A solid oak dining table is something you keep for life. Before choosing one, take ten minutes to measure: it is the best way to be sure it will fit your home. Here are the guidelines we give our clients at the workshop.
1. Allow 24 in (60 cm) per person
To eat comfortably, each guest needs about 24 in of space along the table. With 28 in (70 cm), everyone is truly at ease. In practice:
- 71 in (180 cm) rectangular table: 6 people, 8 if you squeeze in.
- 79 to 87 in (200 to 220 cm): 8 people.
- 98 in (250 cm): 10 people, up to 12 for big gatherings.
2. Leave 36 in (90 cm) around the table
This is the most common mistake: forgetting the chairs. Allow at least 36 in between the edge of the table and the wall or other furniture, so people can push their chair back and walk behind. Measure your room and subtract 72 in (1.8 m) from the length and the width: that gives you the largest table that will fit.
3. Round, oval or rectangular?
- A round table brings everyone together and suits square rooms and smaller spaces. A 47 in (120 cm) round table seats 4 to 5, a 59 in (150 cm) table seats 6 to 8. Our Sanibel round table is made from 35 to 79 in (90 to 200 cm) across.
- An oval table keeps the friendly feel of a round one, with more seats. With no corners, it is easy to move around in narrow rooms. See the Sanibel oval and the Bonita pedestal table.
- A rectangular table is the easiest to place in a long room and seats the most people. See the Seattle, 71 in and the Sarasota, 98 in.
4. Think about the base
A pedestal base, like on the Bonita, leaves legroom all around: you can add a chair without bothering anyone. With four legs, check the spacing between them if you want guests at the ends.
5. Standard height
A dining table is about 30 in (75 cm) tall. Allow about 12 in (30 cm) between the chair seat and the tabletop for a comfortable fit.
Need a size we don't list? We'll build it
All our tables are handmade in our workshop in Mollégès, Provence. We can adjust the length, width or shape to your room. Send us your measurements and get a free quote within 48 hours. We ship to the US with import duties included.