Choosing the perfect dining table: size, shape and material

On average, you buy a dining table twice in your life. The first time you choose on price. The second time you know what you really want. This article helps you get it right the first time.

Step 1: Determine the right size

The size of your dining table depends on two things: how many people need to sit at it daily, and how much space you have available.

How many centimetres per person?

Per person you need at least 60 centimetres of width at the table. That is the space for a plate, cutlery and a glass. For more comfort — elaborate dinners, guests — allow 70 to 75 centimetres per person.

Depth is also important. Per side you need at least 40 centimetres for a place setting, plus at least 20 centimetres in the middle for serving dishes. This brings the minimum width of a rectangular table to 80 centimetres, but 90 to 100 centimetres is more comfortable.

Guidelines per number of people

• 2 people: 80 x 80 cm (square) or 120 x 80 cm (rectangular)
• 4 people: 140 x 80 cm or 160 x 90 cm
• 6 people: 180 x 90 cm or 200 x 100 cm
• 8 people: 220 x 100 cm or 240 x 100 cm
• 10 people: 260 x 100 cm or 280 x 110 cm
• 12+ people: 300 x 110 cm or more

Do you regularly have guests? Then choose a table that is slightly larger than your daily needs. It is more pleasant to occasionally have some extra room than to have to pull up chairs every time you entertain.

How much space around the table?

Allow at least 70 centimetres between the table edge and the wall or other furniture. That is the space needed to sit down and stand up comfortably. If there is a walkway behind the chairs, allow 90 to 110 centimetres.

Practical tip: mark out the outline of your desired table on the floor with masking tape. This immediately gives you a feel for the proportions in your room.

Step 2: Choose the right shape

The shape determines not only the look, but also how the table functions in your space.

Rectangular

The most popular and versatile choice. Fits in virtually any room and offers the most efficient seating per square metre.

Ideal for: elongated dining rooms, large groups, daily use

Note: in a square room, a rectangular table can throw off the proportions

Round

A round table creates an intimate atmosphere because everyone can see each other. No head end, so nobody sits at the head of the table. Safer with young children thanks to the absence of sharp corners.

Ideal for: square rooms, smaller groups (2–6 people), sociable dinners

Note: takes up more floor space than a rectangular table for the same number of people. From 6 people onwards the diameter becomes so large that the centre is hard to reach.

Popular diameters:

• 4 people: 100 to 120 cm
• 6 people: 130 to 150 cm
• 8 people: 150 to 170 cm

Oval

Combines the advantages of rectangular and round. Plenty of seating, but with soft lines and a sociable atmosphere. No sharp corners and better flow through the room.

Ideal for: elongated rooms where you want a softer look, larger groups

Note: the short ends offer less seating than with a rectangular table

Danish oval

A rectangular table with subtly rounded long sides, also known as tonneau or boat shape. The gentle curve allows you to make better eye contact with the person opposite — with a large straight table that distance can feel impersonal.

Ideal for: those seeking the middle ground between sleek and organic, larger tables (180 cm+)

Square

Compact and intimate. Very functional for 2 to 4 people, but beyond that it quickly becomes too cramped.

Ideal for: small kitchens, 2–4 people, square rooms

Step 3: Choose the right material

The material determines the look, maintenance and lifespan of your table.

Ceramic (Dekton / Marazzi)

The most practical tabletop material. Scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, heat-resistant, UV-resistant and virtually maintenance-free. Available in dozens of colours and designs, from marble-look to concrete-look.

Honestly: ceramic is the sensible choice for families. But wood has a warmth that ceramic cannot match. Those scratches after 10 years? That is character, not damage.

Read more about the differences between ceramic and granite in our comparison article. Everything about Dekton specifically can be found in our Dekton article.

Solid oak

A timeless classic. The warm appearance and natural grain give your interior character. Strong and durable, but does require regular maintenance. Read our tips for oak tabletop maintenance.

Walnut

Beautiful dark colour with expressive grain. A more exclusive choice that instantly gives your interior a luxurious feel. Like oak, it requires regular maintenance.

Which material suits your lifestyle?

• Busy family with young children? Choose ceramic. Spills, mess, crafts — it does not matter.
• Lover of natural materials? Choose solid oak or walnut. The warmth and character are incomparable.
• Using the table outdoors too? Choose ceramic. The only material that can stand outside carefree all year round.
• Minimal maintenance? Choose ceramic. A damp cloth is all you need.
• Budget-conscious? Solid oak offers the best value for money.

Step 4: Choose the base

The base also contributes to the style of your table:

• Steel: industrial, robust, modern. Available in black, white or other colours. Our most popular option.
• Stainless steel: modern, sleek, premium look. Low-maintenance and rust-proof.
• Oak: warm, natural, timeless. Beautiful in combination with both a wood and a ceramic top.

You also choose the style: a sleek U-frame, an elegant X-leg, a robust column leg, a spider leg or another model. In our 3D configurator you can see immediately how each base combines with your chosen top.

Step 5: Consider the chairs

The table is only complete with the right chairs. A few tips:

• Seat height: the seat should be approximately 28 to 30 cm lower than the tabletop. With a standard table height of 75 cm, the ideal seat height is 45 to 47 cm.
• Armrests: check whether chairs with armrests fit under the table. Measure the height of the armrest and compare with the underside of the tabletop.
• Style: mix and match works well. For example, combine wooden chairs with a bench, or choose dining chairs in different colours from the same range.

Browse our dining chair collection for the perfect complement to your new table.

Summary: your checklist

• Measure your room including at least 70 cm of clearance all around
• Allow 60–75 cm per person at the table
• Choose a shape that suits your room and size
• Choose a material that suits your lifestyle
• Select a base that matches your interior style
• Check that your chairs fit under the table

Design your own

With our 3D configurator you choose your material, colour, dimensions, shape and base and see the result immediately in 3D. Rotate your table, zoom in on details and compare options.

Prefer to see it in person? In our showroom in Maasbree various dining tables are on display and you can feel and compare all materials. We are happy to help you with advice on size, shape and material.

Also view our full range of dining tables for more inspiration.