Are you ready for a new dining or kitchen table? Our old kitchen table is ready to get replaced and I just recently started my search for the perfect new dining table for our dining area! As I began my search, I started to wonder what size we would need. Do you know what the typical dining table dimensions for 6 are? It turns out there are standard dining table dimensions! If you’re looking for a guide to dining room table dimensions, this post if for you. I’ll share a detailed dining table size chart by table shape along with a dining table height guide and details on dining table clearance dimensions so you can get the perfect dining table for your space!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, you can find more information in my disclosures here.
Dining table shapes
To determine the perfect kitchen table size for your space, the first step is to narrow down your desired shape. There are a ton of different dining table shapes out there but here are some of the most common ones:
- Round
- Square
- Rectangle
- Oval
- Octagonal
You can see each of the kitchen table shapes in my overview below:
Standard dining table dimensions
Once you’ve determined your desired dining table shape, you can review the standard dining table dimensions to find the right dining table size!
It’s typically recommended to allow at least about 24 inches of space per person seated at your table. This ensures a comfortable amount of available space at the table for each person and any place settings. You can allow for less, but it will get tight.
Tip: Keep in mind that the seating capacity might be more limited if your table legs are large and located on the edge of the table (vs. in the middle like in the case of a pedestal base for example).
There are some standard sizes for dining tables. Here’s a general breakdown of those standard dining table dimensions including table sizes and corresponding seating capacities by dining table shape:
Rectangle dining table dimensions
Rectangular tables are the most common choice for dining rooms and are the best option for a large number of people or larger gatherings! Additionally, rectangular tables often come with the option to extend them by adding a leaf.
Here are the most common standard rectangular kitchen table dimensions along with the amount of people a rectangular table can seat:
- a 48″ rectangular dining table can typically seat 4 people
- a 60″ rectangular dining table can typically seat 6 people
- a 72″ rectangular dining table can typically seat 8 people
- a 96″ rectangular dining table can typically seat 10 people
Rectangular dining tables provide some of the best seating capacity compared to their size. This makes them a great option in smaller spaces like breakfast nooks or small spaces in general.
Note that these are average kitchen table dimensions and what is most commonly available. You may find a rectangle table that is in between one of two sizes I shared above. In those cases, a good rule of thumb is to allow for ample space and plan to seat fewer people.
Square dining table dimensions
Square tables are a popular option but if you plan to seat more than four people, buying a square table that can extend into a rectangle with a leaf might be a better option.
Here are the most common standard square kitchen table dimensions along with the amount of people a square table can seat:
- a 48″ square table and a 54″ square table can typically seat 4 people
- a 60″ square table and a 72″ square table can typically seat 8 people
Square dining tables don’t provide the best seating capacity compared to their size. You can see this when you compare the 6 foot table dimensions of a square dining table to the 6 foot table dimensions of a rectangular table. While they each provide enough seating for 8, the square dining room table dimensions are larger and it takes up a lot more space.
Round dining table dimensions
A round dining table can create a cozy atmosphere. The round shape also makes it easier to see and converse with everyone at the table! Because of this, this is the shape I’m considering for our new dining table.
Let’s take a look at the round table dimensions! Here are the standard round kitchen table dimensions and an overview on how many people fit around a round table:
- a 48″ diameter round dining table can typically seat 4 people
- a 54″ diameter round dining table can typically seat 4-6 people
- a 60″ diameter round dining table can typically seat 6-8 people
- a 72″ diameter rectangular dining table can typically seat 8-10 people
A circular table is an excellent choice for a square dining room.
Note: Some round tables come with leaves that allow you to extend them to fit more people. Be sure to check your round table dimensions in its extended state!
Oval dining table dimensions
Oval tables are another popular option. Similar to round tables, they make it easier to see and converse with everyone at the table. A lot of oval tables also come with leaves that allow you to extend them.
Here is an overview of the standard oval dining table dimensions and how many people fit around an oval table:
- a 72″ oval dining table can typically seat 6 people
- a 96″ round dining table can typically seat 8 people
Note: Table dimensions for oval tables may slightly vary in that some options might be deeper than others. For example, the 6 ft table dimensions of a more narrow oval table will be different from the 6 ft table dimensions of a deeper oval table. Because of this, a deeper table may be able to seat more people.
Dining table height guide
Once you’ve found the right dining table shape and right table size, it’s important to consider one more dining table measurement to help you find the best choice for your space: your desired dining table height!
The dining table heights are typically consistent across different shapes and sizes. A standard dining table height ensures that there is enough space above the knees of those who are seated.
Most dining tables are 28 to 30 inches high from floor to table surface, this is considered standard height. At this height, most people can rest their feet comfortably on the floor while sitting in their dining chairs. This is the most common height for formal dining and daily meals.
There are also higher and more informal dining table and kitchen table options. These can come in handy in informal eating areas like a kitchen breakfast nook or in homes where there might not be a separate dining room. Here are two more table dimensions in the height category:
- Counter height tables are roughly as high as a kitchen countertop. Counter height kitchen tables are typically 34 to 40 inches high from floor to table surface.
- Bar/pub height tables are taller than counter height tables. Bar/pub height tables are typically 40 to 42 inches high from floor to table surface.
Keep in mind that depending on your table height, the type of dining chair you will need to have will also vary:
- For standard height dining tables, the recommended dining chair height (from floor to seat) is 17 to 23 inches.
- If you’re considering a counter height table, your chairs should measure 24 to 26 inches from floor to seat to allow for enough clearance space.
- As for a bar height table, the recommended height for dining chairs is 28 to 30 inches from floor to seat.
Below is my dining table height guide that also includes guidelines for chair heights:
Dining table clearance dimensions
There are so many different dining table measurements to consider! One last measurement I want to share with you is the one that pertains to your room and any room furniture: dining table clearance dimensions.
It is recommended to allow for at least 3 feet of clearance on each side of your dining table. These 36 inches will give you enough space to pull out chairs from the table and walk behind seated people comfortably.
An important aspect to keep in mind with these dining room table dimensions is that extendable dining tables will need extra space and a sufficient amount of inches of clearance in their extended state even if you only plan on extending it for special occasions. If you’re shopping online, most dining tables will have their table dimensions listed for the regular and the extended version.
I hope this post sharing the different shapes for dining tables, the normal kitchen table dimensions, the dining table height and dining table clearance dimensions was helpful and will allow you to find the perfect dining table size for your formal dining room, living room or another space in your home!
Let me know if you have any questions!
Tina
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