How many people can I seat? Don’t leave your guests playing musical chairs, learn how to arrange the table seating before the big day comes. Whether it’s a wedding, baby shower, kid’s birthday, or even a small get together; make sure all of your guests have a place to sit. With 13 different table sizes as reference, this blog is sure to be your ultimate table seating guide.

Round Table Seating:

Circular tables are great for small family dinners, as well as, banquet room events with larger gatherings. When used in the home, I recommend a 36” or 48” table for use in an eat-in kitchen. Anything bigger would function more as a dinning room table, but placing a large round table in a square or rectangular room will restrict movement within the space. Not to mention, the larger the circular table is, the harder it is to converse with people sitting across from you. When used in a banquet room setting, for example, an indoor wedding reception, it is very common that the venue will provide 60” to 72” circular tables. Using larger circular tables for bigger events has shown to be the best solution for parties that have stage performances or live entertainment. Given the shape of the table, your guests hardly have to move to comfortably enjoy the entertainment. With that said, let’s talk about the table seating…

Assuming that each person at the table enjoys their personal space, my calculations are based on each person having 2ft of eating space at the table.

• 36” round table will seat 2 to 4 guests
• 48” round table will seat 4 to 6 guests
• 60” round table will seat 6 to 8 guests
• 72” round table will seat 8 to 10 guests.

This round 29″ cast iron pedestal table base is strong and durable, perfect for any big event.

SINGLE Table Base 17″ Round / 29″ High / Black Matte finish / Steel Tube with Cast Iron Base and Spider Attachment

Square Table Seating:

Square tables are similar to round tables in the fact that the larger they are, the harder it is to converse with people across from you, and they are also excellent as venue tables for large parties. But unlike a round table, square tables function nicely in a square dining room. The four corners of the table create a balance with the four corners of the room, which makes it easier to add other design elements around the space. When deciding what size table you will need for your room, be sure to choose a size that will leave 42 to 48 inches of free space between the table and other furniture pieces or the wall. This allows just enough space for people to walk around, sit down, and leave the table. Once you have found the perfect size table, you can determine the table seating…

Again, my table seating calculations are based on each individual having 2ft of table space.

• 24″ square table will seat 1 to 2 people
• 30″ square table will seat 2 to 4 people
• 36″-48″ square table will seat 6 to 8 people
• 72″ square table will seat 10 to 12 people

This 28-3/8″ stainless steel pedestal table base can hold a maximum table top size of 42″x42″, which means it can comfortably seat up to 8 of your guests!

SINGLE, Square, Brushed Stainless Steel Table Base, 28-3/8″ height, 30″ square base, 3″diameter steel column

Rectangular Table Seating:

Rectangular tables are probably the most common table shape that people buy. Your traditional dining room tables are rectangular, with the mom and pops sitting at the head, and all the children seated on the sides. This shape is your best option if the area you need it in is long and narrow. The narrowness of rectangular tables allow for more intimate conversation because your guests are closer together. For grand events, such as, weddings, it’s common that a rectangular table be used as the bride and groom’s table, while the rest of the guests sit at a square or round table. Speaking of guests, how many can you fit at your rectangular table?

With 2ft of space per person, your table seating options are as follows:

• 48″x 36″ rectangular table will seat 4 to 6 people
• 60″-72″x 36″ rectangular table will seat 6 to 8 people
• 96″x 36″ rectangular table will seat 8 to 10 people.

Once you have determined how many people your rectangular table can seat, make sure your table has the right support with this set of 2, cast iron pedestal table bases.

Set of 2, Cast Iron Table Bases, X Style, 5”x22” End, 28” height, 3” diameter steel column and spider attachment.

To sum it all up, we have created an infographic representing each table shape, size, and seating capacity. Enjoy! And as always, thanks for reading!