When shopping for chairs or choosing a dining set, one of the things that we highly encourage is to consider your seating needs. But what does this seating need mean? Does it pertain to the number of people at home? Do you need to add some extra seats for guests or maximise your space by buying the biggest dining table and the largest number of chairs that you can fit in the area? Deciding on the number of dining chairs can be challenging, but let’s make it simple in this guide.

What to Consider When Buying Dining Chairs

Before choosing your dining chairs, your dining table should come first, as it will take up the most space in your dining room. When choosing the ideal dining room, you should carefully measure your space and choose materials that fit your needs and design preferences. The height of your table will also determine the right chairs that will fit your space.

Once you determine the ideal table for your dining room, you can start choosing the number of chairs that will fit around the table. To make the most of your space, we recommend buying the maximum number of dining chairs that can fit the size of your table.

Many rectangular dining tables can fit four to twelve seats, while round dining tables can accommodate four to eight dining chairs. 

What is the Ideal Space Between Dining Chairs?

When deciding on the number of dining chairs, make sure you allow enough space between the seats. The ideal space between dining chairs is about 24 inches. This is to prevent hitting elbows while eating or facing different directions while having conversations. This also allows people to sit in or get out of their seats with ease when needed.

If you follow the ideal space between the dining table and the wall, you’ll also be able to save enough space between the chairs and the traffic area.

Dining Chair Options 

You can choose any dining chair style that you want to incorporate into your space as long as they can be pulled out of the table with ease and don’t make your table look too small or enormous. If you're unsure about the right number and scale needed, try dining sets with well-curated table and chair combinations.

If you have a smaller dining table but are in need of more seats, you can opt for a dining bench that you can easily tuck under the dining table when not in use. If you have an extendable dining table, you will need extra seats that you can easily store, like stackable dining chairs. If they are not stackable, you can opt for dining chairs that can work as accent pieces for the living room or home office, so you can maximise their use. 

Conclusion

Buying your dining room chairs might look very challenging, but it can be a fun and exciting journey once you know what to look for. Megafurniture presents a wide selection of luxury dining chairs in Singapore for the best prices online.

A typical way to determine the maximum seating at a dining table allows for 24" to 30" per person. Seating for large events is generally cozier than what you might want in your home for an intimate family or friends gathering.

There are a number of elements to consider when choosing the size of your dining table. The size of the room is crucial. The room has to be large enough to support the size of the table.

How big are your chairs, benches or seating?

How cozy do you and your family or guests like to be? Do you serve food on the table, family style, set up a buffet or served by others. You may not need space in the middle.

The access needs to be allow the table to get into the space. Think about doors, hallways, elevators, etc. If access is limited, be sure to inquire about assembling on site or customizing for difficult access.

Rectangular Table Seating Chart and Guidelines

A 60″ rectangular dining table can seat between 4-6 people comfortably. A 70″ rectangular 

 between 4-8 

 comfortably. An 84″ rectangular 

 up to 8 

 comfortably. A 90″ rectangular 

 up to 8 

 comfortably. A 108″ rectangular 

 up to 10 

 comfortably.

Rectangular Seating Chart with Chairs on the Ends

By making your table a bit wider, you can add seats on the ends of the table, but your guests get further apart.

Don't forget to consider the size of the room. This is the most important part. You want 2.5'-3.4' of space between the sides of the table and a wall or obstacle. As your table gets wider, your guests are farther away from each other. Cozy meals with lively conversation may prefer a narrower table and food service on another surface, like a buffet, credenza or narrow console table or kitchen island.

Round Table Seating Chart

A 42″ round table can fit four people comfortably. A 54″ round table can seat 4-6 people comfortably. A 60″ round table can seat between 6-8 people comfortably. A 72″ round table can seat between 8 people comfortably. A 84-96″ round table can seat between 10 people comfortably. A 108″ round table can seat between 12 people comfortably.

Don't forget to consider the size of the room. You want at least 2' between the back of a chair and a wall or obstacle. As your round table gets larger, you may want to consider a lazy susan in the middle, as guests will be very far from each other and the service area in the middle.

We make all our tables to order, so if you want a table that is 53" in diameter or 74" long, Alabama Sawyer can make it. Just contact us!