The dining table is not just a place where meals are taken. In many households, it is a meeting place for the whole family, where everyone gathers for festive occasions, games evenings or everyday chats. The right size is therefore an important factor when buying a dining table. We show you what to look out for when buying and how to determine the right size.
Important considerations before buying
Round, square, oval or rectangular, dining tables are available in various sizes and shapes. Although the choice of shape is a matter of taste, it also depends on the desired size. However, before choosing a dining table, the following points should be clarified in advance:
– Location of the dining table:
To find the right shape and size of dining table, you should consider where the new table should be placed before you buy it. If it has to stand against the wall for space reasons, a square table is recommended. However, if it can be positioned anywhere in the room, there are no restrictions in terms of shape.
– Number of persons:
A dining table should offer enough space for all family members. The minimum size of the table therefore depends on the number of people who regularly sit together at the table.
– Seating furniture:
The shape and size of the table are also influenced by the seating furniture that is to be combined with the table. For example, benches can be used to sit heavily at an oval table.
Determining the optimum table length
Although many dining tables specify the number of people the model is suitable for, it is still advisable to make your choice based on the dimensions. A width of 50 to 70 cm per person is estimated. The optimum table length for four people is therefore 120 to 160 cm. If you like to receive guests for meals but don’t want to sit at a large dining table all the time, you can make provisions with an extendable model. Depending on the extension system, the table can then be extended with extension leaves or a frame extension.
Chairs with armrests should take into account that they take up more space than seating furniture without armrests or benches. With square or rectangular tables, care should also be taken to ensure that the table legs at the corners do not restrict the space available and that there is sufficient legroom. Column tables, where the corners are not blocked by table legs, can help here.
Dining table height is also crucial
When buying a new dining table, people often only look at the length of the respective model. However, in order to be able to sit comfortably and eat comfortably, the height of the dining table is also crucial. Most tables are between 74 and 78 cm high and are designed for users who are around 1.75 m tall. Conventional dining chairs usually have a seat height of around 46 cm. A distance of around 30 cm between the seat and the lower edge of the table is recommended for back-friendly sitting. However, if you are significantly shorter or taller than 1.75 cm, you should opt for a dining table that is lower or higher than the standard.
