Short answer: allow 60 cm of table per person. A rectangular table of 120 to 140 cm seats 4, one of 180 cm seats 6 comfortably and one of 220 cm seats 8. For round tables, 100 to 120 cm in diameter seats 4 and 150 cm seats 6. Height is between 74 and 76 cm and, around the table, leave 90 cm clear to the wall.
A dining table is chosen by what is left around it, not just by the top. Too short, and elbows bump. Too long for the room, and someone ends up dining with their back against the wall. The measurements below help you get both right: how many people the table seats and how much space it needs.
How much space each person needs
The basic rule is 60 cm of table per person. That is the space for a plate, a glass and elbows. With 70 cm, the meal is more relaxed. With 50 cm, the table seats everyone, but it is tight.
Depth matters too. Each person needs about 35 to 40 cm of table in front of them. So a table with people on both sides should be at least 80 cm wide, and 90 to 110 cm is the most comfortable. Below 80 cm, the plates of the people opposite meet in the middle.
Sizes for 4, 6 and 8 people
These measurements are general guidance, for a table where everyone sits comfortably:
- 4 people: rectangular, 120 to 140 cm by 80 to 90 cm; square, 90 to 100 cm; or round, 100 to 120 cm in diameter.
- 6 people: rectangular, 160 to 180 cm by 90 to 100 cm; or round, 140 to 150 cm.
- 8 people: rectangular, 200 to 240 cm by 100 to 110 cm; or round, 160 to 180 cm.
- 10 people: rectangular, 240 to 280 cm.
For the tables we sell, the numbers work out like this. The BELLE and the IMPERIUM rectangular come in 180 and 220 cm. The 180 cm seats 6 comfortably and 8 more closely. The 220 cm seats 8. The RIVIERA comes in 200 and 240 cm: the 240 cm seats 8 comfortably. The IPANEMA oval comes in 180 and 220 cm, with the same numbers as the BELLE.
The legs matter as much as the top
A table with a leg at each corner blocks the end seats. The chair does not fit, and an 8-seater ends up seating 6. Before choosing, look at where the legs are.
On our tables, the base is set back from the corners:
- The RIVIERA leaves 140 cm clear between its legs.
- The IMPERIUM rectangular stands on 2 round slatted bases, 60 cm in diameter and 50 cm apart.
- The IPANEMA stands on 2 curved legs.
- The BELLE stands on a metal cross-frame.
Round table: which diameter to choose
A round table brings more people together in less space and has no ends, so everyone can see each other. The 60 cm per person rule is measured around the edge.
- 100 to 120 cm diameter: 4 people.
- 140 to 150 cm diameter: 6 people.
- 160 to 180 cm diameter: 8 people.
Above 150 cm, the centre of the table is far from everyone and a serving dish can no longer be passed from hand to hand. For 8 or more, an oval or rectangular table usually works better.
The IPANEMA round is 150 cm and seats 6. The IMPERIUM round is 140 cm and stands on a central base 70 cm in diameter. With no legs at the edge, the chairs go wherever they are needed.
How high should a dining table be
The usual height of a dining table is between 74 and 76 cm. What matters is the distance between the chair seat and the table top: 25 to 30 cm. With a chair seat of 45 to 47 cm, that gives a table of 72 to 77 cm.
Our tables range from 74 cm (IPANEMA) to 75.5 cm (IMPERIUM round). All tops are 30 mm thick. If the chairs have arms, measure the arm height and check that they slide under the top.
How much space to leave around the table
This is the measurement most often missing.
- Between the table and the wall: 90 cm. That is 75 cm to pull the chair out and another 15 for someone to walk behind.
- Where nobody sits: 60 to 75 cm is enough to walk past.
- Between the table and the sideboard: 1 m. With the chairs occupied, this lets you open a drawer without asking anyone to stand up.
How to measure the room for the table
Measure the length of the room and subtract 1.80 m, 90 cm on each side. What is left is the maximum length of the table. Do the same with the width.
Two examples with real measurements:
- An IMPERIUM of 180 by 110 cm needs a clear area of 3.60 by 2.90 m.
- An IPANEMA round of 150 cm needs a square of 3.30 by 3.30 m.
If the table is in an open-plan room with a sofa on the other side, count the 90 cm from the back of the sofa. To plan the whole dining room, with the table, the sideboard and the lighting, see the Dining room page.
And the pendant above the table?
The pendant should hang 75 to 85 cm above the table top and at least 15 cm in from the edge of the table on each side. The measurements for each table size are in our guide to the ideal height for hanging pendant lights.
Summary of measurements
- Per person: 60 cm of table, 70 cm for more room.
- Table width: at least 80 cm, 90 to 110 cm is ideal.
- Height: 74 to 76 cm, with 25 to 30 cm between the seat and the top.
- To the wall: 90 cm.
- To the sideboard: 1 m.
- Maximum table length: length of the room minus 1.80 m.
Frequently asked questions
What size table for 6 people?
A rectangular table of 160 to 180 cm by 90 to 100 cm, or a round table of 140 to 150 cm in diameter. At 180 cm, the 6 sit comfortably.
How many people does a 2 metre table seat?
Six comfortably, 3 on each side, plus 2 at the ends if the width is over 90 cm and the legs are not at the corners.
What is the standard height of a dining table?
Between 74 and 76 cm. Pistacho tables range from 74 to 75.5 cm.
What diameter is a round table for 6?
Between 140 and 150 cm. The IPANEMA round is 150 cm.
Can the table be made to a different size?
Yes. The size can be adjusted on request and the customisation is quoted separately. Because it is made for your room, a customised piece cannot be returned.
