How many people fit at a dining table? ➔ Overview & Tips

How many people fit at a dining table?

The question everyone asks themselves. How many people fit at a dining table?
To find the perfect dining table, it must first meet a few quite important requirements. The dining room, or the open living area where the dining table is to be placed, brings some demands that we need to consider when purchasing.
That's exactly what we're talking about today: How many people fit at a dining table?
We take the time and look at everything step by step.
The most important point in advance: There is an old rule of thumb that almost always applies. For each person, you should plan about 60 to 70 centimeters of seating width. Additionally, about 40 centimeters of depth for plates, cutlery, and glasses is needed. If you prefer it particularly cozy or often have large dishes on the table, it's better to calculate a bit more space.

Tip: Don't plan too tightly! A little more space ensures that your guests feel comfortable all around.

Which dining table is optimal for how many people?

To give you a better overview, here is a small table based on a rectangular dining table.
Please also refer to our detailed guide on the topic „How many people fit at a dining table“:

Of course, it applies: Not every table is the same! If you need a special solution, such as a table for particularly narrow spaces or with a specific length, it is worth taking a look at our custom-made dining tables. For a large part of our dining tables, we offer the option of custom manufacturing,… which we naturally provide at no extra charge, so you can accommodate exactly the number of people at the dining table that you desired.

What defines the table shape?

Now it gets exciting, because the shape of your table has a significant impact on how many people can sit comfortably. Below, we briefly explain the characteristics of rectangular, round, and oval dining tables.

Rectangular dining tables

Rectangular tables are practical, versatile, and perfect, especially if you often have many guests. Most people can sit on the long sides, and two more seats can fit at the ends. The disadvantage of a rectangular dining table is unfortunately the seating arrangement. For a flowing conversation, you only have the neighbors and the people opposite you. All others are out of reach for normal conversation without having to speak loudly.

Round dining tables

Round tables, on the other hand, are true communication talents. Here, everyone can see each other, and no one is sitting „at the end“ of the table. However, you need a bit more space in your dining room so that people can walk around comfortably. A round dining table is therefore ideal for rooms with proportional or square formats. A clear advantage of a round dining table is that you can look each guest in the face, which is very helpful for a fun evening with friends.

Oval dining tables

Oval tables are an elegant solution if you like communication but only have a rectangular space available: Oval dining tables combine the openness of round tables with the straight lines of rectangular models and are therefore ideal for narrower spaces. They are a mix of a rectangular and a round table. With an oval dining table, the advantages of a round dining table come into play to a limited extent,… however, they can be easily integrated into elongated spaces visually,… and they simply look interesting.

In our large selection of dining tables you will find many beautiful examples!

How much space should be left around the table?

This is a point that many underestimate: the free space around the table. Plan for at least 75 to 100 centimeters one, so that chairs can be comfortably pushed back and no one feels cramped. The factor „getting up“ only plays a role here. On the other hand, we should also consider that someone needs to move freely behind a seated person,… for example, when they get up from the table or come back.

Practical tip: If the table is in the middle of the room or there is a lot of foot traffic, it's best to plan for 120 centimeters right away!

How do the chairs affect the number of seats?

Chairs are not just chairs. Wide armchairs need more space than narrow wooden chairs. So: Always check the dimensions of the planned chairs beforehand! Also, note that a free space should be left between the chairs so that guests can sit down and get up freely.

What table height is comfortable?

A standard has emerged for height: 77–80 centimeters table height fits perfectly with chair heights of 45 to 48 centimeters. This way, sitting is comfortable,… for young and old.
We at GERKEN Wohndesign produce a large part of our Dining tables with a height of 78 to 80 cm. Similar to the height of kitchen countertops or sinks, which are now installed about 5 cm higher, one should also keep in mind when choosing a dining table that we humans have grown taller in the course of normal evolution.

Now you know how many people fit at your dining table

Whether it's a small family table or a large festive table: With a little planning, your new dining table will quickly become your favorite spot. Better to think a few centimeters more generously,… and the next celebration can come!

Curious? Feel free to check out our large selection of dining tables or get inspired in our showroom in Detern. Of course, we also have the matching chairs in our showroom. This way, you can see live on-site how many people fit at your dining table.

Tischonkel.de is not just the most extraordinary online shop! On over 6000 sqm, you can personally choose your dream table.

Visit Tischonkel Online shop and discover in our Furniture store over 6,000 m² furnishing ideas around solid wood tables, lamps, and chairs.

Our showroom is worth a visit – we look forward to seeing you!