Expert Advice: How to Design a Perfectly Scaled Dining Room

As we’re sure you’re aware, being a great hostess isn’t easy. And for us, the key starts with good design. Today’s topic? The dining room. Every year, the same design dilemmas come up again and again when it comes time for special occasions: How big of a dining room table do I need? and How many people can fit at my table in my formal dining room? You want to make sure your dining space is cozy… but also that everyone has plenty of room. 

You don’t want anybody to have to squeeze between the chairs and the wall, or have someone trip over the rug. Between all of the siblings and cousins and kids, friends and family, it can be a bit hectic. That’s why we put together this infographic that’ll help you create a perfectly scaled dining room with perfectly arranged dining room furniture as the focal point:

The trick of the trade is to leave at minimum 36 inches between the edge of your dining table and the wall or other furniture. Keeping at least 45 inches between your table and the dining room entryway will also keep from any bottlenecking in and out during dinnertime. When deciding on a rug, add about 2 feet on each side of the dining table to achieve an “optimal” size.

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Round Table vs. Rectangular Table

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Round dining room tables create a more intimate environment than other shapes, so they’re great for family gatherings or dinner parties with your best of friends where everyone’s wine glasses are full. Round tables are also a great option for kitchens or spaces without a designated dining room. A caution for the round table: If you have a large dining room, a large round table does make it difficult for guests to talk across the table. If you prefer to entertain for large groups, a rectangular or oval table may be your better option. You can also draw on themes from your living room and echo the look of a favorite accent chair, or set of bar stools. 

With a standard 20″ x 20″ dining chair, here’s your guide to buying round dining tables:

• A 42″ round table can fit four people comfortably.
• A 48″ round table can seat 4-6 people comfortably.
• A 60″ round table can seat between 6-8 people comfortably.

With a standard 20″ x 20″ dining chair, here’s your guide to buying oval dining tables:

• A 60″ oval dining table can seat up to 6 people comfortably.
• A 97″ oval dining table can seat up to 8 people comfortably.
• A 102″ oval dining table can seat up to 8 people comfortably.
• A 120″ oval dining table can seat up to 12 people comfortably.

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Get the Look:

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Rectangular dining tables are the go-to table shape for any dining area. It’s practical, fits easily in a dining room, and most importantly, it looks great. As a nice in-between when it comes to dining room furniture, the oval table is the more unusual dining room table shape, but if your space allows it, it can serve as an elegant contour to your room. Once you have selected your dining table and chairs, it will then be easy to move on to other dining room decorating ideas–like choosing a light fixture, choosing a pendant light, adding a china cabinet, and more.

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With a standard 20″ x 20″ dining chair, here’s your guide to buying round dining tables:

• A 70″ rectangular dining table can seat between 4-8 people comfortably.
• An 84″ rectangular dining table can seat up to 8 people comfortably.
• A 90″ rectangular dining table can seat up to 8 people comfortably.
• A 108″ rectangular dining table can seat up to 10 people comfortably.
• A 130″ rectangular dining table can seat up to 10 people comfortably.

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Get the Look:

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