How Much Space Should There be Between Chairs at the Dining Table?

Hosting a dinner party can already be a stressful experience, but it can be made worse by insufficient space. Dinner is much less enjoyable when people are crammed and bumping elbows while they eat in your house.

As the host, you want to ensure your guests are comfortable and your dinner party goes off without a hitch. In this guide, we'll review the correct spacing for different types of chairs in your dining space.

Dining Chair Distances: Tips and Ideas

So let's get right to it: How much space should there be between chairs at the dining table?

For every day, more casual dining, like weeknight dinners with the family, the minimum spacing between chairs should be 20 inches to 24 inches. If you're planning more formal meals and dinners (like holiday dinners) or you have dining chairs with arms, you might want a bit more space—around 30 inches should provide enough room in these scenarios.

Another way some experts look at distances between chairs is by focusing on the space between the center point of one chair and the center point of the one next — the ideal distance should be at least two feet.

These rules fit with both dining room tables and counter height tables (if you're thinking about how to arrange seating at a breakfast bar).

Now, let's dive into more details about specific types of chairs and arrangements.

Chairs With Arms

A dining chair with arms will require more space to ensure guests don't feel trapped or caged in. There needs to be enough room between the chairs for guests to slide out when they need to. If the chairs are too close together, the guests can be trapped at the table.

As a good rule of thumb, there should be around 30 inches of space between armchairs around a table.

Thirty or so inches between chairs will create a setup that's perfect for more formal dinners and ensures that your guests have enough room to move around, eat, and converse. It'll also ensure that your chairs aren't scraped and bumped as people get up from the table.

Chairs Without Arms

When planning how many chairs without arms you can fit around a dining table, you need to consider elbow room so that your guests can comfortably use cutlery and turn to each other to chat without bumping arms.

As a good rule of thumb, a minimum space of around 24 inches between the chairs should be enough room. If you mix and match chairs around your table, aim to leave at least 24-30 inches between chairs.

An Alternative to Dining Room Chairs

If you're not sold on traditional chairs, or you're looking to do something different, dining benches could be a good option.

Benches can be a practical choice, as you can buy benches with storage space. They can also make your dining table look less cluttered. Benches can easily be slipped under the table, creating more room in the dining room—this is particularly helpful if you have a smaller room.

Benches are a great fit if you want to create a more casual dining experience and maximize the seating available in your space. Of course, this only works if your guests are okay with being a little closer together.

Remember to measure your table before you buy it. Ideally, the bench should be as long as the length of the dining table or slightly shorter.

How Much Room Do You Need Around a Dining Room Table?

It can be tempting to buy the first dining table to catch your eye, but you might find it doesn't fit in your dining room. You need to know how much floor space you have available before choosing a table and chairs.

The dining table's distance from the walls or any other furniture should be at least 36″. Calculating how big of a dining table you need is fairly simple :

• Measure the length and width of the room and subtract 6 feet from each of the measurements. This will give you the maximum size you can have for a square-shaped table or a rectangular dining table.
• For example, if your dining room is 12 feet x 11 feet, then a 6 feet x 5 feet dining table is the largest dining table that you will be able to fit in your room and floor space comfortably.
• This allows for 3 feet of space between the table doorways and walls. This makes it easy for guests to get in or out of the table when needed.

Keep other large pieces of furniture in mind when completing this calculation. If you have any large pieces of furniture in your dining area, you must consider them and ensure they're also at least 36" from the table.

For example, if you have a credenza against a wall behind your table, you'll need to ensure the table is placed at least 36" from the credenza rather than just 36" from the wall.

Personal space diameter determines the right setup for your dining area. This ensures that everyone has enough room to move comfortably without feeling cramped. This is especially important when you have a pedestal base table, which can sometimes restrict legroom.

When considering the table size, consider the seating capacity and the number of people you plan to host regularly. A square table or an oval table can offer more flexible seating arrangements, making it easier to accommodate varying numbers of guests.

FAQs

How high should a chair be for a dining table?

The height of your chairs should depend on the height of the table. A standard dining room table is 30 inches high, and the standard chair height is 18 inches high. This is just the seat height; the seat back height will be between 32 and 34 inches.

For a counter height table, you'll want to look for a bar or tall stools.

Do chairs have to match a dining table?

Your dining room table and chairs don't have to match. In fact, the chairs don't even have to match each other. Matching chairs will look great, but mismatched chairs can also look just as good. They'll make the dining room look lively and fresh. Mixing and matching can add contrast and make dinner that much more interesting.

Should I have a bench at the dining table?

Having a bench at the dining room table can be a great choice and be very practical if you have a smaller space.

You should also consider how the table will be used when you're not dining at it — a bench might not be practical if used for work, but it can work for actual dining. If you have an open-concept floor plan, the bench can make the room flow better.

How many dining chairs do I need?

It's fairly simple to determine how many chairs you have dining table space for.

This method works for a square table or rectangular dining table. Divide the table size by 24 inches. This is the amount of space between chairs at the dining table needed to comfortably accommodate your guests.

The number you get is how many chairs you can fit on one side. For example, if the table is 48 inches, you can fit two chairs on one side. Double this number to include the other side, so you have four chairs. Finally, add two more chairs for the ends.

So, six chairs are the ideal number of chairs that can comfortably fit at this table.

Final Thoughts on the Ideal Space Between Dining Chairs

Remember, the chair width can also affect how many chairs you can fit around your table. Narrower chairs might allow for more seating, while wider chairs might reduce the seat capacity.

If you’re planning to use your dining area as a multifunctional space, such as a part-time office or a spillover living room, it’s important to choose furniture with structure that can adapt to different needs. Tables with a solid support structure and chairs that are easy to move around will help keep your space flexible and functional.

Consider how much space between dining chairs is needed to ensure comfortable movement around the table, and take these tips to create a dining area that’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable and practical for your guests.