fear not, my friends, as we are here to help you navigate the ins and outs of finding the perfect dining table for you.

While the kitchen is the heart of the home, the dining tables are the place of fun social gatherings, where conversations can last for hours over a hearty meal and endless wine. It's a place where you can be with your family after a long day; and where memories are made and cherished. 

Image Credit -Studio McGee

Dining tables are the focal points of the rooms, and when choosing the perfect size, there are a few things to consider. Factors such as size and proportions, design style, function and someone's needs all play a role in determining the ideal dimensions for your dream table.

Size & Proportions

The size and shape of the area are essential to consider before you purchase your new dining table. 

For example, our homes have various layouts and functions, and you may have a separate dining room or a dedicated dining space in the case of open-plan living.

Measuring and identifying the available footprint is essential. Once you have all the measurements laid out, it's recommended to subtract 90cm from the walls or furniture positioned against the walls, which is the minimum space needed to walk around the table. The area left after removing 90cm will indicate how large your dining table can be.

A minimum width of 90cm will also be required for your new table to accommodate guests on both sides. For example, an area of 60-65cm per chair will provide comfortable sitting space for each guest and up to 75cm if the chair has arms, and you would like to keep at least 15cm between the chairs. In addition, you would like at least 45cm of legroom space for a table with a pedestal base.

Dining tables are generally built to a standard height of around 76cm from the floor to the tabletop surface. This height is designed to provide a comfortable dining experience for most people seated in a chair with their feet touching the floor.

Dining Table Size Guide

It's important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the size of your dining table will ultimately depend on your specific needs and the size of your dining room.

Tabletop Shape & Base Design

If you have a rectangular footprint choosing a rectangular or oval table will work best with the proportions of your room. Oval dining tables also work better in narrower rooms. 

On the other hand, square and round tables don't work well in narrow areas and are perfect for square-shaped rooms. Round tables are ideal for smaller, intimate gatherings and work exceptionally well in tight spaces.

As for table base design, certain table bases can affect the seating comfort; hence, for the convenience of additional guests, choosing a table with a trestle or a pedestal base allows you to allocate chairs closer to the edges of your table. However, if the space does not restrict you and can accommodate a larger table, you can choose the leg design you prefer most.

Image Credit - Style by Emily Henderson

Number of Seats 

Are you blessed with a large family, or do you love entertaining and hosting dinner parties? 

Another essential consideration when choosing the size of your dining table is the room's function, your needs and the number of people you plan to accommodate at any given time. 

As mentioned earlier, a general guideline is to allow at least 60-65cm of space per person for comfortable seating. This means a table for 4 must be at least 80-120cm long and 75-80cm wide. 

Image Credit - Architectural Digest

If you plan to host larger gatherings, consider a table that can extend to accommodate more guests or a design with a pedestal or central base which allows more people to be seated to the very ends of the table. 

Also, adding a bench on one or both sides might be a fantastic idea to accommodate more guests if space is limited, and it's often the best solution for children, providing a more casual and fun way to keep them together during mealtime.

Personal Style 

Your unique style should also be considered when choosing the size of your dining table. 

Large furniture pieces like sofas, beds and dining tables set the basis for your home decor and choosing a style that will grow with the house and your family is super important.

Image Credit - Est Exceptional Living

Select a timeless design that can withstand the fast pace of trends and fashion and durable material like wood, marble or glass. If you prefer a minimalist and modern look, a sleek and simple table is a great choice; if your style is traditional, select a table with ornate detailing like turned legs. 

There are endless design options, and it might be a whole new research to explore which style suits you and your home best, but generally, tables with square edges have a more formal feel, whereas rounded edges create a relaxed and casual look, which might provide a good starting point when searching for that perfect design.

Materials and durability

As mentioned earlier, the dining table is an investment piece, and ensuring it will last is as important as choosing the correct size.

Image Credit - Left: Architectural Digest, Right: Est Living

If you have young children or pets, you'll want to choose a table that is durable and easy to clean. Materials such as solid wood or metal are often the most durable and long-lasting, while glass or marble might be more fragile and require more maintenance.

To learn more about different dining table materials, read our blog to find which material is best for your dining table. We hope this will help you choose the best material for your new dining table.

In conclusion, choosing the right size for your dining table involves considering various factors, including design style, functionality, special needs, materials, and durability. 

With so many options available, you're sure to find a table that's just the right size for your home and lifestyle. Happy table hunting!

Written in collaboration with Influence Edge, University of Hertfordshire.

Disclaimer: We always endeavour to credit the correct source of every image we use. If you think a credit may need to be corrected, please get in touch with us at info@marteloandmo.co.uk.