Chair type, size plays key role in selecting dining table

DEAR GAIL: We’re building a custom home and want to make sure we have enough room in our dining room to fit eight chairs and a buffet. What should the size of the table be and how much room do we need for the buffet? I was also told that tables shouldn’t be more than 48 inches wide. Is that true? — Ruth.

DEAR RUTH: There is no rule that dining tables can’t be more than 48 inches wide. However, when the table is wider than 60 inches, what you have to consider is how far across people are from each other. For rectangular tables, it limits the flow of conversation from all sides to just side to side most of the time. Round tables are different since everyone is not sitting directly across from each other.

Industry-standard sizes for rectangular dining tables are: 30-by-60 inches, 36-by-72 inches, and 42-48-by-84-96 inches. Square and round dining tables are: 36-by-36 inches, 42-by-42 inches, 48-by-48 inches, 60-by-60 inches and 72-by-72 inches. Plus, most tables can be extended with leaves.

To determine the size of the table, you need to consider the size of your chairs. Are you going to use arm chairs around the table? Will they be fully upholstered? If so, you must take into account that they are often wider. Will the back or legs curve out? Yes, you can start with your table and then size the chair to fit, but I like to start with the chairs since you see them first — especially the backs.

When you measure your chair, it is important to take the widest measurement of the chair. For armless chairs, measure the widest part of the seat; for arm chairs, measure from arm to arm. Next, measure the depth from front to back, making sure that if your backs or legs curve, you take the measurement from there so you have the deepest measurement.

So how much space do you need around a table? The standard is 36 inches from the table’s edge to the wall. This gives you enough room to push your chair out, stand up and step away. Most people use about 30 inches to do this, which leaves them 6 inches from the back of the chair to a wall. Of course, more room is better, but 36 inches will allow you enough room without hitting the wall.

You also have to consider how much room you need between the chairs. I like a minimum of 6 inches between chairs from their widest points and 6 inches from the end of the chair to the end of the table. There is nothing worse than sitting at the end and having your plate at the edge of the table. You especially need this space with arm chairs, otherwise the arms will hit each other and get damaged.

How large should a table be for eight chairs? Let’s use these measurements as an example: The chair is 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep. Most times when you have eight chairs you place three on each side and a head chair at each end. So, for three chairs on one side you need 24 inches for each chair or 72 inches, plus 6 inches between each chair and on each end, which is another 24 inches. This means you need a dining room table that is 96 inches long. For the width, you need 24 inches for the chair and 6 inches on each side for a total of 36 inches. Most tables that are 96 inches long are 48 inches wide, so the extra room is good.

If you’re also going to have a buffet, I suggest you leave a minimum of 60 inches from the edge of the table to the front of the buffet. This gives you room to push the chair out and be able to walk behind your guests.

I know this seems like a lot to think about, but any furniture purchase is an investment. Plus, Ruth, in your situation you are going to build your dining room to fit your needs. Keep in mind that I’ve given you minimum sizes, you can always give yourself more room.

For those working with an existing room, you can scrimp on the numbers if you need to but be careful not to make the room feel crowded and you trapped.

If you only use your dining room for special occasions, I recommend you purchase a smaller table with a leaf to open for those special times. It’s OK if the chairs are closer together when the table is not being used, as long as you have the room to move around when you are using it.

Oh, one last thing. If you are using arm chairs, will the chairs fit under the table? You have to watch this so your chairs and table don’t get damaged.

Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by e-mail to: gail@gmjinteriors.com. Or, mail to: 7380 S. Eastern Ave., No. 124-272, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her Web address is: www.GMJinteriors.com.