Published on 17 September 2026

The right size dining table

Choosing the right size dining table determines how comfortable you’ll find it to use on a daily basis. It’s not just the number of seats that matters, but also the space to move around, the width of the tabletop and how the chairs fit around it. The guidelines below will make it easier for you to choose a table that fits nicely into the room and is a pleasure to use.

Start with three sizes

To work out the right size for a dining table, you should first consider three things: the space available, the number of people who usually sit at the table, and the space around the table. Only once you’ve got those basics right does it make sense to look at specific dimensions.

• Room size: Measure the length and width of the area where the table will be placed.
• Number of seats: Think about everyday use and those times when you have guests.
• Space around: Bear in mind that chairs may slide backwards and that there are aisles in the room.

How much space do you allow per person?

A useful guideline is 60 to 70 cm of seating space per person along the long side of the table. With 60 cm, you’ll be sitting quite close together; with 70 cm, you’ll be more comfortable and have more room to move about. If you’re using wider dining chairs or chairs with armrests, it’s a good idea to allow for a bit of extra space.

For many households, 70 cm per person is a safe bet if you don’t want to be too cramped.

Guidelines for choosing the right size

The dimensions below are practical guidelines for rectangular and oblong dining tables. The exact dimensions will always depend on the width of the chairs, the shape of the tabletop and the base.

Number of people	Approximate dimensions of a dining table
Serves 4	160–180 × 90 cm
6 people	200–220 × 90–100 cm
8 people	240 x 100 cm
10 people	280–300 × 100–110 cm

For many households, rectangular dining tables the most popular option, as they can easily be scaled from 4 to 10+ people.

If you’re mainly looking for a dining table for six chairs, you’ll usually end up with one that’s around 200 to 220 cm long. That generally provides enough space for three people along each long side.

What is the best width for a dining table?

For most interiors, a width of 90 to 100 cm is the most practical. This provides enough space for plates, bowls and decorations, without the table looking too bulky. For larger tables, a width of 110 cm can be ideal, especially if you like to set the table generously or want plenty of table space.

An 80 cm wide worktop can work in smaller spaces, but anything narrower often becomes impractical for everyday use. You end up sacrificing a fair amount of user comfort for very little actual space saving.

If you have limited space or varying group sizes, then round dining tables is often the best option. In elongated rooms, combine oval dining tables additional space to walk through, with more seating.

How far should a dining table be placed from the wall?

The distance between the dining table and the wall depends on how the room is used.

• At least 70–80 cm: to push a chair back so that you can sit down properly.
• Approximately 120 cm: if people regularly walk past it from behind.
• Around 100 cm or more: if you’re looking for extra comfort and a more spacious feel.

If the table is close to a cupboard, a radiator or a passageway to the kitchen, measure from that fixed point and not just from the wall.

Don’t forget the chassis

The right size isn’t just about the tabletop. The base also affects how many people can sit comfortably. Legs at the corners can be useful if you want to make the most of the table’s length, whilst a more central base can be advantageous if you also want to use the seats at the ends, for example in combination with dining room benches.

If you’re unsure between two sizes, always consider the combination of tabletop size, chairs and base. That’s what ultimately determines how spacious the table actually feels.

Practical choices for your space

If you want to quickly work out which size is likely to fit, follow these steps:

1. Measure the available space.
2. Leave enough space to walk round the table.
3. Work out how many people sit at the table each day.
4. Only then should you choose the length and width that suit it.

This way, you can avoid a table that looks good on paper but ends up being too big or, conversely, too small for the room.

View suitable dining table sizes

At Looiershuis you’ll find dining tables in a range of standard sizes and shapes, including larger sizes. In the showroom, you can also get a better sense of how much space a table actually takes up and which proportions look best in a cosy, modern interior. If you’re torn between two sizes, personalised interior design advice is often the quickest way to make the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ideal dimensions for a dining table?

The ideal size depends on the number of people and the space around the table. For 4 people, 160–180 × 90 cm is often suitable; for 6 people, 200–220 × 90–100 cm is usually appropriate.

How big should your dining table be for 6 chairs?

For 6 chairs, a length of around 200 to 220 cm is usually a good guide. The width is often between 90 and 100 cm.

Is 80 cm wide enough for a dining table?

80 cm may be sufficient in more compact spaces, but 90 to 100 cm is more practical. This gives you more usable space for crockery and serving dishes.

How can you tell if a dining table is too big for the room?

A table is often too big if chairs cannot be pulled back properly, if passageways become too narrow, or if the room feels cluttered. You should therefore always check the space around the table first.