Dining Tables & Benches

What size dining table do you need?

Start with the room, not the table. Measure the space and allow about 75cm to 90cm between the table edge and the nearest wall or furniture on every side where someone will sit, so chairs can be pulled out and people can walk behind them.

How many people does a dining table seat?

As a general guide, allow about 60cm of table length per person. On that basis:

• A 160cm table usually seats six: two at each long side and one at each end.
• A 180cm table seats six comfortably, or eight with a squeeze.
• A 200cm table usually seats eight, which makes it a good choice for a big family or regular dinner guests.

Table legs make a difference too. Corner legs and trestle bases leave more room along the sides, while turned legs at each corner can limit the chairs you fit at the ends.

Wooden, stone-effect or glass?

Wooden dining tables

Wooden dining tables bring warmth and suit farmhouse, country and Scandinavian rooms. Weathered and washed finishes have a lived-in look that hides everyday marks, and the live-edge acacia table keeps the natural outline of the timber along its edges.

Stone-effect and marble-effect tables

Concrete-effect and marble-effect tops give you the look of stone without the upkeep of real stone. Paired with black legs, they suit modern and industrial kitchens.

Glass dining tables

A glass top lets light pass through, so a large table looks smaller and lighter. It is a good choice for a compact dining area or a room that needs to feel open.

Dining tables and benches

A dining table and bench combination is relaxed, sociable and space-saving: a bench tucks fully under the table when it is not in use, and children can squeeze up along it. Many people use a bench along one side, against a wall, with chairs on the other. Choose a bench a little shorter than the table so it slides underneath, and check that its height sits comfortably with the table top.

Find chairs to go with your table in our dining chairs and bar stools collection.

Bistro and adjustable tables

A bistro table is a small round table for two, ideal for a kitchen corner, a breakfast nook or a balcony. The adjustable bar bistro table in this collection uses a crank to change its height, so it can work at standard table height or as a higher bar table with stools.

Caring for your dining table

Use coasters and table mats under hot dishes and drinks, and wipe spills straight away. Clean wooden tables with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry them afterwards. For glass tops, use a glass cleaner on a soft cloth. Keep tables out of strong direct sunlight and away from radiators to protect the finish.

Dining tables: your questions answered

How big is a dining table for 6 people?

A rectangular table of around 160cm to 180cm long and 80cm to 100cm wide usually seats six people: two along each side and one at each end. Allow about 60cm of table length for each person, and 75cm to 90cm of clear space around the table for chairs.

What size dining table seats 8?

A table of around 200cm long will usually seat eight people, with three along each side and one at each end. Check the leg position before you buy, as legs at the corners can make the end places tighter than trestle or central bases.

How much space do you need around a dining table?

Allow at least 75cm between the table edge and a wall or other furniture where people will sit, and around 90cm or more if people need to walk behind seated diners. In a tight room, a bench against the wall saves space on one side.

Is a dining bench comfortable?

A dining bench is comfortable for everyday meals and great for children, though it has no back support. Many people pair a bench on one side with chairs on the other, or add a long cushion. Choose a bench slightly shorter than the table so it tucks underneath.

What is the most practical dining table top?

Weathered and washed wood finishes hide everyday marks well, stone-effect tops wipe clean easily, and glass keeps a room feeling light, though it shows fingerprints. Whatever you choose, use mats and coasters to protect the surface from heat and spills.

Complete the room with a sideboard, a wall clock or a large wall mirror.