Selection of the optimal size
A comfortable position in which a person sits at a table depends on the proper selection, first of all, of its height, standardized in technical regulations. Typically it is in the range of 0.7-0.75 m. For most people, this value provides free space from the knees to the table top.
For sufficient mobility, you can use a higher bar counter, which acts as a table, up to 0.9 m high.
When choosing the dimensions of a table for arranging a dining area, it is advisable to take into account a number of factors:
- area of the dining room or kitchen dining area;
- the number of people gathering for a meal at the same time;
- preferred table shape;
- dimensions and location of the rest of the kitchen furniture..
Capacity is directly proportional to the shape of the tabletop, since the absence of corners in an oval or circle allows you to use the entire surface if you place the chairs close to each other. Innovative delights in giving tables the most unusual shapes are not always profitable and economical, and are sometimes overly cumbersome in visual perception. All kinds of recesses on the tabletops in the shape of flowers, stars, asymmetrical blots limit the number of seats.
Standard sizes
When making tables, manufacturers use established technical standards, so the sizes are standardized. And at the planning stage of deciding on the future kitchen design, you can accurately predict what sizes of dining tables of different shapes will be the best option.
Round table
In the spacious dining areas it looks chic, reminiscent of patriarchal sketches of a family gathering from different generations under a cozy lampshade over a leisurely conversation during lunch. This configuration provides good visibility without highlighting comfortable seats, creating equal conditions for everyone. But large sizes cause inconvenience because it is difficult to reach the center. If we analyze the standard dimensions, expressed by the diameter size, then the key indicator will be the number of people for whom the product is selected:
- four (0.9-1.1 m);
- five to six (1.1-1.35 m);
- seven to eight (1.3-1.8 m).
Oval table
Attracts with its unusualness. Rounded lines do not limit the dense placement of the maximum possible number of people, but the overly elongated long axis does not allow such a piece of furniture to be placed in small kitchens. The average values have the following ranges:
- four to six people: width – 0.9 m, length – 1.4 m;
- seven-eight: width – 0.9 m, length – 1.8 m;
- nine-ten: width – 0.9 m, length – 2.1 m.
Square table
The square shape is suitable for a small family that does not plan to seat more than four people at the table, for whom such a configuration is comfortable for communication with the length of each side being 0.9-1.1 m. It should be taken into account that such a piece of furniture will not fit into narrow spaces.
Rectangular table
A conservative, familiar configuration of the table, which allows you to increase its functional roles, since in parallel with its usual use as the main item of the dining group, it can divide the kitchen into two zones. It’s easy to choose options for narrow spaces. The sizes available to potential consumers are on average represented by the following lengths with the same standard width of 0.9 m:
- four people: 1.2 m;
- five-six: 1.5 m;
- seven-eight: 1.95 m.
Review of folding kitchen tables for small spaces
The most compact option is a folding table. The structure is attached to the wall and unfolds only during meals. The table rests on a spacer or leg. This option can be found in the form of a buffer-cabinet door, which can be folded back if necessary. Small kitchen utensils can be placed in the interior space. This design is not equipped with a leg, but is attached using a special loop. The main advantage of such a table is the ability to make it from any material.
An interesting and small-sized model is a retractable tabletop. It is built into the kitchen unit and disguises itself as a drawer when folded. This option is suitable for two people. For convenience, the width of the table should be at least 0.7 m. This is an ideal option for a small kitchen that does not differ in standard size.
For rooms with limited space, it is recommended to purchase folding tables
Folding kitchen tables 60x60 and 60x80 cm are very popular. They can have a rectangular, square, round or oval shape. Such tables help save overall space. When folded, the product takes up minimal space. The increase in the size of the table occurs due to the presence of a special insert, which, when unused, is located horizontally under the tabletop. The folding oval kitchen table, at which the whole family can comfortably sit, is very popular among existing models.
Characteristics of transformable kitchen tables
Another transformable option is a book table. When folded, it takes up little space, since the folding surfaces are fixed on the sides on both sides of the product. This design can be presented in the form of a rectangular or round folding kitchen table.
When fully folded, this table can be used as a bedside table or shelf. You can unfold one half for everyday use, and open the second for a large company. An interesting option is a transforming console, which, when assembled, is represented by a narrow cabinet where all the component elements are located. A certain amount of them is added to the central part as needed. This allows you to adjust the size of the tabletop to accommodate different numbers of people.
Transformable table - the optimal solution for a very small kitchen
The original version of a folding tabletop is a table-sofa. The central backrest, made of cushions, folds down and becomes a tabletop, which corresponds to the standard height of kitchen furniture. In some models, the folding board can be attached to the back of the backrest. The ceramic bowl table looks interesting, with a compartment under the tabletop for storing various things. To remove the necessary item, just move or lift the lid. This table is often equipped with wheels for convenience.
Independent calculation of dimensions
Knowing the approximate norm of the area per person sitting at the table makes it possible to independently calculate the optimal permissible dimensions of a tabletop of a certain shape, which will easily fit into the space allocated for it.
Initial values per consumer:
- width: 0.6 m;
- depth: 0.4 m.
In addition, there should be at least 0.2 m of free space in the center of the table, allowing you to arrange the dishes.
Based on these considerations, the total width of the table is calculated: 0.4 • 2 + 0, 2 = 0.8 m. The perimeter of the rectangle will depend on the estimated number of people planned for regular placement around the table, for example, if there are six of them: P = 0 .6 • 6 = 3.6 m.
The side of the square table will be 3.6: 4 = 0.9 m. Calculating the length of the rectangular analogue, taking into account the ideal width of 0.8 m calculated above, gives the following value: (3.6 - 0.8 • 2) / 2 = 1.0 m. Experts recommend adding another 0.2 m to the calculated value, so the length will be 1.2 m.
For a round tabletop with a diameter of D = 0.8 m, the circumference is calculated and divided by 0.6 m; the resulting result will give the approximate number of people who can comfortably sit behind it for a family dinner: 3.14 • 0.8 / 0.6 ≈ 4 people.
Using this method, it is easy to calculate the ideal diameter of the table for the planned number of people who can sit at it at the same time.
To do this, it is enough to multiply 0.6 (the average width needed for a comfortable position of one person in meters) by the predicted number of people (take, for example, the number of people equal to eight) and divide the resulting result by the number π ≈ 3.14. 0.6 • 8 / 3.14 ≈ 1.53 m – the optimal diameter of a dining table for eight people.
DINING TABLE FOR HOME. HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT SIZE AND SHAPE.
What is a dining table in a home? World. Without exaggeration, we can say that this is the universe for many of us. At the dining table you can work, study with your child, cook, draw, embroider, and just drink a cup of aromatic coffee alone. The dining table is the most versatile and necessary piece of furniture in the house. A huge amount of time and attention is paid to its purchase. And the shape and size of the table are the main parameters when choosing. Let's talk about this in detail today.
Which dining table is suitable for my apartment? I asked myself this question more than once before we had a dream. The round wooden table, which fits perfectly next to the window, has an ideal size of 1 meter in diameter and a beautiful leg shape.
living room of Oksana Panteleeva photo by S. Krasyuk
Several times a year I select dining tables for clients. I worked with very large and very small tables. And the search for the ideal always took a lot of time and effort, because each case is very individual.
Today we will look at the most common table sizes and answer the main questions: “how much space does a table and chairs take up in the room” and “what kind of table do I need?” A simple formula will tell everyone which table to choose for their family; save my author’s illustrations on Pinterest and use them when choosing a dining table.
And be sure to watch the video in which I clearly demonstrate some points from the article, as they say “it’s better to see once than to hear a hundred times”
I would like to sincerely thank the architect-designer Ksenia Bobrikova for providing photographs of the completed interiors of her studio for the article.
architect-designer Ksenia Bobrikova
Tables are divided into:
- big - small
- sliding – stationary
- round, oval, rectangular, square, and even triangular
- on 1 leg, on three, four and even 50
The size of the table depends on the number of seats. A table for 2 people or for 12, you see, these are two big differences.
Therefore, before buying a dining table, we answer the main questions:
- are you used to eating at the table?
- How often do you gather around the table with your whole family? Do you always have dinner together or once a week?
- How often do guests come to you and how many people do you usually invite?
- Do you host big celebrations at home?
- Do you always like to set the table beautifully or only on holidays?
- Is there room in the house for a large table?
- Will an extendable or folding table suit you?
The shape and size of the future table in the house depends on the answers to the questions. Because if you live alone and eat at the bar, and guests come twice a year, then most likely the ideal solution would be a folding or collapsible table. And if you have a large family and, by tradition, you all meet together for dinner every day, then the dining table should immediately be chosen large and comfortable. Since no one will fold and unfold it every day.
One person, sitting comfortably at the dining table, occupies approximately 60*35 cm. Where 60 cm is the length, and 35 cm is the depth.
My illustration clearly demonstrates the minimum required for a person at the table. The dimensions of the space were formed historically by etiquette norms and serving rules.
Even for a simple dinner with the family, we set the table using: a napkin, plate, spoon, fork, table knife, water glass, wine glass, add a little free space for comfort and get at least 55-60 cm of space in the end.
Here is the formula for calculating the desired size of absolutely any dining table.
Just fold: a table for two – at least 60*60 cm, for 4 – at least 120*70 cm. You can always add to the minimum dimensions for the beauty of the table and the comfort of a person. But I don’t recommend taking it away. A place for a snack can no longer be considered a dining table.
NO LIFE WITHOUT A BAR COUNTER
We all learned about a place at the table. But the table is never alone; it is surrounded by chairs and armchairs on which we sit during lunch.
A standard chair has dimensions of 50*50 cm.
The free space in front of the table must be at least 70 cm. So that the chair can be moved back and a person can comfortably stand up and leave the table. From experience, the ideal free space around the table is 1 meter.
architect-designer Ksenia Bobrikova
Let's look at the most common options for dining tables and how much space they take up along with chairs in our rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms. I arranged the tables according to the popularity rating among the customers of my studio “On the Wave of Decor”.
Rectangular dining table for 6 people
The average size of a table for 6 people is 80*140/160 cm. In a room, such a table requires a free space of 220*300 cm. If you replace the chairs with compact ones, for example, without armrests, you can place 8-9 people at the table.
The table is universal, “for all occasions.” In a small space you can move it against the wall, and a family of 4-5 people can comfortably sit at the table. When receiving guests, the table is moved away, moved to the sofa, and placed freely. I always suggest buying folding chairs for guests and storing them in pantries, on mezzanines or hanging in a closet.
An example of a beautiful table for 6 people:
architect-designer Ksenia Bobrikova
Video about a table for 6 people:
Rectangular dining table for 4 people
The most popular table sizes for 4 people: 70*110 cm and 90*120 cm.
In a room for a table 70*110 cm, a free space of 210*150 cm is required.
For a table 90*120 cm, a space of 230*160 cm is required.
If you want to set up a table 70 cm wide, then I advise you to buy an additional, small serving table for it. There will be no room for beautiful salad bowls in the center of the table. A table with a width of 90 cm is more convenient and versatile if you are used to placing dishes on the table rather than laying them out on plates in the kitchen.
CONSOLE TABLE DECOR. 6 INTERESTING SOLUTIONS
Tip: Any table requires free space on all sides so that you can not only sit down and stand up safely and comfortably, but also serve dishes.
architect-designer Ksenia Bobrikova
A table for 4 people is considered the most popular. It is convenient and versatile. Often in apartments they place one side close to the wall in the kitchen or room to save space. At the same time, the rectangular table can always be moved aside and placed freely to accommodate friends.
If you replace the chairs with compact ones, you can accommodate 6-7 people. And you can also buy a folding rectangular table so that you can always receive guests with maximum comfort.
The second most popular dining table for 4 people is square. Compact and convenient. It is ideal to buy such a table as a folding one.
Advice: if, according to the plan, your table most of the time stands “against the wall” in the kitchen, but you know for sure that you will move it 2-3 times a year, consider table lighting options for different situations. Buy an additional floor lamp, or hang a sconce on the wall. Provide a hook on the ceiling so you can move the lampshade.
Round table for 6 people.
The minimum diameter of a round table for 6 people is 110 cm. The space it will occupy in the house is 240*240 cm.
According to experience, the optimal and comfortable diameter of a round table for 6 people is 120/140 cm. More space for it with chairs will be required: 270*270 cm.
architect-designer Ksenia Bobrikova
Important: note that the space occupied by the table also provides space for moving chairs. Each illustration demonstrates that the chair is not pushed towards the table, but moved away to a comfortable distance of 15-20 cm when a person sits down or stands up at the table.
In ordinary life, when we don’t use a table, chairs are pushed halfway under the table in 99% of cases. And the room or kitchen is always much more spacious between lunches and dinners.
Round table for 4 people
The minimum diameter of a round table for 4 people is 75 cm. In the room, the table occupies space: 210 * 210 cm.
The optimal diameter of a round table for 4 people is 90/100 cm. We have just such a table in our apartment. There are always 2 chairs standing next to it, so it takes up a free space of 250*130 cm near the window.
When guests arrive, we take out folding chairs from the pantry. We move the table away from the table, put a large floor lamp and 4-5 people fit quite comfortably.
architect-designer Ksenia Bobrikova
A round table with a diameter of 100 cm is very convenient to set for 2-4 people. Place 2-3 small salad bowls or 1 large bowl and 2 serving plates with appetizers in the center. I use plates with a diameter of 24 cm and almost always set out 2 glasses for each person: for water and wine.
If we have a holiday dinner with many dishes and snacks, then there is always a small serving table on wheels in the room, on which everything that does not fit on the dining table is placed. Or our deep window sill in the room plays the role of such a serving table.
architect-designer Ksenia Bobrikova
Interesting fact:
A round table for 6 people takes up less space than a rectangular table by as much as 30-60 cm. This is important information for saving space. Although the generally accepted opinion is that round tables are wasteful and take up more space. However, I see many more advantages than disadvantages in the round table. If possible, the architecture of the house and the planning solution allow it, then I will always prefer a round table to a rectangular one. Or I’ll replace the last one with a beautiful oval one.
TABLE DECOR FOR FAMILY DINNER
Why are round tables comfortable?
- Firstly, there are no sharp corners, which everyone dislikes so much.
- Secondly, the round table looks very formal and comfortable. All dishes and decor are in the center, they are equidistant from each person sitting at the table.
- Thirdly, and this is the most important thing, we all look at each other during lunch, which makes us very close.
Folding table "book"
They are back! The good old “book tables” today again firmly take their place in modern houses and apartments. I also have such a table at my dacha in Kulemino.
I think that the “book-table” was undeservedly forgotten for many years, although from my point of view it is an ideal solution for a compact space.
When folded, it takes up a space of only 30*80 cm. It looks like a console table that can be placed anywhere in an apartment or house and beautifully decorated, sew a mantle or set up a retro table with polished tabletops.
Tobi Fairley Interior Design
Recently, more and more often I offer this solution to customers when a large dining table for 10-12 people is needed 4-5 times a year and there is room for a “book table” in the house.
“The dining table can be compared to a painting. What and how we put on the table is a picture and reflection of our world, family life, the world of our home, its meaning and individuality” Ksenia Bobrikova. Architect-designer.
In conclusion of the article, I propose to save illustrations with the sizes of large beautiful tables that look appropriate in dining rooms and spacious living rooms in folders on Pinterest.
architect-designer Ksenia Bobrikova
I found my dream table, so I wish you great luck in finding your perfect dining table!
architect-designer Ksenia Bobrikova
The article uses original illustrations by decorator Oksana Panteleeva and photographs from the portfolio of architect-designer Ksenia Bobrikova.
architect-designer Ksenia Bobrikova
Since 1997, practice in the field of architecture and design: architectural and construction design of private and public premises, design and development of designer furniture, built-in equipment and other interior and exterior elements, furnishing of objects with furniture, finishing materials, lighting equipment, architectural supervision and support of the project at all stages of construction and finishing. Decoration. “Xenia Design Studio” – Author’s interiors in Russia and Montenegro official website facebook.com/XeniaDesignStudio instagram.com/xenia_bobrikova
Thanks everyone for your attention. Join me on Instagram, where there are very useful marathons on Photoshop, a lot of my sketches, stories from my professional activities and personal life.
AND…
Good luck with the renovation!
Location
Knowing the exact dimensions of not only the kitchen space, but also the future dining table, which optimally accommodates the required number of people for daily meals together, allows you to develop a scale sketch and select the most rational place for the dining area. The use of space near the window is becoming more and more attractive, but in this case, an oval configuration that is very elongated in length will not be very convenient.
If you still want to avoid sharp corners, then it is advisable to choose a dining table with one stable leg, which allows you to rationally use the space under the tabletop.
Even more comfortable in such situations will be the round surface of the table - a transformer, which without much effort turns into your favorite oval.
When choosing such a conservative shape as a rectangular table, you should analyze the change in capacity depending on its installation. For example, if you take a model with dimensions previously calculated as 0.8 • 1.2 m, then when placed centrally, six people will fit, but if you move the table perpendicular to the wall, then five will be able to sit around it.
With the traditional arrangement close to the wall with the long side, the capacity is reduced to four people. The elegant corner placement of the dining group helps to preserve the full potential of the usable area of the square table.
