A standard rule of thumb is to allow 24 inches of table width per person for comfortable dining.
We generally recommend allowing 24 inches of space per person seated at your table. You can go less, but it starts getting tight.
Narrow Tables (28-32 inches): Commonly seat 2 to 4 people. Ideal for small spaces or intimate dining.
How narrow can a dining room table be? The minimum comfortable width for a dining room table, accommodating at least two people, their plates, cutlery, and glassware, is 30 inches.
We recommend at least three feet (36 inches) clearance around all sides of your table. This allows enough room to walk behind chairs or to open nearby cabinet doors.
A 60″ long table (5 ft.) can seat 6 people, 2 on each side, plus 2 on the ends. If you have a 60″ bench on the side of a 60″ table instead, this might allow you seat 3 people on a side (slightly tight) because 3 people take up less space than 3 chairs.
Most rectangular tables are between 36" and 40" wide. A table that seats four should be about 48" long. To seat four to six people, look for a table that is at least 60" long. For six to eight guests, your table should be at least 78" long.
Round dining tables
If you're wondering what table shape would be best for a small space, a round table is often a fantastic choice. They're incredibly adaptable and can fit into compact spaces more efficiently, making the most of the available room.
Those long, narrow tables are called “sofa tables.” Sometimes they are called “console tables,” especially when they are placed against a wall instead of behind a sofa.
The size of your dining table in relation to the room's dimensions is crucial. The size determines the spacing and traffic flow in your room. A table that is too small can make the room feel empty and cold. But, an oversized table can dominate the space you have.
Generally, allocate 24 inches of space per person on the table. 4-seater: Requires about 36-48 inches in length for a rectangular or square table, or 36-48 inches in diameter for a round table. 6-seater: Needs a table length of 60-72 inches or a diameter of 48-60 inches for round tables.
Round dining tables should have a diameter of at least 54 to 60 inches. Rectangular dining tables should have a width of 36 to 42 inches.
A long narrow table is called a console table or hall table.
What is standard height dining? Standard height dining tables, sometimes called regular height dining tables, sit between 28 and 30 inches and should be used with 18 to 23 inch chairs, stools or benches.
Allow room for 3' of clearance on each side of the table. That's the amount of space you need to pull out chairs from the table, or to walk behind people seated at the table. Take other furniture into account. So if you have a buffet or bar cart against the wall, measure 3' out from that piece of furniture.
In general, round tables can fit more people in any given space than rectangular tables, making them a good option for smaller gatherings. Why? Because they don't have corners, which allows for more guests per square centimetre.
A 72” - 84” long rectangular table can seat up to 10 adults, depending on table width. A 96” - 108” long rectangular table can seat up to 12 adults, depending on table width.
If you are looking to comfortably seat 8-10 guests at a rectangular table, you have several options: 8' x 30" Rectangular: Seats 8-10. 8' x 36" Rectangular: Seats 8-10. 8' x 42" Rectangular: Seats 8-10.
6ft rectangular table. Can accommodate six to eight people comfortably, commonly used for family dinners or buffet setups.
The best 6 seater dining table size is typically between 72-78 inches which means 6 seater dining table size in feet is (6-6.5 feet) long and 36-40 inches wide.