How to design the perfect dining table
May 12, 2026
A dining table is the most-used piece of furniture in most homes, and the most often bought wrong. The difference between a table you love and one you tolerate usually comes down to a few dimensions.
Start with the room, not the table
Leave at least 90–100 cm between the table edge and the nearest wall so chairs can pull out and people can walk behind them. Measure your room first; the largest table that fits comfortably is almost always the right one.
Length per person
Allow roughly 60 cm of width per seat. A 240 cm table seats eight in comfort; 280–300 cm gives you head seats and elbow room for long dinners.
The base decides everything
A central fluted or pedestal base lets you seat more people and slide chairs anywhere. Four legs look classic but limit where guests can sit. Choose the base for how you actually host.
Designing something of your own?