What Size Dining Table Do I Need? A Simple Seating Guide
A handmade table is a long-term piece, so it pays to get the size right. These are the rules of thumb we use when helping customers choose.
Allow about 24–30 inches per person
Each diner needs roughly 24 inches of table edge; 30 inches feels generous. That works out to:
- 6 feet (72 in): 6 people
- 7–8 feet (84–96 in): 8 people
- 9–10 feet (108–120 in): 10 people
Add one seat at each end if the base leaves room for knees.
Leave room to walk around it
Plan about 36 inches between the table edge and a wall or furniture so chairs can slide back, and 42–48 inches where people walk behind seated guests. Measure the room, subtract the clearance on each side, and you have your maximum table size.
Width matters too
Most dining tables are 36–42 inches wide. Wider than 44 inches makes it hard to pass dishes across; narrower than 34 inches gets crowded once plates and a centerpiece are down.
Rectangle, oval or round?
Rectangles seat the most people. Ovals and rounded corners are easier to move around in tighter rooms and feel softer with a live edge. Round tables work best for four to six people.
Not sure? Send us your room dimensions and we will suggest a size — or browse our dining tables by length.
