Choosing the right dining table size is one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of designing a beautiful, comfortable home. It’s not just about how many people you want to seat. It’s about how the table feels in your room, how it functions day to day, and how it looks in the space.
At Design In The Sand, every table we make can be built to fit its environment perfectly, we can change every possible measurement to suit:
In scale, proportion, and personality. Here’s how to get your size right (and why a bespoke table can make all the difference).
1. The Balance Between Space and Comfort
The most common mistake when buying a dining table is focusing only on length and seat count, rather than the space needed around it. A table that’s technically the right size on paper can still feel cramped in practice if it leaves too little room to move comfortably around it.
As a rule of thumb, allow at least 90 cm (36 inches) of clear space around all sides of your dining table. This ensures there’s enough room to pull out chairs, walk behind them, and keep the room feeling open.
However, this is only a starting point — the shape of your room, the type of chairs, and how you use the space all affect what will actually feel right. A long, narrow room may suit a slimmer table, while a square room often feels more balanced with a round or square table.
2. Making It Look Right — Not Just Fit Right
Tables have presence. They anchor a space, draw the eye, and set the tone for the entire dining area. Getting the proportions right visually is just as important as the measurements.
A table that’s too small can look lost in a larger room — it breaks the sense of flow. One that’s too big can dominate, making the room feel awkward and crowded.
When we design a bespoke table, we look at more than just the numbers. We consider how the table interacts with the architecture — the lines of the walls, the placement of lighting, and the natural walking routes. The goal is a table that feels naturally 'settled' in the space, as if it’s always been there.
3. Leg Placement and Seating Comfort
Even if the top dimensions are perfect, leg placement has a huge impact on comfort. Many off-the-shelf tables position legs right at the corners, which can limit how many chairs you can fit along each side.
When we design a bespoke table, we can adjust the leg positions or use trestle or pedestal bases to maximise usable seating. This means everyone sits comfortably — no one straddling a leg post or feeling squeezed in.
The difference is subtle but transformative, especially for families or those who love hosting.
4. Shape Matters — Round, Square, or Rectangular?
The shape of your dining table has a big influence on both practical flow and aesthetic harmony.
Rectangular tables are the most common, ideal for longer rooms or open-plan layouts where the table helps define the space.
Square tables can be brilliant for more intimate settings — perfect for four or eight people, encouraging easy conversation and symmetry in a square room.
Round tables soften a space, making movement easier and social interaction more natural. They often feel better in smaller or oddly shaped rooms, creating a sense of balance and openness.
Because we build each piece to order, Design In The Sand tables can be proportioned precisely for your room — whether that’s a long, elegant rectangle for a family kitchen, or a compact round table that makes a small dining nook feel generous and inviting.
5. Why a Bespoke Table Changes Everything
Buying a standard table size means compromising — either on fit, proportion, or leg design. Bespoke tables remove that compromise.
When you work with us, we design the table around you — your room layout, your chair style, how you move through the space, and the visual rhythm of the room.
That’s why our clients often say their finished table 'just looks right' — because it was built not just to measure, but to belong.
6. Final Thoughts
Choosing the right table size is as much about design intuition as it is about measurement. It’s about creating balance — enough space to move comfortably, proportions that suit the room, and a piece that complements your life rather than constraining it.
Whether you’re planning a large family dining area or a compact kitchen corner, a bespoke table from Design In The Sand ensures the result is perfectly scaled, beautifully made, and designed to feel right in every way.
