Make the most of your dining area by selecting the right size dining set for your space, as well as your dining and entertaining needs. Whether you have a traditional dining room or a designated dining area in, or offset from, your kitchen, it’s important to choose a set that will not only accommodate your family and frequent dining guests, but will also fit your space. However, finding the right size dining table and chairs for your room is sometimes easier said than done. Many homes are open concept, and the space can be misleading. Here are some guidelines to help you choose a set that will fit your dining area and help ensure that your room looks balanced.

Select a Shape and Size

One of the first considerations in selecting a dining set is the shape of the table. Common shapes include round, square and rectangular tables. For proportion, mimic the space with a dining set of the same shape. A square area is perfect for a round or square table. A rectangular area is perfect for rectangular and extension tables.

No matter what shape you select for a dining table, you should allow at least three feet between the table edge and an obstruction like a server or wall. This provides sufficient space for people to move around the table, and in and out from their seats. On the other hand, more than six feet remaining between one wall or obstruction and the table means that the set is too small.

Once you’ve determined the appropriate shape and size for your table, you may choose to further define your dining area with a rug. Choose any style rug to enhance your room’s décor and visually set apart your dining space from the rest of your house. The size of the rug is determined by the size of your dining table. There should be a minimum two-foot perimeter around the edge of the table for rugs, allowing for use of chairs and visual cohesion.

Here's a simple formula for room space:
You need at least 3 feet (36”) around the perimeter of the table. That means you need to add 72” to the width and length of the table.
Width of the table (in inches) plus 72" = minimum room width
Length of the table (in inches) plus 72" = minimum room length

Extension Tables

Wait! I would like an extension table. If you are a frequent host, an extension dining table may be an ideal option for your space. Here are the considerations for choosing an extension table that will work for your day-to-day dining needs as well as entertaining plans.

Calculate the room space needed when the table is closed AND when it is open.

Here is an example:
The table is 42" wide x 78" long and has 2-12" leaves
Table width + 72" space
42" + 72" = 114"
Room or space that it 9.5 feet wide

Closed Table
Length + 72" space
78" +72" = 150"
Room or space that is 12.5 feet long

Fully Extended table
78” length + 12 (leaf) +12 (leaf) = 102"
extended table size 102" + 72" space = 174"
Room or space that is 14.5 feet long
The space needed for this table is 9.5 x 14.5.

Want a sideboard or server? Add the depth of the server to the formula for whichever dimension is needed.

Here is an easy- to-use chart for calculating space size. Remember, this is the MINIMUM space needed.

Find your table width, in pink. Find your table length, in blue.

For example, a 36" x 60" table needs a minimum space that's 9' x 11'.

Standard Table Sizes

Once you’ve determined the ideal shape and size of a dining room table for your space, you can select a table that fits your specifications. Here are some common space and table sizes.

Additional Considerations

Dining sets of all sizes come in a variety of styles, from farmhouse to formal. Choose a set that suits your home style and design preferences. You should also determine whether you’d like a standard height table, counter, or bar height dining table. Finally, don’t forget about the extras. If your room is tight on space, you may consider a table with built in storage underneath, or choose a bench on one side to save space. Now all that’s left is choosing what’s for dinner!