KITCHEN & DINING ROOM TABLE SIZE & STYLE GUIDE

When it comes to dining table styles, there’s certainly no shortage of choice on the menu. And with so many factors to consider—from size and shape to space limitations and seating accommodations—we offer a few suggestions to help you find a dining room table you’re sure to savor.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DINING TABLE SIZE?

ELBOW ROOM

The rightDining Room Tableis all about proper proportions. To help you determine a dining table size that works for you, consider the number of people typically gathered around the table and then allow for ample elbow room.

General Guideline: Each person should be allotted about two feet of space to avoid bumping elbows while eating.

WALL CLEARANCE

When considering dining room table size, don’t forget to take into account passage space/wall clearance. Room permitting, you should leave at least 36 inches (though 48 inches is ideal) between the edge of your table and other furniture (such as a buffet) or the table and the wall.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE BEST SHAPE?

RECTANGULAR STYLES

The most traditional choice,rectangular dining room tablesare the best option for large gatherings. They also offer more flexibility in terms of your seating arrangements.

With arectangular Dining room table, you can really mix it up by combining sidechairs, armchairs, and bench seating.

ROUND OPTIONS

With no sharp corners and a natural sense of flow, around dining room tablecan work great in smaller spaces.

If creating an intimate atmosphere appeals to you, consider how a round dining room table can bring people together, and invite conversation.

A pedestal table base is something to savor if having plenty of legroom strikes your fancy.

OVAL TABLE STYLES

Like a round dining room table,oval optionshave no sharp corners, thus enhancing room flow, which can be especially handy in tighter dining spaces where folks are passing through.

Fans ofoval tablesfind the soft edges evoke a more warm and inviting mood with less formality.

SQUARE TABLE STYLES

If you have a square dining room to work with, consider the symmetry and balance a square dining room tables can bring. Plus, with a leaf, you can expand from square to rectangle…go from casual to formal…and transition from every day to a special occasion.

A square table also fosters a more intimate entertainment experience, since everyone is an equal distance apart.

DINING ROOM TABLES VS KITCHEN TABLES?

Times have changed. Gone are the days when having a dedicated dining room and eat-in kitchen is the norm. Now it’s become more of the exception thanks to open concept living.

In a home with fewer walls and more open space, today’s dining table might also serve as homework hub and/or informal home office—and the kitchen table has to be that much more space-efficient.

BISTRO TABLES

Comfy upholsteredbar stoolsand built-in storage can take a modest bistro table to a new level.

BAR AND COUNTER HEIGHT TABLES

Tall and narrow pub tablesreally rise to the occasion, too, and create a casual vibe.

When it comes to thedining room tableand kitchen table sets, sometimes less is so much more.

TABLES WITH STORAGE

Dining room table styles that double as kitchen islands, offer handy storage and boast aspace-saving design that lets you tuck the seats under the table when not in use.

For urbanites especially, who long for style but are short on space, asmall but multifunctional dining table is ideal, offering plenty of room for storage and a place for your wine collection. Cheers to that.