The right dining table makes everyday meals easier and entertaining more enjoyable. The wrong one leaves you squeezing past chairs or with guests eating off their laps. Use this guide to choose a size and shape that suits your space.
Start with clearance space
Measure your dining area, then subtract space for people to pull out chairs and walk behind them. Aim for about 90cm between the table edge and any wall or furniture, or at least 75cm in a tight space. Mark the table size on the floor with tape to check it feels right.
How many people will it seat?
Allow roughly 60cm of table edge per person for comfortable dining. As a guide:
- 4 people: a 120cm round table or a rectangular table around 120 to 140cm long.
- 6 people: a rectangular or oval table around 160 to 180cm long.
- 8 people: around 200 to 220cm long.
- 10 people or more: 240cm and up, or an extendable table.
Always check the product measurements and the leg position, as legs at the corners or a pedestal base change how many chairs fit.
Choosing a shape
- Round: sociable, great for smaller rooms and square spaces, and no corners to bump into. Ideal for four.
- Oval: the seating of a rectangle with softer edges and easier flow around the table.
- Rectangular: the classic choice for long rooms and larger families.
- Extendable: compact for everyday use, with extra length when guests arrive.
Table and chair heights
Most dining tables are around 75cm high. Look for about 25 to 30cm between the chair seat and the underside of the tabletop so everyone has knee room. If chairs have arms, check they slide under the table.
Buy a set or mix and match?
A dining set takes the guesswork out of matching and is often the best value. Mixing a dining table with separate dining chairs lets you create a more personal look. Our dining chair buying guide can help.
Shop clearance furniture in Melbourne
Mentone Furniture Clearance Centre sells brand-new excess stock and discontinued lines from high-end brands at up to 80% off RRP. Visit our Cheltenham showroom (Opposite Moorabbin DFO on Grange Road), open 7 days: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Prefer to shop online? We deliver from $40 Australia-wide, and you can pay with Afterpay or Zip. Questions? Call us on 03 8522 2115.
