Deciding how many dining chairs to purchase can be a really frustrating situation, because there are so many ways to spin it. Go Big? Go Basic? and how do you store the extras?

For Example: Let’s say you have 4 people in your household.

…So that’s 4 chairs.

But your table seats 6, and you sometimes entertain….

And perhaps the table has an extension, allowing you to seat up to 8 ….because you do have that one big holiday each year.

So do you play it safe and get 8? Meet in the middle with 6? Or just save a bit and get the 4 you really need?

Ideally, you always go big.Calligaris

The fullest set, no matter the size, is always ideal; because the look of a full dining set is simply impossible to beat.

Of course, going with this option requires you to actually have enough storage for the additional chairs. Whether that’s 2 extra, or 20 extra, it does require some square feetsies that not everyone possesses.

Below are a few of options for achieving optimum seating, within the constraints of your home (whatever those constraints may be for you):

Consider getting chairs that stack. Nowadays there are so many options for stackable chairs that it wouldn’t be out of the question to do a full set of stackable chairs, and simply tuck them away when they aren’t needed (it only takes the square footage of one chair, after all!)
Other option: Purchase stackable chairs exclusively for the seating that gets stowed away and just make sure they are complimentary to the aesthetic of your full-time set.

Consider (don’t gasp) folding chairs. As with the stackable chairs, there are so many upgraded options these days that aren’t, well, this:

Brands like Calligaris (aka Connubia) now offer truly modern styles that even come with a hook (a hook!), for easy storage.

Get creative and stick with the originals. If you only have a couple extra dining chairs to store, you can always spread them through the house. Use them in the entryway next to a console, or tucked into corners of the living room. They make for great extra seating, in any room (I even keep one in my bedroom to throw clean laundry on… which is something that occurs with intense frequency).

Whatever you choose (or whatever you need help with choosing) the friendly staff at Hip is always here to help.
Check us out in Portland 7 days a week, and 24/7 at HipPdx.com 

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A typical way to determine the maximum seating at a dining table allows for 24" to 30" per person. Seating for large events is generally cozier than what you might want in your home for an intimate family or friends gathering.

There are a number of elements to consider when choosing the size of your dining table. The size of the room is crucial. The room has to be large enough to support the size of the table.

How big are your chairs, benches or seating?

How cozy do you and your family or guests like to be? Do you serve food on the table, family style, set up a buffet or served by others. You may not need space in the middle.

The access needs to be allow the table to get into the space. Think about doors, hallways, elevators, etc. If access is limited, be sure to inquire about assembling on site or customizing for difficult access.

Rectangular Table Seating Chart and Guidelines

A 60″ rectangular dining table can seat between 4-6 people comfortably. A 70″ rectangular 

 between 4-8 

 comfortably. An 84″ rectangular 

 up to 8 

 comfortably. A 90″ rectangular 

 up to 8 

 comfortably. A 108″ rectangular 

 up to 10 

 comfortably.

Rectangular Seating Chart with Chairs on the Ends

By making your table a bit wider, you can add seats on the ends of the table, but your guests get further apart.

Don't forget to consider the size of the room. This is the most important part. You want 2.5'-3.4' of space between the sides of the table and a wall or obstacle. As your table gets wider, your guests are farther away from each other. Cozy meals with lively conversation may prefer a narrower table and food service on another surface, like a buffet, credenza or narrow console table or kitchen island.

Round Table Seating Chart

A 42″ round table can fit four people comfortably. A 54″ round table can seat 4-6 people comfortably. A 60″ round table can seat between 6-8 people comfortably. A 72″ round table can seat between 8 people comfortably. A 84-96″ round table can seat between 10 people comfortably. A 108″ round table can seat between 12 people comfortably.

Don't forget to consider the size of the room. You want at least 2' between the back of a chair and a wall or obstacle. As your round table gets larger, you may want to consider a lazy susan in the middle, as guests will be very far from each other and the service area in the middle.

We make all our tables to order, so if you want a table that is 53" in diameter or 74" long, Alabama Sawyer can make it. Just contact us!