How to Determine the Size of a Dining Room Table

When choosing a new dining room table, it's important that it's just the right size for your needs and for the room itself. Putting the right table into your dining room will give you some confidence as you decorate that space. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Determine how big of a space you have to work with. Your dining room size will dictate the size of your dining room table. Don't assume that if you have a big dining room, you must fill it with a huge dining table. Instead, think about how you use your dining room space.

2

Think about your needs. Do you host large parties on a regular basis that might require a large table? In that case, buying a large table makes sense. But if you rarely, or never, host large parties, you might be able to get by with a smaller table. In fact, if you primarily host small parties, a large table might be intimidating and overwhelming for a small group. Your group of three or four will have a hard time hearing each other and having good conversation over a huge table designed to seat 10 or 12.

3

Measure your dining room. Keep in mind that you will need a space to walk around the table and room to pull out the chairs comfortably. In smaller rooms, often the best choice is a round table, while in larger rooms, a rectangular table works better. In general, your best bet is to leave 48 inches between any given edge of furniture and the wall or the next closest piece of furniture. If necessary, you can cut that extra space to 36 inches.

4

Measure the dining room table you are considering. A table that measures 36 by 84 inches, for example, is 36 inches wide and 84 inches long. A round table should be given a diagonal measurement.

5

Choose the right size table for your needs. If you plan to seat only a small number of people every now and then, and you have a small dining room, a round table might be the best choice for you. These can be relatively small (40 inches in diameter) or much larger (up to 48 inches in diameter). If you have a larger room and plan to seat more people regularly, you can buy a rectangular table that is 48 by 96 inches. This size table can comfortably seat 10.

6

Be creative when thinking about how you plan to use your dining space. If you enjoy entertaining often, but have groups of varying sizes, consider buying two tables that you can be pushed together when needed, and to have apart at other times. This affords you a good deal of flexibility with planning. If you have a smaller room, but need a large table for regular entertaining, consider getting a table that has an extra leaf or two you can add when needed.