672 Contemporary Dining Tables

How big should my dining table be?

The size you opt for will depend largely on the space you have available. Take floor measurements and allow for roughly one metre of space between the back of dining table chairs and every wall, window and additional furniture item in the room. Most contemporary dining tables advise how many people they can comfortably seat, but you may be able to squeeze in an extra chair or two. When adding chairs, check that each person at the table will have at least 60 centimetres of room (width), to avoid, quite literally, people rubbing shoulders. An eight-seater dining table may be the dream, but if room doesn’t allow, consider an extendable dining table or one with leaves, which can accommodate extra guests whenever an event is planned.

Which shape is best for my space?

Something as seemingly inconsequential as the shape of a table can have a huge affect on how you use your space. Most large dining tables are rectangular or oval, the latter being a more traditional option that is best suited to a formal dining room. Both are suited to long, narrow rooms, with the oval dining table being less visually imposing. If you’re looking to save room, a contemporary rectangular or square dining table can be pushed up against a wall and be moved out when needed. Round dining tables look best in square rooms, and are the best at maximising small spaces, as they offer the most flexibility with seating. They are also the most sociable, allowing everyone seated to see one another.