DINING TABLE
SIZE GUIDELINES
How do you determine the
best dimensions for your dining table?
Below are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
LENGTH (how long the table is):
This requires a bit of
calculating. First you must ask, HOW
MANY DINERS?
These are a few "rules
of thumb" to keep in mind:
- Allow each guest a minimum of 24" of table
surface. Even better, allow
30" to allow for more comfortable dining.
FOR
RECTANGULAR or SQUARE TABLES
you will also need to add 12" at either end to accommodate diners @ the
"head" and "foot" of the table.
EXAMPLE:
To
seat six comfortably (two diners on either size and one at each end), these
dimensions would work:
2 (diners on long end) x 24" (surface space/person) + 24" (12" on each end)
equals 72" long
DEPTH:
Most dining tables average 36" wide and vary from 30"
to 48". More than 48"
and it starts to get difficult to reach across the table.
HEIGHT:
- Most dining tables today are 30" high.
- Chair height is generally 18" (from the
seat to the floor). This allows
for comfortable leg room.
- A general rule of thumb: allow 12" between the top of
your dining surface and the height of your chair seat.
FOR
ROUND TABLES it's a good idea
to allow 30" per person because their "slice of the pie" gets
smaller as you go toward the center of the table.
We've figured out the geometry on this one:
- A 60" round (diameter) table will comfortably
seat six
- A 48" round (diameter) table will comfortably
seat four and you can squeeze in six, if you must.
SIZE
OF ROOM:
- To allow enough room for a person
to stand up and push her chair back from the table, you will need a miniumum
of 36" between the table edge and the wall (or buffet, sidetable, etc.)
More optimal is 44" and for wheelchairs, allow 54".
So, guidelines
are one thing. But actual living is quite another. The great thing about Damian Velasquez
furniture is that you aren't stuck with the "industry standard." If you need or want a table that is 38"
deep x 54" long, Damian can build it!
Here are a couple of other points to keep in mind:
- It is possible to seat six people
at a table that is 36" wide x 60" long. This is especially true for breakfast or informal dining.
- It is possible to squeeze six
people at a 42" round table -- informal or breakfast nook
- Round tables 30" dia. or
smaller require a pedestal base
- Elevate your dining. Bar tables are great for informal
dining. Standard bar table
height is 42". Use a 30"
barstool to go with this (remember:
12" between the top of your dining surface and your seat).