The short answer: choose round if there are 4 or 5 of you and the room is square or nearly so; choose rectangular or oval if there are 6 or more, or if the room is long. As a guide, a round dining table of 100 to 110 cm seats 4 people, 120 cm seats 4 with room to spare, and 140 to 150 cm seats 6. Beyond that, a 180 × 90 cm rectangular table works harder.
Round or rectangular: the comparison
| Criterion | Round | Rectangular |
|---|---|---|
| Guests | 4 to 5 comfortably; 6 if it reaches 140 or 150 cm | 6 with room to spare at 180 × 90 cm; 8 using the ends |
| Room shape | Square dining rooms and open kitchens | Long rooms, dining area against a wall |
| Space to walk around | No corners: you can walk round without bumping | The corners set the path; better to leave one long side free |
| Conversation | Everyone sees each other's face, nobody is far away | You mostly talk to the person next to you and the one opposite |
| Table ends | None: no seat is the head | Two ends, useful when there are more people |
| If the family grows | It falls short: past a metre and a half, the centre is out of arm's reach | Takes more guests with a few extra chairs |
The basic calculation of 60 cm of table edge per guest and 90 cm free all around is in the guide to what size of dining table to choose. Here we complete it for the round table, where that calculation works a little differently.
Suggested diameters by number of guests
On a round table the centre gets in the way: nobody can reach a dish placed in the middle if the diameter is large. That is why you count a little more edge per person, around 75 or 80 cm. These are guideline figures, not a rule.
| Guests | Suggested diameter | Minimum room space (with 90 cm free) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 100 to 110 cm | About 280 to 290 cm per side |
| 4, with room to spare (5 for a close-knit meal) | 120 cm | About 300 cm per side |
| 6 | 140 to 150 cm | About 320 to 330 cm per side |
The room space is the diameter plus 90 cm on each side. With a 120 cm table you need a room of about 3 × 3 m at minimum.
How many chairs fit around the Altea Table
The Altea Dining Table is round, 120 cm, with a natural marble top and a faceted solid mango wood base. Its product page says it seats 4 people generously and 5 for a close-knit meal. The perimeter of a 120 cm circle is about 377 cm (3.14 × 120), and from that you can calculate the maximum number of chairs according to their width.
| Chair | Width | Fit side by side (377 ÷ width) | With 10 cm between chairs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gala Chair | 44 cm | 8 chairs | 6 chairs |
| Los Angeles Chair | 56.5 cm | 6 chairs | 5 chairs |
These are theoretical maximums, not counting that both have armrests. The practical recommendation is the one on the Gala Chair product page: four at a 120 cm round table. With four, each chair has about 94 cm of edge and fits comfortably with its arms. If you want to reach 6, you need a larger diameter or chairs without arms.
Rectangular: Livia and Aria
If the dining room is long or there are more of you, the Livia Dining Table (oval, 180 × 90 cm, ceramic top) and the Aria Dining Table (180 × 90 cm, white veined ceramic top) seat 6 with room to spare and 8 on occasion. On the Livia, the legs sit between 70 and 110 cm apart, so the chairs slide in without clashing, and its oval shape lets you sit at the ends without corners.
An example
A 3.3 × 3.3 m square dining room open to the kitchen, for a family of four. The 120 cm Altea table leaves 105 cm free on each side (3.3 m minus 1.2 m, divided by two), above the 90 cm reference. With four Gala Chairs, 44 cm wide with the seat at 45 cm, you get a clear dining room where you can walk round the table without corners. If the same space were 2.6 × 4.2 m, the Livia or the Aria would suit better, with a long side against the wall.
Limits
These figures are guidelines and assume chairs between 44 and 57 cm wide. With a sofa or a sideboard less than 90 cm from the table, count on fewer guests. The Maia Chair, which is also in the shop, is a swivel desk chair: it is not suitable for the dining room. Measure your room and check availability on each product page before deciding.
Next step
Browse tables and chairs in Furniture. If you are unsure about the shape of your dining room, write to our interior design studio and we will help you with the floor plan.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a round dining table for 4 people?
As a guide, 100 to 110 cm in diameter; at 120 cm there is more room and 5 fit for a close-knit meal.
How many people fit at a 100 cm round dining table?
Four, a little snugly. If you use chairs with armrests, it is better to go up to 120 cm.
Which chairs should you choose for a round dining table with armchairs?
Four chairs between 44 and 57 cm wide fit without a problem at a 120 cm table; six only if they have no arms or the table is larger.
Is a round or rectangular dining table better?
Round favours conversation and suits square rooms; rectangular takes more guests and makes the most of long rooms.
Related questions
- What size of dining table should you choose for the number of people eating?
- How do you choose dining chairs?
By Zaida Muñoz, interior designer at Zach & Decor · Updated 16/10/2026