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How to Measure Your Dining Room for the Perfect Wooden Dining Table
Choosing the perfect dining table for your home goes beyond style and material—getting the size right is crucial for comfort and functionality. At Taitlin Studio, located in Nisku, AB, we specialize in crafting custom dining tables from a variety of North American woods such as walnut, maple, oak, willow, and elm. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to measure your dining room to ensure you select a table that fits perfectly in your space.
Why Proper Measurement Matters
Accurate measurements are essential to avoid a table that’s too large or too small for your dining area. A well-fitted table enhances the room’s aesthetics and ensures a comfortable dining experience.
Tools You’ll Need
- Tape measure
- Notepad and pen
- Masking tape (optional)
- Helper (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Dining Room
Measure the Room Dimensions
Start by measuring the length and width of your dining room. Use a tape measure to determine the exact dimensions, noting any architectural features such as alcoves or bay windows. Record these measurements on your notepad.
Account for Clearance Space
To ensure there’s enough space to move around the table and pull out chairs comfortably, you’ll need to leave adequate clearance. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 36 inches (3 feet) of space between the edge of the table and the walls or other furniture.
- Side Clearance: Measure from the table’s edge to the nearest wall or piece of furniture.
- End Clearance: Measure from the table’s end to the nearest wall or piece of furniture.
Determine Table Size
With your room dimensions and clearance space in mind, you can determine the maximum table size that will fit comfortably in your dining area. Use the following guidelines for reference:
- For a rectangular table, subtract 6 feet (72 inches) from both the room length and width to get the maximum table dimensions.
- For a round table, subtract 6 feet from the room’s smallest dimension to determine the maximum table diameter.
Consider the Number of Seats
The size of your dining table should also accommodate the number of people you plan to seat regularly. Here’s a general guide for seating capacity:
- Rectangular Tables:
- 4-6 people: 60-72 inches long
- 6-8 people: 72-96 inches long
- 8-10 people: 96-120 inches long
- Round Tables:
- 4 people: 36-48 inches in diameter
- 6 people: 48-60 inches in diameter
- 8 people: 60-72 inches in diameter
- Rectangular Tables:
Use Masking Tape for Visualization
To better visualize how the table will fit in your space, use masking tape to outline the table dimensions on your dining room floor. This can help you see how much space the table will occupy and ensure there’s enough room for movement.
Measure Table Height
Standard dining table height ranges from 28 to 30 inches. If you have specific chairs in mind, measure the seat height and ensure there’s about 10 to 12 inches of space between the seat and the table’s underside for comfort.
Special Considerations
- Room Shape: If your dining room is not a standard rectangular shape, you may need to consider custom table shapes or sizes to fit the space better.
- Additional Furniture: Account for other furniture in the dining room, such as sideboards or display cabinets, when determining table size and placement.
- Traffic Flow: Ensure there is a clear pathway through the dining room, especially if it connects to other rooms or is a high-traffic area.
Choosing the Right Wood for Your Table
At Taitlin Studio, we offer a variety of North American woods for your dining table. Each type of wood has its unique characteristics:
- Walnut: Rich, dark color with a luxurious feel.
- Maple: Light, smooth grain, perfect for modern designs.
- Oak: Classic, sturdy, and versatile.
- Willow: Rustic and distinctive.
- Elm: Strong with an interlocking grain pattern.
Our expert craftsmen can help you choose the best wood to complement your dining room’s style and your personal preferences.
Why Choose Taitlin Studio?
- Quality Craftsmanship: Our tables are handmade with attention to detail and quality.
- Custom Options: We offer custom sizes and designs to fit your unique space.
- Sustainable Materials: We source our wood responsibly, ensuring sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Conclusion
Measuring your dining room accurately is the first step to finding the perfect wooden dining table. At Taitlin Studio, we are committed to helping you create a dining space that is both functional and beautiful. Contact us today to learn more about our handmade solid wood tables and start designing your perfect dining room centerpiece.