Breakfast dining sets come in a variety of shapes and sizes. When you’re looking for a new one, it is easy to become overwhelmed with all the choices available. While the look is important for your space in terms of design, ensuring that it fits in your space is more critical.
A dining table needs to permit everyone in your family to sit comfortably while allowing enough room for them to move around. Depending on the size of your household, the table width should be a minimum of 36” and increase along with the length.
What Shape is Best Suited for my Breakfast Dining Set?
Dining table sets come in a variety of shapes. Each breakfast table set has a different purpose depending on how much space you have and what is best suited for the dining room. Tables come in a variety of materials and designs, including solid wood, glass top, engineered wood, reclaimed wood, or pine wood. With all these options to choose from, it’s easy to find one that’s perfect for your room once you know what size and shape you need.
Square Dining Tables
Square dining tables create an intimate dining experience since everyone is in close proximity. If your dining area is square, the table will complement the surrounding room.
The larger the square table is, the more difficult it becomes for you to reach food that’s placed in the center. If you entertain over eight people, the better option may be an expandable square table with built-in leaves so that it can be converted to accommodate your guests.
Rectangular Dining Tables
Rectangular dining tables are the most common type among dining room sets. Since most dining rooms are rectangular, this style complements a long, narrow area. It allows additional room for traffic flow. As mentioned before, as the length of the table increases, so does the width.
A rectangular dining table should be 36-42” wide. If the table is smaller than 36” across, it may be difficult to use place settings on both sides and have room for food. If your dining room is very narrow, consider using a buffet table or sideboard for your food. This allows guests to serve themselves prior to being seated.
These are the general rules for choosing your table size:
- 4’ tables seat 4 people
- 5-6’ tables seat 6 people
- 7’ tables seat 8 people
- 8-9’ tables seat 10 people
- 10-11’ tables seat 12 people
If you need to take up less room in your space, incorporate a bench instead of using dining chairs. This can be done on one or more sides of the table. Ensure the table legs leave enough room for you to slide the bench under the table. This allows it to be hidden away when it’s not being used.
Round Dining Tables
Round dining tables are ideal for small spaces. They do not contain any sharp corners and easily fit into tight spots. Additionally, pedestal tables or “X” legs allow for more guests because they offer more leg room.
If you want to make the room appear more spacious, use transparent acrylic chairs. This allows you to show off the table and gives the appearance of more space.
When it comes to seating size, these are the general rules:
- Tables with a diameter of 3’ (pedestal base) seat 4 people
- Tables with a diameter of 4’ (corner legs) seat 4 people
- Tables with a diameter of 5’ (pedestal base) seat 6 people
- Tables with a diameter of 5’ (corner legs) seat 4 people
- Tables with a diameter of 6’ (pedestal base or corner legs) seat 8 people
- Tables with a diameter of 7’ (pedestal base or corner legs) seat 9 people
Like square tables, large round tables can make reaching for food a challenge. Rectangular dining tables are best suited for larger gatherings. If your table is 5-6 feet, consider purchasing a lazy Susan for added convenience.
Oval Dining Tables
Oval dining tables contain leaves that make them into ovals but are typically round without them. An oval dining table makes it easier to reach for food and is ideal for narrower rooms.
Additionally, oval dining tables have the benefit of allowing more people to be seated and food to be in closer proximity without the sharp edges. They tend to be showcased in more formal dining rooms but can come in casual styles as well.
In terms of size, oval dining tables follow the same seating as rectangular dining tables.
Tips on Sizing Your Dining Room Table
When sizing your dining table, follow these general rules:
- Measure clearance from table to wall – You will need to measure the size of the room around the table to allow guests to easily sit down and get up. Leave 42-48” between the table and the walls.
- Measure the space between the furniture and the table – Dining chairs should have enough space to easily slide in and out from the table.
To test the table size, grab a bed sheet or two. Place it where you want the table to go. Then, fold it into the table shape. This allows you to visualize the table and see how much space it contains. If the table is extendable, measure it with the leaves.
Make sure the table isn’t overcrowded. The manufacturer usually recommends the number of people who can comfortably sit around a table. Everyone will require approximately 2 feet of space to eat. If the table permits it, you can squeeze another seat in for those special occasions with added guests.
When shopping for your breakfast dining set, consider the shape of the room before making a purchase. Then, examine how many seats you will require. Will there be enough seating for this style of table in your breakfast nook? These two attributes combined will help you narrow down your choices.
