Dining table size

[Misscf81]

I’m having a bit of a dilemma trying to decide what size dining table to get for our dining room. First off, we know we don’t want the dining table in the centre of the room which I know is quite traditional. We want a Chesterfield sofa in there, and have therefore decided to put the dining table against the wall and then have benches that tuck underneath rather than chairs. There is only the two of us and we do have a smaller table in the kitchen that we use on a more daily basis, the dining table would be used more when we have guests.

My dilemma is what size table to get...,we know where we want it, and have seen the one we want...but it comes in 2 sizes 150cm or 180cm.

150 cm fits nice, but will only really seat 4 people (I’m thinking about when we have guests) unless I put two chairs on the end, which would then be tight.

The 180cm fits, but is very snug, it would have to be pushed in when not in use and push out when in use but it would seat 6, so better for hosting.

I’ve spent all morning measure up and just wanted to see how other people used their dining tables.

If use is going to be fairly infrequent, and you usually use the kitchen one, could you buy the smaller one that fits the dining room space better and bring the kitchen one in when you have guests?

Bigger pushed in most of the time sounds fine to me.

I have measured it out using masking tape...excuse some of the junk, we are still unpacking.

An extending four seater is what you need

I've been looking for a new dining table for some time. My current table seats six and has concealed leaves at each end when can be pulled out individually or together to seat a further 4-6. This is great however both my table and the majority of other oblong tables are only 36inches wide so really too narrow for serving dishes in the centre.

Definitely get an extending one. There are some that double in in in size. 1m x 1 m goes to 2m x 1m. You can slide the sofa around if necessary.

Given the small difference I'd have the longest table. Though it could be some time before you use it!
Practically, I bought an Extendable table that sits 4 or supposedly 6. The reality is though family numbers have swelled to the point where we've fit 15!
Personally, benches are great if it's children and young people using, not so great for adults and older people long term. You if using to capacity end up feeling you're invading the guest space next to you. They always feel like school benches so I'd opt for some chairs and maybe bench one side.

@Grobagsforever is on the right track

Definitely have an extending one. I was thinking of getting a bench, but so many people said they found them awkward and uncomfortable if put me off... if we got a bench we’d have the guests use chairs. Have you tried a bench out? How did you find it?

When we extend ours, we move the table so it goes diagonally across the room. Suddenly fits much better!