Question 1

What size dining table do I need?

Accepted Answer

Start with the number of people you seat every day, then consider how often you host more. Allow roughly 60cm of table edge per person as a starting point, with more room for wider chairs or generous place settings. Table legs and pedestals can reduce usable seating space, so check their positions alongside the tabletop dimensions. A stated seating capacity does not guarantee that your existing chairs will fit.

Question 2

How much space should I leave around a dining table?

Accepted Answer

Around 90cm between the table edge and a wall or other furniture is a useful starting point for pulling out chairs. Allow more where people need to walk behind someone seated. Measure from the nearest obstruction, including sideboards and radiators, rather than the wall alone. Mark the table’s footprint on the floor and test it with your chairs, including the fully extended position if you are considering an extending design.

Question 3

Should I choose a round, rectangular or oval dining table?

Accepted Answer

A round dining table encourages conversation and can work well in a square room or compact dining area. Rectangular tables suit longer rooms and offer a clear arrangement for larger groups. An oval table provides length with softer corners, which can ease movement around its ends. Compare the base as well as the shape: a pedestal may offer more flexibility for chairs, but its footprint still affects legroom.

Question 4

Is an extendable dining table worth choosing?

Accepted Answer

An extendable dining table is useful when everyday meals need less space than occasional gatherings. Compare both its closed and extended dimensions, and find out whether the extension leaves store inside the table or need a separate home. Consider how the mechanism operates and whether one person can manage it. The extended layout should still leave comfortable walking space, with table legs positioned so additional guests can sit without obstruction.

Question 5

What is the best material for a dining table?

Accepted Answer

Choose a surface that suits both the room and your approach to care. Timber brings warmth, with its finish determining how it handles daily use. Glass keeps the outline visually light but shows fingerprints readily. Marble and travertine offer distinctive natural pattern, although acidic spills can mark them. Ceramic and laminate surfaces vary by specification, so compare the maker’s guidance on heat, scratches and cleaning rather than assuming any material is maintenance-free.

Question 6

How do I choose a dining table that works with my chairs?

Accepted Answer

Compare seat height with the clearance beneath the tabletop, including any supporting frame or apron. Around 25–30cm between the seat and the underside of the tabletop is a useful starting point, but test the combination where possible. Armrests must clear the lowest obstruction if you want chairs to tuck in. Visually, a shared wood undertone, colour or design detail can connect different pieces without requiring an exact match.

Dining Table

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Dining Table

Popular searches

Design Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

What size dining table do I need?+

How much space should I leave around a dining table?+

Should I choose a round, rectangular or oval dining table?+

Is an extendable dining table worth choosing?+

What is the best material for a dining table?+

How do I choose a dining table that works with my chairs?+