Choosing the size of your table

Have you recently moved house? Or just fancy a change?

Does your table no longer fit with your interior?

Do not panic!

Here is our guide to help you choose the best table size based on the number of people, and the number of chairs you have.

To choose a table with the right dimensions, you will need to:

1. Choose your table according to the room it will be in

2. Take into account the dimensions of the chairs and the distance between them

3. Choose the size according to the number of people you have

Which table size to choose?

Before rushing into buying your new dining table, it is important to know where it will fit in your home.

Depending on the room chosen and the arrangement of the furniture, the dimensions of the table and its shape will vary.

Do not forget that your table and chairs will take up an important place in the living room.

How to choose the shape of your table?

The choice of table shape is not to be taken lightly.

•  Rectangular table: The rectangular dining table is the most common form among households. It's suitable for both a kitchen and a dining room. Its length can accommodate a large number of guests, and its width allows to a consistent width between them. Avoid this shape if you are only two people.
•  Square table: The square kitchen table is quite difficult to place in a room. It is suitable for households that do not have many people because it requires a lot of room.The larger it is, the more distance it brings between people.
•  Round table: The round table is rarely used in homes. It brings a touch of originality and softness by its curved shape. It brings a lot of conviviality and allows you to have a better view of the whole table. Like the rectangular table, it is not optimal for two guests.

The rectangular table is the most common shape​​

Choose your table size according to the number of chairs

For a guest to be comfortably seated and able to eat in good conditions, their comfort zone must be at least 60cm.

In order to find the length of a table, you need to multiply 60cm by the number of chairs you want.

The distance between the chairs and the wall must also be taken into account: allow a space of at least 110cm to 120cm.

Here is an explanatory diagram to more easily understand the calculation to be carried out:

Space to be kept between the chairs

What table dimensions according to the number of people?

Note: the legs of the table are to be taken into account. Depending on their location and design, guests may not be arranged in the same way or will have less space.

Table size for 2 people

The dimensions of a round table, square table and rectangle table for two people are as follows:

Table size for 2 people

Table size for 4 people

Here are the dimensions of a table for 3 to 4 people:

Table size for 4 people

A second configuration exists for the rectangular table: a chair on each side, like the square table.

Table size for 6 people

The appropriate dimensions for a standard table for 6 people are as follows:

Table size for 6 people

Table size for 8 people

Here are the dimensions of a table for 8 people:

Table size for 8 people

Table size for 10 people

The dimensions to choose for a table of 10 people:

Table size for 10 people

Table size for 12 people

The dimensions of a table for 12 people are as follows:

Table size for 12 people

Summary Table

We have prepared for you a table summarising all the measures set out above:

What table height to choose?

Depending on the room and its purpose, it is important to choose a table at the right height:

• Coffee table and side table: 30 and 40cm

• Dining table, kitchen table and desk: 70 to 75cm

• Kitchen high table: 90 to 95cm

• Bar table, high table and professional counter: 110 to 115cm

Some Tips

Although the table heights are standard, they will not be compatible with your all chairs.

For maximum harmony with your table, ask yourself the following questions:

For armchairs, can the armrests slide under the table? Or, on the contrary, should they be blocked by the table?

• Does the table top, with or without reinforcement, allow the armrests of the chair to pass through?
• Does a leg of the table hinder the placement of the chairs?
• Does the arrangement of the legs of the table allow enough chairs?
• Should the back of the chair protrude from the table?

Should the armrests slide or be blocked by the table?

To find out more about stools, visit our stool height guide.

Which chairs to choose?

If you want to buy a new kitchen table or dining table, it is very likely that you want to change chairs to perfectly complement your decoration.

• Do you prefer to eat in a comfortable chair?
  Prefer the softer fabric chairs, or even the faux leather chairs.
  Both are padded and their seats allow more comfort. However, their maintenance is more complicated and tasks can have difficulty leaving. If you have children, choosing fabric chairs is an option to consider.
• Do you eat in your kitchen, on a side table or on a bar? Plastic, wooden, metal or industrial chairs are perfect. They are easy to clean and allow you to eat in good conditions.
  To let the light through or enhance your table more, transparent chairs are a good choice.
• Do you want a chair in a modern and contemporary style?
  The Scandinavian chair is very trendy. It is of a simplistic design, warm with wood and often easy to maintain. The colours are soft and it is very easy to create a cocooning atmosphere.

Scandinavian snack stools to dress your American kitchen

Conclusion

Now here you are with all the keys in hand to successfully choose the table that best suits your interior and the style of your home.

Note: The dimensions given are indicative for a standard table. The measures may change depending on the material of the table, but also the size, shape and position of the legs.

Frequently asked questions :

Just for you, here is our small selection of original tables that would perfectly suit your interior:

For more interior inspiration, have a look at our social media accounts and keep up to date with the latest trends  .