Buying guide
How to measure your dining room before you buy a table
Molly · April 28, 2026 · 6 min read
A table that looks right in a showroom can crowd a real room fast. Before you fall in love with a size, spend ten minutes with a tape measure — it is the cheapest insurance there is.
Start with the chairs, not the table
You want at least 36 inches from each table edge to the nearest wall or furniture, so people can push their chair back and walk behind it. 42–48 inches is more comfortable. Measure your room, subtract 72–96 inches (36–48 on each side), and what is left is your maximum table footprint.
Seats per person
- Allow about 24 inches of table edge per person.
- A 72-inch table seats six comfortably; 84 inches seats eight.
- Round and oval tables fit more people into a tight room than rectangles.
Do not forget the doorways
Measure your doorways, stairwells, and any tight turns on the delivery path. Our larger pieces come apart or are Billt to make the trip — but it is good to know before, not during. If you are unsure, send us a photo and a couple of measurements and we will figure it out with you.
Written by Molly
I run the website and write most of what you read here. Got a question about your room or a piece? Just ask — I read every message.
