A well-chosen table is one where people linger: enough room for everyone, and enough space around it to move freely. Here are the simple guidelines we share in store. All you need is a measuring tape.
How many people around the table?
Allow about 60 cm (24 in) of table edge per person. That's enough room to eat without bumping elbows.
Rectangular table
| Length | Seats |
|---|---|
| 120 cm / 47 in | 4 |
| 140 cm / 55 in | 4 to 6 |
| 160 cm / 63 in | 6 |
| 180 cm / 71 in | 6 to 8 |
| 200 to 220 cm / 79 to 87 in | 8 |
| 240 to 250 cm / 94 to 98 in | 8 to 10 |
| 280 to 305 cm / 110 to 120 in | 10 to 12 |
Round table
| Diameter | Seats |
|---|---|
| 75 to 90 cm / 29 to 35 in | 2 to 3 |
| 120 to 130 cm / 47 to 51 in | 4 to 5 |
| 140 to 152 cm / 55 to 60 in | 6 to 8 |
A round table brings guests closer together and fits easily in a square room. A rectangular table works better in long rooms and for big family gatherings.
Space to leave around the table
- 90 cm (36 in) between the table and a wall or another piece of furniture where people walk by: you can push your chair back and someone can still pass behind you.
- 75 cm (30 in) minimum on any side where no one walks by.
Quick math: plan for a room at least as long as the table plus 180 cm, and as wide as the table plus 180 cm. A 180 × 90 cm table therefore needs a space of about 360 × 270 cm.
Width and height
- Width: aim for at least 90 cm (36 in) if you want to set serving dishes in the centre. Live edge slabs vary by a few centimetres from one piece to the next, since the edge follows the shape of the tree.
- Height: a dining table is usually 75 to 76 cm (30 in) high. Keep about 30 cm (12 in) between the chair seat and the tabletop.
Chairs, a bench, or both?
A bench slides under the table and saves space day to day. It also makes room for one more child at a moment's notice. Many families choose a bench on one side and chairs on the other.
Our tip before you buy
Outline the table on the floor with painter's tape, set a chair in place and walk around it. In two minutes, you'll know if the size works for you. Measure your doors, hallways and stairs too: a large solid wood tabletop has to make it into your home.
Come sit at our tables in Laval
Nothing beats trying it in person. At our store at 2200 Boulevard Le Corbusier, you can sit down, measure and compare woods: suar, acacia, rosewood, teak or mango. Our team will help you find the right size for your dining room.
See dining tables · Choosing a live edge table · Frequently asked questions