Choosing the right dining table is one of the most important furniture decisions you will make. Get it right, and your dining area becomes the heart of your home. Get it wrong, and you will struggle with cramped dinners or an awkwardly empty room.
At Aurino & Co, we have helped thousands of customers find their perfect dining table. Here is our complete guide to getting the size right.
Measure Your Dining Space First
Before browsing tables, grab a tape measure. You need to know:
- Room dimensions – length and width of your dining area
- Clearance space – you need at least 90cm (36 inches) between the table edge and walls or other furniture for comfortable chair movement
- Traffic flow – if people walk through the dining area, allow extra space
Standard Dining Table Sizes
Here is a quick reference for common table sizes and seating capacity:
Rectangular Tables
- 120cm (4ft) – Seats 4 people comfortably
- 150cm (5ft) – Seats 6 people
- 180cm (6ft) – Seats 6-8 people
- 200cm (6.5ft) – Seats 8-10 people
- 240cm (8ft) – Seats 10-12 people
Round Tables
- 90cm diameter – Seats 4 people
- 120cm diameter – Seats 4-6 people
- 150cm diameter – Seats 6-8 people
How Much Space Per Person?
Allow approximately 60cm (24 inches) of table width per person. This gives everyone enough elbow room to eat comfortably without bumping into neighbours.
For more formal dining or if you frequently use large plates and multiple courses, consider allowing 70-75cm per person.
Round vs Rectangular: Which Shape?
Choose Round Tables If:
- You have a square dining room
- You want to encourage conversation (everyone can see each other)
- You have a smaller household (round tables seat fewer people)
- You prefer a softer, more informal look
Choose Rectangular Tables If:
- You have a rectangular or long dining room
- You need to seat more people
- You want the table to double as a workspace
- You prefer a more traditional aesthetic
Consider Table Height
Standard dining table height is 74-76cm (29-30 inches). This works with standard dining chairs with seat heights of 45-50cm. If you are buying chairs separately, always check the measurements match.
Think About Your Lifestyle
Consider how you actually use your dining table:
- Daily family meals – prioritise durability and easy cleaning
- Entertaining guests – consider extendable tables for flexibility
- Working from home – ensure enough depth for laptops and paperwork
- Small children – avoid sharp corners and delicate materials
Our Top Dining Table Picks
At Aurino & Co, we stock dining tables in every size and style. Some of our bestsellers include:
- Louis Collection – Marble tops with chrome or gold bases, available from 120cm to 200cm
- Lucien Collection – Sintered stone tops for superior durability
- Freya Collection – Solid pine with industrial metal legs
Free Delivery and Assembly
All Aurino & Co dining tables come with free UK mainland delivery. Need help putting it together? We offer professional assembly services for complete peace of mind.
Browse our full dining table collection
