If you want to buy a new dining table, the question naturally arises how big the table should be. There are two essential factors to take into account: On the one hand, this Space available in the room and on the other hand, how many people should find a place at the dining table.

How much space per person at the dining table?

With a few rules of thumb you can determine the right table size for you and your family. Because You should allow around 60 cm in length and 40 cm in depth for each person at the dining table.

It is important that you take the leg position of the table into account. The table legs usually take up a little space, usually around 20 – 25 centimeters. But you should definitely plan your seats just plan the length between the table legs, so that you and your guests enough legroom and don't get in each other's way while eating.

It also depends on for which chairs you decide. Chairs with armrests require a little more space than delicate chairs without armrests.

You get the maximum amount of seating with a bench. Because here you don't have to take into account any distances between the chairs and you can easily move a little closer together if necessary.

The optimal depth for the dining table

A dining table should ideally at least 80 cm deep be, so that people sitting opposite each other have enough space for their place settings. Because You should need about 40 cm of space per person in depth calculate.

If the space allows it, it is However, a more generous table depth of 90 or 100 cm is definitely recommended. Then people sit opposite each other less crowdedly. You also have some space at the table for Drink carafes, pots or a beautiful table decoration.

Can the front be used as a seat?

Would you like those Front sides of the dining table as a full-fledged space use, then choose one 100 cm wide table and also plan about 30 centimeters more in the length of the table a. So did everyone enough room for movement and space for plates, glasses, etc.

This is especially important if the front space at the dining table is to be used regularly. However, if you only want to place guests there occasionally and have little space in the dining room, a table depth of 90 centimeters can be sufficient in a pinch.

How many people should I plan my dining table for?

The number of people you set up your dining table for depends, of course, on how often you have visitors. Basically are two additional seats at the dining table Definitely recommended if there is enough space in the room.

So if you are a family of four, then you are ideally set up with a table for six people. Comes regular visit, it can make sense, too Make the dining table larger accordingly.

A good option for this can also be Tables with clip-on tops can be used if space is limited is, or larger Visits only irregularly comes. In everyday life, the table only takes up the space that you really need, but can easily be expanded if necessary.

Space required around the dining group

When planning your new seating area in the dining room, it is not only important how much space you have to plan for the people at the table.

It is equally important that enough free space around the table and chairs is. Only then can you sit down and stand up comfortably. The following applies here: There should be at least 80 - 100 cm of space for the seat from the edge of the table to the back.

Sometimes this is not possible due to space constraints, then you can Benches are a space-saving alternative be. If you choose the bench a little shorter than the table, then you can use it more practically slide under the dining table and gain additional space.