Quick answer: Allow about 24 inches of table edge per person and at least 36 inches between the table and the wall. A 60 inch rectangular table seats 4-6; a 48 inch round seats 4.
Start with the room, not the table: measure the space and subtract clearance first.
Seats by size
| Table | Seats |
|---|---|
| Round 36-44 in | 2-4 |
| Round 48 in | 4 |
| Round 60 in | 6 |
| Rectangle 60 in | 4-6 |
| Rectangle 72 in | 6 |
| Rectangle 84-96 in | 8 |
Clearance
Leave 36 inches from the table edge to walls or furniture so chairs can slide back; 42-48 inches where people walk behind seated guests.
Round or rectangular?
Round tables suit square rooms and conversation; rectangles suit long rooms and larger groups. Pedestal and sculptural bases free up leg room at the ends.
See our dining and coffee tables.