Dining sets are the core elements of any dining room or can we even call a room without dining tables and chairs a “Dining Room”? These furniture pieces are the visual focal points of any dining space and you must choose one that fits and suits your place. Many customers are often confused or even clueless about how to pick a dining set for their needs and space. If this is the case for you too, you must read this dining table and chairs size guide till the end.
Here I have compiled all the key aspects that you need to consider before buying a dining table and chairs.
Before you even visit any outlet or website, you must take into account your dining room space and measurements. Take out a measuring tape and scale out all the important dimensions like floor-to-ceiling length, wall-to-wall width, etc. Also, take into account any architectural shapes and structures as they contribute to the layout too. This scaling process will help you in finding proportionate furniture and suitable furniture placement. Leave 36 inches of free space around the table and chairs for flow.
Besides the room size, you may also want to consider measuring your furniture before buying it. If you are shopping from an outlet, bring the measuring tape with you or ask the store assistant if it's available. Measure each dimension from height to length to width to ensure the pieces you are buying are proportionate to your place. If you are shopping online, make sure to check the dimensions bar for accurate measurements.
It's crucial to determine your needs before even starting your perfect dining table hunt. Find out how many people will utilize the dining table and chairs on a regular basis and decide your table size and number of chairs accordingly.
Determine whether you are buying for casual family dinners and entertainment or are designing a space for formal dining occasions. This way you can plan a layout that meets your requirements and looks visually aligned.
When it comes to choosing your perfect dining room set, another key factor to take into consideration is the shape of your table and chairs. Standard dining tables come in a few shapes, square, rectangular, circular, and oval. Whereas, dining chairs come in plenty of shapes like parsons, wingback, boxy, slat or ladder back, etc. Moreover, it's also important that you note all the structural elements of your table and chairs. For example, dining table legs have different styles and structures like nested, pedestal, tapered, and more.
Whether you are buying for casual purposes or formal purposes, don't overlook the comfort of your dining table and chairs. You want a piece that caters to both style and comfort. Make sure to buy a table that has enough legroom and chairs that have comfortable seating or padding. Look for compatibility between the chair height and table height with around 10 - 12 inches between both to ensure free movement space and comfortable seating position.
Dining table measurements strictly depend on its shape and seating capacity. Let's go through it comprehensively so we can clarify all your confusions.
Rectangular dining tables are the most versatile and popular option among consumers. With their ample seating flexibility, they make a great choice for both small spaces and large rooms. However, they work the best for long and spacious rooms creating a balance between furniture items and free space.
For compact spaces, they can be placed beside a wall to create more room in the middle. They work harmoniously for both casual dining spaces and more formal-looking dining rooms. They have a standard height of at least 28” - 30” inches making room for comfortable seating.
Another pro to rectangular dining tables is that they come in almost any style and materials whether it be modern and minimal or vintage or rustic. Their shape is so versatile that it doesn't affect the aesthetic of your dining room. And not to mention they look great in all sorts of materials like fully wooden, glass-top, metal frame and whatnot.
• Height: “28 - 30” inches
• Counter height: “34 - 36” inches
• 4 seats: “36 - 44" length width
• 6 seats: “48 - 54" length width
• 8 seats: 60” or larger on each side
Like rectangular dining tables, square tables also come with a range of seating options typically ranging from 2 seats to 6 seats. Now, square tables come with 8 seating options, they are very rare to be found in the outlets or online retail stores. You typically have to pre-order an 8-seat square dining table or get it customized. This clean shape helps in creating symmetry and balance in your dining room.
This shape is often preferred by small families to create an intimate dining space that feels cozy and comfortable. When it comes to formal occasions, square dining tables can work but they're not the ideal option. They can become limited in terms of guest seating requiring extra chairs and bar stools which won't work with the compact dimensions of a square table. They also lack in providing a sufficient serving surface for formal dining.
But if you have a small dining space it's best to stick with the square option as they have a compact structure and design. You can also opt for space-saving tables like drop leaf square tables that can be converted into a long rectangular shape when needed. The standard height for square dining tables is 28” inches to 30” inches whereas standard counter height is 34” - 36” inches.
• Height: “28 - 30” inches
• Counter height: “34 - 36” inches
• 4 seats: “36 - 44" length width
• 6 seats: “48 - 54" length width
• 8 seats: 60” or larger on each side
Round dining tables are one the most chic and stylish options that go hand in hand with any room design and proportion. They are extremely versatile and come in abundant seating options from 2 chairs to 8 chairs. Round dining tables are perfect for both casual dining sanctuary and festive event dining.
Round tables also make a great kid-friendly option as they have smooth curves rather than sharp corners. Round tables give off more contemporary and innovative vibes with their chic designs and structures like glass tops, pedestal legs, counter height, etc. like square and rectangular dining tables.
The standard height for round tables is between 18 to 20 inches while counter height round tables are around 34 to 36 inches tall. Nevertheless, these shapes are ideal for adding more style and modern touch to your dining space.
• Height: “18 - 20” inches
• Counter height: “34 - 36” inches
• 2-4 seats: “36 - 44” diameters
• 4-6 seats: “44 - 54” diameters
• 6-8 seats: “60 - 72” diameters
Oval tables are a perfect choice if you can't decide between circular or rectangular dining tables for your room. They seamlessly blend the elements of both round tables and cornered tables. If you want a full-size dining table for 6 to 8 people but have a narrow or limited space choose oval-shaped tables instead of conventional rectangular tables.
Just like round tables, this option also allows for intimate dining but with more seating capacity. It has modern and contemporary aesthetics with its smooth curves and softer look.
Overall, it's a great option if you want a big table for formal dining occasions without consuming a large floor space. With their standard height of 28 to 30 inches, oval tables also make sufficient space for leg room and movement.
• Height: “28 - 30” inches
• 6 seats: length “60 - 72” width“36 - 42”
• 8 seats: length “ 84 - 96” width “36 - 42”
Dining chairs are essential furniture pieces designed to be paired with a dining table. It offers functionality, comfort, and style around the dining table. Usually, dining chairs come in a host of different structures and styles which slightly affects its seizing. Dining chairs are a purchase that you always make after choosing your centerpiece “dining table”. They should fit and more importantly, suit your dining table. Here are some of the most commonly used dining table chairs known for tier comfort and style.
Known for their laid back and comfortable seating positions, armchairs are a popular choice for long and rectangular dining tables. With their chic style and structure, they are often placed at the end of dining tables. They make a great choice for comfortable seating and additional support as they come with armrests. When it comes to their aesthetics and appeal armchairs can look both casual and formal depending on their material, structure, and upholstery. Besides its perfect sizing and seating comfortability, armchairs come in both modern, traditional, and transitional styles.
• Height (from floor to top): “38 - 42”
• Seat height (from floor to seat): “ 17 - 19”
• Width(from one armrest to another): “22 - 26”
• Depth(from front to back of the seat): “20 - 24”
The most common dining chair design “Parsons” is a classic choice for functionality, aesthetics and sizing. This simplistic chair has a straight, rectangular back and seat, often with upholstered padding for comfort. This armless piece is space-efficient and looks timeless and elegant. It comes with a wide range of material and upholstery choices as it is easily compatible with all sorts of interior styles.
• Height: “36 - 40”
• Seat Height: “17 - 19”
• Width: “ 18 - 20”
• Depth: “18 - 20”
Another commonly used dining chair style is side chairs. They are versatile, chic, and flexible meaning they can be paired with most dining table sizes, shapes and styles. Just like parsons chairs they are also efficient when it comes to consuming space. Their compact and lack of armrests make them a great choice for smaller dining spaces. Not to mention, side dining chairs are also available in a plethora of styles like modern and minimalist, farmhouse and coastal, urban and industrial, vintage and mid century, etc.
• Height: “36 - 40”
• Seat height: “17 - 19”
• Width: “18 - 20”
• Depth: “18 - 22”
Now this dining chair style is quite distinctive from the other options I have mentioned. These chairs are a top choice when it comes to formal dining settings due to their elegant structure and upscale upholstery. The key features of this style of chair is its high backrest and winged arms typically adorned with luxury fabrics like velvet or leather. Most commonly wingback chairs are placed as statement pieces on the end of tables but they make a good choice for side tables as well.
• Height: “40 - 44”
• Seat Height: “17 - 19”
• Width: “22 - 26”
• Depth: “22 - 24”
Besides the conventional dining chairs, another seating option that you can opt for is a dining bench. This furniture item is a long and narrow piece curated specifically to provide seating with optional storage capacity. It is a good alternative to dining chairs if you need an ample seating solution without the hassle of space consumption and a big budget. This versatile piece comes in both casual and more formal styles, accommodating sufficient people while adding to the aesthetics of your dining room. However, choosing a dining bench can be quite tricky for some people with its various sizing and style availability. They are designed for a range of seats from 4 to 10. This piece is all about creating cohesion and balance in your space while providing comfort and functionality. And a bench that matches your table's length, width, and height can do just that.
• 4 seats: “ 60 - 72” length, “14 - 18” width, “17 - 19” height
• 6 seats: “ 84 - 96” length, “16 - 18” width, “17 - 19” height
• 8 seats: “108 - 120” length, “18 20” width, “17 - 19” height
• 10 seats: “ 132 - 144” length, “18 - 20” width, “17 - 19” height
