Whether you’re designing an outdoor living space for everyday living, entertaining or both, choosing the right size dining table is essential for functionality, flow and visual balance. To avoid cramped seating, blocked pathways and awkward proportions that overwhelm a confined space or get lost in a large, open yard, the design experts at Williamsburg Wicker Patio & Home offer these tips to help you find the perfect outdoor dining set for your home.
Measure Your Space
To ensure you have enough space to comfortably pull out chairs, measure your patio or deck and subtract at least 36 inches from all sides to calculate your maximum allowable table size. If your outdoor space is big enough, 42 to 48 inches of clearance is even better, as it allows guests to walk behind those seated without squeezing.
Consider Seating Capacity
When determining the size of your outdoor dining table, it’s important to think about how you will use it. We generally recommend choosing an outdoor dining set based on the number of people you host for everyday meals, rather than the occasional large holiday party. However, if you plan to use your outdoor dining area primarily for entertaining, a larger table or an extendable table, makes more sense.
Factor in the Chairs
Every seated guest needs a minimum of 24 inches of table edge to eat comfortably without bumping into the person next to them. If you’re buying an outdoor dining set that includes chairs, those calculations have already been done for you. However, if you plan to buy wide, heavily cushioned wicker armchairs for your table, you’ll need to add an extra 6 to 12 inches of table length to accommodate the extra bulk.
Choose the Right Shape
The shape of your outdoor dining table can also improve visual appeal and functionality. For example, a rectangular table is perfect for long, narrow spaces, larger gatherings of 6 to 12 people, and hosting family-style meals, while round and square tables are excellent for smaller decks and patios, symmetrical spaces, and groups of 2 to 6 people. Oval tables also work well in smaller spaces and can usually accommodate more guests than a round table.
Get Free Design Help in Williamsburg, VA
Determining the right size for your outdoor dining table is a challenging task that may be best left to the experts. If you’re struggling with which size table to choose for your patio or deck, the designers at Williamsburg Wicker Patio & Home can help.
We have the largest selection of in-stock outdoor patio furniture in Hampton Roads, and provide free in-store design consultations at our showroom in Williamsburg, VA. Simply bring in your deck or patio dimensions and photos, as well as any inspiration photos that capture your design-style and preferences, and we’ll help you create a to-scale model of your outdoor living space with dining table suggestions and layout recommendations. We also provide in-home design consultations for those seeking a premier interior design experience.
View our store hours and location, or contact us to schedule an in-home design consultation.
