- Jun 22, 2020
Selecting the Right Size for Your Space
The San Rafael 72" Dining Table and Buffet with Stella Dining Chairs and Marrakech 39" Upholstered Bench
The most difficult part for many people when styling a new room is determining the best sizes of pieces. Nobody likes to get a brand new dining table only to learn that it won't fit in their dining room! With a tape measure and a little know-how, you can make sure you get the perfect piece for your room, every single time.
Standard Dining Table Sizes
One of the most asked questions we get is "what is the right size dining table for my space?" It's a question that's often answered with more questions. What are the dimensions of the room you're working with? How many people are you looking to seat? These are important factors to take into account when determining the best sizedining tablefor you.
Most dining tables are made according to standard measurements. Thestandard widthis36-40 incheswhilestandard heightis29-31 inches.
| Seats | Length |
|---|---|
| 4-6 | 68-72" |
| 6-8 | 72-80" |
| 8-10 | 80-92" |
| 10-12 | 92-110" |
The length varies depending on how many people the table sits. The seating number varies due to the differences in leg layout of the table and chair sizes.
Calculating Table Size
Here's some additional tips for determining the best size table for your space:
TheOld Mill 86" Reclaimed Wood Dining TableandPortofino Leather Dining Chair Berham Chestnut |
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Standard Dining Chair Sizes
TheRenegade Denim Blue Linen Dining Chair | Another important factor to take into account when selecting a table for your space is the type of dining chairs you'd like to use. Most regular dining chairs, also called side chairs, are arm-less. These chairs are very adaptable and can be used for multiple functions, which is why they have become the most common type of chair for all dining positions, including the head of the table. Theaverage seat heightranges from16-22 inches.Theaverage seat widthis15.5 inchesin thebackand18 inchesin the front. Theaverage depthof the seat is16-18 inches. A good rule-of-thumb to follow would be to allow12 inchesof spacebetween the seat and tableto give sufficient leg room. |
If you desire a more traditional dining space, you might opt for an armchair at the head of the table.
Armreststypically have anadditional 7-9 inchesinheightfrom the seat, while theaverage widthat the front of the chair is19 inches. You should take into account the additional height that the arms provide and allow about7 inches of space between the armrest and the apron, if your table has one,or the underside of the table. This allows for ample space when tucking the chair in. |
TheTunisia 48" Round Dining Table Black GranitewithPortofino Leather Dining Chair Vintage White |
The apron of the table is another important factor to consider when adding armchairs to a dining space.
 | Theapron, also called skirt or skirting, refers to the portion of the dining table that is vertically positioned beneath the table top. This serves to hide any corner blocks, bracing, or any mechanical pieces underneath the table. The Colonial Plantation Rectangle Dining Table Weathered Teak, pictured to the left, is a great example of a table with an apron. Aprons are typically1.5-3 inchesinheight. An alternative to a table with an apron would be aslab-style table. These tables forgo the apron, opting to instead show the table internals with pride. The lack of an apron allows for extra space for armchairs so they can beneatly tucked in. |
Standard Gathering Table Sizes
TheSteamboat 66" Gathering Table Weathered GrayandMozambique Wood and Iron Counter Chair Walnut | Gathering tables, also known as counter-height tables, followdining table standardsforlengthandwidth, while theheightis usually36 inches. These tables are great for informal dining spaces, such as breakfast nooks. They can also be repurposed as a standing desk! Gathering tables are typically fitted withcounter chairsthese chairs have thesamestandards forwidthanddepthas dining chairs, but have an average height of24-26 inches.This allows for the12 inchesofspacethat is recommendedbetweenyour counter-heighttable and seat. |
Standard Round Dining Table Sizes
Round dining tables are a great option for a smaller space, as the lack of corners make the table much more compact. A round table also cultivates an atmosphere of coziness and togetherness, since you can easily see and converse with others. For larger groups, however, we recommend going with a standard dining table. While you can see everyone at the table, carrying on a conversation across a large table can prove difficult.
Thediameterof the table is the most important factor to take into account when determining the best size table for you.
| Seats | Diameter |
|---|---|
| 2-4 | 40-42" |
| 4-5 | 48-54" |
| 4-6 | 54-60" |
| 6-8 | 72" |
Like dining tables, the amount of seats that a table can support varies depending on the width of seating as well as the design of the pedestal on which the table sits.
Standard Buffet & Sideboard Sizes
A sideboard or buffet, also known as a buffet table, is a long, low piece of furniture that's usually placed in a dining room to store and display items. It can also be used as an extra space for serving food. Sideboards and buffets are versatile enough to have in a living room, an entryway, and a hallway as a storage and display piece as well.
TheCharleston 66" Sideboard Old Barn | Determining the right size buffet for your space can prove to be somewhat of a challenge. Though usually long and low, sideboards need to be selected carefully in order to be in proportion to your dining table. Sideboards have anaverage depthof20-22 inches.It's advised to keep at least24 inches of space between other piecesto allow for comfortable circulation. Theaverage lengthfor sideboards is60 inches. These go well withdining tablesthat areequal or greater lengthso the sideboard doesn't overpower it. Theheightof a sideboard is34-36 inches. This is the perfect height for comfortably serving food on top. This also makes the sideboard slightly taller than your dining table, making it well proportioned. |
Before You Buy The Size Guide
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