How to Choose the Right Dining Table Size and Shape
If your dining room feels awkward, cramped, or even strangely empty, the culprit might not be your décor — it’s probably your table. According to Dimitri Pappas, luxury dining chair retailer at My Furniture, choosing the wrong table size or shape is one of the most common mistakes people make when styling their space.
The good news? Get it right, and your dining room can instantly feel more welcoming, balanced, and functional.
Why table size matters
“The biggest mistake people make is buying a dining table that doesn’t fit the proportions of their room,” says Dimitri.
- Too big: overwhelms the space, making it feel cramped.
- Too small: leaves the room looking bare and unfinished.
A table should feel proportional — not dominating or disappearing into the space.
Standard height = comfort
Most dining tables are around 76 cm high, designed to pair with chairs about 45 cm high. This leaves around 30 cm of legroom, which works comfortably for most households. That standard setup makes life easier for families with a wide range of ages and needs.
Why shape makes a difference
The size is one thing, but the shape of your table can change the entire feel of your dining room:
- Circular: Great for small rooms, encourages conversation, and can squeeze in an extra chair.
- Rectangular: Traditional, practical, and can sit against a wall to save space.
- Square: Balanced and symmetrical, works best in square rooms.
- Oval: Softer edges than rectangular, ideal for creating flow.
How to choose the right size
Circular tables
- 60–90 cm: seats 2
- 90–120 cm: seats 4
- 120–150 cm: seats 4–6
- 150 cm+: seats 8+
Rectangular tables
- Up to 100 cm: seats 2
- 100–150 cm: seats 4
- 150–180 cm: seats 6
- 180 cm+: seats 8+
Plan for the future
Buying too small might work now, but you’ll quickly feel restricted when guests come round or your family grows. Dimitri’s advice: “Go for the largest table you can afford and comfortably fit — it’s the best way to future-proof your home.”
Don’t forget the chairs
The wrong chairs can undo the work of the right table.
- Armless chairs: perfect for circular tables, easy to tuck away.
- Rectangular tables: flexible — use armless chairs for practicality, but add armchairs at the head for a stylish upgrade.
Final thought
Your dining table is more than just a piece of furniture — it sets the tone for the whole room. Get the size and shape right, and suddenly the space feels natural, inviting, and perfectly balanced.
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