Do you feel the elbow of the person next to you with every bite? Can you barely stretch your legs? Or do you have too little room to move around at the table? Nodding out loud three times? Then there is a good chance that you are sitting at the table with too many people. But how do you determine how many people you can comfortably dine with? No easy task, but with these two steps it is a piece of cake.
The number of people you can seat around a table depends on two factors: the shape of the table and the nature of the setting. Here's a word of explanation. Be sure to download the handy overview sheet (at the bottom of this blog).
1. Which table shape?
The larger your table is, the more people can sit on it. You already knew that. But did you know that the shape of your table also plays a role? For example, you can generally accommodate more people at a rectangular table than at a round one. Read on to discover how many people can fit around your table, depending on its shape and size.
TIP: are you unsure about the dimensions? Cut the dimensions from one (very) large cardboard. This way you can test for yourself what works for you!
2. Which setting?
You like to sit close to each other during a nice chat, but when you have a bite to eat, you prefer to have some space. Don't want elbows near you while eating? Then provide 70 centimeters of space. Since the seat of a chair is on average 40 centimeters wide, it is best to leave 15 cm on each side.
TIP: The spacing depends on the type of chair. Do you have a wide chair with armrests? Then you need to provide less space between them.
How many people can fit around a round table?
A round dining table creates a warm and cozy atmosphere because everyone can make eye contact. After all, you always sit 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
- Food: 9 to 10 people
- Drinking / Sharing bites: 12 people
How many people can fit around a square table?
A square dining table is a convenient shape to use because you don't lose any space.
70 x 70 cm / 80 x 80 cm
- Food: 2 people
- Drinking / Sharing bites: 3 to 4 people
150 x 150 cm
- Food: 6 to 7 people
- Drinking / Sharing bites: 8 people
How many people can fit around a rectangular table?
A rectangular table has two major 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
- Food: 6 people
- Drinking / Sharing bites: 8 people
180 x 70 cm / 180 x 80 cm
- Food: 6 people
- Drinking / Sharing bites: 8 people
230 x 80 cm
- Food: 8 people
- Drinking / Sharing bites: 10 people
So always keep in mind what you are using the table for and what shape it has. This way you can perfectly determine how many people you can place around the table! Are you still a little unsure? Then download our handy overview sheet and take it with you everywhere!
TIP: Hang up this handy overview so that your colleagues never have to worry about the layout of a party/event again.