The dining room table is often the heart of the home, a place where family and friends gather to share meals, stories, and laughter.
Choosing the right size dining table is important, as it can greatly impact the functionality and aesthetics of your dining space.
In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when picking the perfect dining table size for your dining room.
1. Room Space
Before getting a dining table, the first thing you should do is measure the dining room area so you will know the type of table that will allow ample space for movement.
Most people often wonder, how much space is just right between the dining table and a wall or other furniture? And how much space should you leave between the dining chairs and walls or furniture?
As a general rule of thumb, you should aim for:
- Between table and wall/furniture – a minimum of 36 inches (91 cm) to ensure ease of movement.
- Between chairs and wall/furniture – provide at least 24 inches (61 cm) of space to provide enough room for chairs to be pulled out and pushed in easily.
2. Dining Table Sizes and Shapes
Most dining tables are created with standard measurements of 36-40 inches (91-102 cm) in width and 29-31 inches (74-79 cm) in height. However, the table length varies according to the seating number.
That said, dining tables come in various shapes – rectangular, round, square, and more. So, how do you know which is the right one for you?
Here’s a breakdown of the 3 commercial shapes found in the market:
Standard Rectangular Table
Sure enough, the most typical (and common) table shape is none other than the rectangular tables.
While rectangular dining tables certainly take up a lot of space, they are excellent for large gatherings or narrow dining rooms.
Standard measurements:
-
Width: typically ranges from 36-40 inches (91-102 cm)
-
Length: 60 inches (152 cm), 72 inches (183 cm), 84 inches (213 cm), and 96 inches (244 cm)
There are also customisable options wherein you can have a built-in extension to alter the length however you need.
Standard Round Table
Most traditional Chinese families still prefer using round tables instead of the rest. In the culture, it represents unity, harmony and togetherness as everyone will face each other during the meal.
Additionally, round tables are perfect for small spaces and promote a continuous flow of conversation throughout the course of the gathering.
Most round dining room tables have the common diameters of 36 inches (91 cm), 42 inches (107 cm), 48 inches (122 cm), and 60 inches (152 cm).
However, bear in mind that the bigger the round table, the harder it gets for people to converse with those across from them due to distance.
Standard Square Table
If you want to create a cosy and intimate atmosphere, opt for a beautifully crafted square table!
Square tables are space-efficient and can be a viable choice for smaller dining areas or square-shaped rooms to seat a moderate number of people while occupying less floor space.
Other than promoting an intimate dining experience, square tables add a sense of balance and symmetry to your dining space, creating a visually pleasing focal point of the room.
With its equidistant length, the standard dimensions for a square table are often around 36-48 inches (91-122 cm) on each side.
3. Table Height
Standard Dining Table
The standard dining table height usually measures 28-32 inches (71-81 cm). These tables are ubiquitous and suit a wide range of dining room styles and layouts but are particularly excellent for traditional dining settings, where the focus is on sit-down meals.
Their height is designed for comfort and compatibility with standard dining chairs, which have a seat height of 18-20 inches (46-51 cm).
However, they are less suited for multi-purpose tasks like cooking prep or using a laptop, as they may be too low for these activities.
Counter-height Table
Counter-height tables typically measure around 34-36 inches (86-91 cm), which is taller than a standard dining table but lower than a bar-height table, offering a more casual and relaxed dining experience. They can also serve as an additional prep surface for your kitchen.
As most Singaporean homes have limited floor space, the counter-height table is a great addition to make your small dining area look bigger, especially for those living in apartments or HDB flats.
Counter-height stools, which typically measure 24-26 inches high, pair well with these tables. That said, they may not be as comfortable for extended periods of sitting.
Bar-height Table
Bar-height dining tables are the tallest of these options at 40-42 inches. The increased height is similar to that of a bar or pub, bringing a lively atmosphere.
The added height encourages standing and mingling, making it a good choice for socialising and settings where quick meals or drinks will be consumed.
They work well in open-concept layouts, offering a clear delineation between the dining and living areas, but thus, are generally not suitable for formal dining settings.
Elevate Your Dining Experience With WoodSlab Singapore!
At the heart of our company is a simple belief: mealtime is more than just eating – it’s about loved ones coming together, sharing stories and laughter.
Our founder’s love for these gatherings and his passion for woodworking led to a simple yet profound question: could high-quality solid wooden tables become accessible to all, not just a few?
After years of dedication, here’s the result to the query – timeless, affordable solid wood tables.
And get this. We’re not just selling you a table; we offer an experience.
Our solid wood tables transform spaces, fostering a distinctive ambience for delightful meals and unforgettable gatherings.
