Dining Room Table Sizes: Everything You Need to Know
Did you buy a new house and have no idea where to start when it comes to decorating? Is it finally time to start the dining room renovation you have been dreaming of? Completely perplexed when it comes to knowing how to choose between dining room table sizes?
When it comes to decorating your dining room, knowing the difference between dining room table sizes and shapes is going to make your life easier. This will help you find the perfect dining room table to serve you and your family's needs.
Let us help you find the dining room table that is going to be the centerpiece of your home.
Where to Start
If you are anything like me, you have had a vision of what you want your dream dining room to look like for a long time. At the center of that vision is a gorgeous dining room table. It is the space where your friends and family will gather for years and years to come.
To create the coziest of dining rooms, there are a few things to remember when it comes to the perfect table.
Room proportion
Feeling cramped instead of cozy during your family gathering doesn't sound great, does it? It's an all too common problem to see a dining room where the table seems too big for the space it's in.
I think it would also be safe to say that we have also all been to a family function or two where the table has been way too small for the number of people that are sitting around it. Elbowing Aunt Suzi while you are eating a holiday meal doesn't sound like a good time to us either.
Knowing which of the dining room table sizes is right for your home begins with measuring your space. You do not want to purchase a table that is going to be the wrong size for the room it is designed for.
To create a cozy effect that also allows appropriate movement around your table, you want to make sure to leave between 3 and 4 feet from the table to the walls of your space. No one wants to run into the wall, trying to find their seat.
Number of people
Another vital piece of this puzzle is knowing how many people will use your table on a daily basis. Because different table sizes will seat a different maximum number of people thinking about this in advance will help you find just what you are looking for.
Dining Room Table Height
Have you ever sat down for dinner at someone else's house and whacked your knee on the underside of the table when you sat down? The right height for your dining table helps make sure this doesn't happen to you or your guests again.
Standard height
A typical dining table height is going to be somewhere between 28 and 30 inches tall. This will help keep your guests from hitting their legs on the bottom of the table. It also helps allow your family and friends to eat comfortably because the table isn't too high.
Counter height
If you have a smaller space or an informal dining room, a counter height table may be what works best for you. These tables are significantly taller than a standard height table measuring in at about 36 inches tall.
Dining Room Table Sizes and Shapes
Choosing the perfect table from the different dining room table sizes can depend on the shape of the table. Putting the wrong shape table in your space could leave you and your family feeling claustrophobic instead of cozy.
Is your dining room a perfect square? Is it a long rectangular room? These questions are going to help you choose the correct shape for your new table.
Rectangle
If you have ever looked for dining room table inspiration online, you have probably seen quite a few pictures of beautifully decorated rectangular dining room tables. That is because out of all of the shapes a dining table can come in, the rectangular table is the most common, and ultimately the most practical.
While a rectangular table is going to take up the most space in your home, it is also the most convenient to have when you need to seat a large number of people for special events and family gatherings. Rectangular dining tables are also perfect if you have a long, narrow dining space.
The number of people you wish to seat will help determine the size table that you need. It is extremely common for rectangle tables to be a standard of 36 inches wide, but they can range in length from 48 inches to 78 inches long.
Follow this basic rule of thumb:
- To seat about 4 people, a rectangular table of 36 inches wide by 48 inches long works well.
- If you want to seat 4 to 6 people comfortably, choose a table that is approximately 36 inches wide by 60 inches long.
- To seat 6 to 8 people, opt for a table that measures 36 inches wide by 70 inches long.
Square
A square table will easily allow you to sit and talk with your family. Unlike a rectangular table, you can easily see everyone who is sitting with you. The standard size for a square table that seats four is 36 inches by 36 inches.
However, if you are looking to sit more than four people, a square table may not be the best option for you. This also might not be the best option if you have a narrow dining space.
Round
Like a square table, a round table allows you to see your loved ones easily. However, depending on the size of the table, having a conversation may be more difficult if you are entertaining.
To seat 4 to 6 people comfortably, your round dining table should be somewhere between 44 and 54 inches in diameter.
Also, like a square table, having a round table is not the best option if you have a small space.
Oval
Having no corners, an oval table may be perfect if you have a small space. They are also ideal if you only occasionally entertain.
For four to six people to sit comfortably, you want to look for an oval table to is a minimum of 36 inches in diameter and approximately 54 inches long.
Is There Anything Else to Consider?
Now that you have taken the various dining room table sizes and shapes into consideration, it is time to start narrowing down what you like.
You will want to make sure that whatever table you choose fits the style of your home. So whether you are looking for something modern or traditional, there is sure to be a table that is perfect for your space.
There are a few other things that you should take into consideration.
Table leaves
While some tables are not able to be extended using table leaves, many are. A table leaf allows you to have a smaller table for day to day use but create ample dining space for all of your family gatherings.
Material
Selecting a table made of the right material is just as important as buying the correct size.
If you decide that you want a solid wood table, make sure that you select a table made from hardwood. Hardwoods include walnut, maple, or oak. A table made from these types of materials can last for many years.
While fiberboard may not be as sturdy as hardwood, this can be a good choice if you move frequently.
It's Time to Set the Table
Out of all of the rooms in your home, the dining room is often one of the most used. It is where you have dinner with your family each night and get to talk about your day. You use it during the holidays to host your family and friends.
Once you determine which of the dining room table sizes is perfect for your home, you're on your way to a complete dining room. We hope that we have helped you narrow down the table size for you.
Here at Augustine Furniture, we want to help you create family memories for years to come. We would love for those memories to be centered around the dining table. From round to rectangle, we are sure that we have the right table for you, full of style and sophistication you'll be proud to have the family gather round.
Do you have a preference when it comes to the different dining room table sizes or shapes? What do you think will work best in your space? Let us know in the comment section below!