one month ago

How many at the table? Place the right number of chairs around a table.

Do you feel the elbow of the person next to you with every bite? Can you barely stretch your legs? Or have too little room to move at the table? Nodding out loud three times? Then chances are high that you are sitting at the table with too many people. But how do you decide how many people you can pleasantly dine with? No mean feat but with these two steps a piece of cake.

The number of people you can fit around a table depends on two factors: the shape of the table and the type of setting. Here's a word of explanation. Also be sure to download the handy overview sheet (at the bottom of this blog).

 

1. Which table shape?

The bigger your table is, the more people can sit at it. You already knew that. But did you know that the shape of your table also plays a role? For instance, you can generally fit more people around a rectangular table than a round one. Read on to find out how many people can fit around your table, depending on its shape and size.

TIP: in doubt about the dimensions? Cut the dimensions out of one (very) large cardboard. That way you can test out for yourself what works for you!
 

2. What setting?

During a cosy chat, you like to sit close together, but when you are having a bite to eat, you prefer some space.  Don't want elbows near you while eating? Then provide 70 centimetres of space. As the seat of a chair is 40 centimetres wide on average, it's best to leave 15 cm along each side.

TIP: This space depends on the type of chair. Do you have a wide chair with armrests? Then you should provide less space in between.
 

How many people fit around a round table?

A round dining table creates a warm and cosy atmosphere because everyone can make eye contact. After all, you are always sitting opposite each other.

Diameter 80 cm

  • Food: 2 people
  • Drinking / Sharing bites: 3 to 4 people

Diameter 120 cm

  • Food: 3 to 4 people
  • Drinking / Sharing bites: 6 people

Diameter 150 cm

  • Food: 5 to 6 people
  • Drinking / Sharing bites: 8 people

Diameter 180 cm

  • Dining: 9 to 10 people
  • Drinking / Sharing bites: 12 people

Afmetingen-ronde-tafel.PNG

How many people fit around a square table

A square dining table is a convenient shape to use because you don't lose space.

70 x 70 cm / 80 x 80 cm

  • Food: 2 people
  • Drinking / Sharing bites: 3 to 4 people

150  x  150 cm

  • Dining: 6 to 7 people
  • Drinking / Sharing bites: 8 people

Afmetingen-vierkante-tafel.PNG

How many people fit around a rectangular table?

A rectangular table has two big advantages. You lose little space and you can also put someone at the head of the table.

120  x  80 cm

  • Food : 4 people
  • Drinking / Sharing bites : 6 people

160 x 80 cm

  • Dining: 6 people
  • Drinking / Sharing bites: 8 persons

180 x 70 cm / 180 x 80 cm

  • Dining: 6 people
  • Drinking / Sharing bites: 8 people

230 x 80 cm

  • Dining: 8 people
  • Drinking / Sharing bites: 10 people

Afmetingen-rechthoekige-tafel.PNG

So always keep in mind what you are using the table for and its shape. That way, you can perfectly determine how many people you can fit around the table! Still having doubts? Then download our handy overview sheet and take it with you wherever you go!

TIP: Hang this handy overview so that your colleagues, too, never have to break their heads again when organising a party/event.

Download the overview sheet