THE OPTIMUM TABLE LENGTH
A table is one of the most important pieces of furniture in the home. It's where we eat, drink, laugh and spend many precious moments.
The ideal table size is initially determined by the space available. Then you should start with the number of people who use the dining table every day. However, if a large room is available in which a larger table model can be easily integrated, the length should be rather generous.
The length of the dining table should be chosen so that a comfortable sitting position is possible with regular use. As a rule, a width of 60 to 70 cm per person is recommended, depending on how comfortably you want to sit. For visitors, a slightly narrower seating arrangement of 50 cm per place setting can be selected. However, this is not really comfortable, but it is enough for the occasional party.
Other factors must also be taken into account:
Type of chairs: Extended armchairs or dining chairs with flared legs require more space than a classic chair without armrests.
The table model also has an influence on the recommended table length:
If it is a classic dining table with 4 table legs, only the table length between the legs can be taken into account when placing people.
With column tables, on the other hand, the entire length of the table top can be used.
With table frames, such as side tables, care should be taken to ensure that they do not interfere with sitting or pushing chairs towards them. Accordingly, the dimensions of the table frame must be adapted to the dimensions of the table.
If the width of the dining table allows, the ends can also be used as seats without the neighbours to the left and right feeling impaired.
If chairs are placed at the head ends of the table, the table length must also be adjusted by 80 cm. (40 cm per place setting per end)
TABLE WIDTH
When it comes to the right dining table width, 40 cm per place setting is usually calculated and a 10 cm to 20 cm wide strip in the centre of the dining table is best as a surface for bowls, dishes or decorations. The more space you allow for, the more comfortably food can be placed on the table. This applies from a width of 90 cm (40 cm + 40 cm + 10 cm)
The wider the table, the more comfortable the space at the ends and the more room in the centre of the table itself. The wider the table, the further away you are from the person sitting opposite you.
The table length also determines the table width significantly. For dining tables under 180 cm in length, the width should be no more than 90 cm. For tables over 200 cm in length, a width of 100 cm looks harmonious; for tables over 300 cm in length, a width of 100 cm is elegant and 120 cm is ideal.
TABLE HEIGHT
The height of the user is decisive in determining the correct table height. As the occupants of a household are generally of different heights, it is important to determine the average table height. The standard dining table height is approximately 75/76 cm.
Depending on whether you are significantly taller or shorter than average, it is advisable to adjust the table height to suit.
If the chairs are equipped with armrests, you should also make sure that there is at least 2 cm of space between the armrest and the bottom edge of the table so that the chair can be easily pushed under the table.
ROUND DINING TABLES
According to the legend of King Arthur, no one is superior or inferior, as the circular seating arrangement means that everyone is equal.
The space required at a round table is similar to that of a rectangular table. Here too, an average of 60 cm per person is considered a comfortable seat size. A seat of 50 cm is rather cramped, while 70 cm is considered particularly comfortable.
There are two simple formulae for determining the ideal dimensions for a round dining table:
Number of seats:
Diameter in cm x pi ÷ space required per person in cm = number of possible seats
Example: 80cm x 3.14 ÷ 60 cm = 4 seats
Diameter of the table: Number of desired seats ÷ Pi x space required per person = diameter of the table
Example: 6 ÷ 3.14 x 60 cm = 114
Formula: Pi = 3.14 | 60 cm = average space required per person
SPACE REQUIREMENT FOR DINING TABLE
A table and chairs need space! To ensure that everyone at the table can stand up easily and you can still walk past a seated person, allow 100 or 120 cm of free space to each side. A distance of 80 cm to the wall is also sufficient to ensure that there are clear paths around the entire table. If no one is sitting at the end of the dining table, a distance of 60 cm is sufficient.