A dining table is more than just a place to eat. It’s where daily stories unfold, where laughter is shared, and where togetherness begins. Choosing the right size can make your dining space feel just right. Not too tight. Not too sparse.

So, how do you make sure the table fits your space and your lifestyle?

Before You Buy: 5 Smart Things to Consider

There are a few important things to keep in mind before buying a dining table. The table you choose will directly affect how comfortable your space feels and how smoothly people move around it. Here are five smart things to consider:

Room Dimensions

Start with the basics. A table that’s too large can overwhelm the room. One that’s too small may leave it looking empty. Measure your space to make sure the table fits well and leaves enough room to pull out chairs and walk around easily.

How Many People Use It Daily?

Every home is different. Some tables are used by two people every day. Others regularly host a big family. Think about how many people will use the table most of the time. That way, you can choose a size that fits your real needs.

Will the Table Be Multi-Purpose?

Many dining tables do more than hold meals. They become work desks, homework stations, or gathering spots. If that sounds like your home, make sure the table is large enough to support those extra uses.

What’s the Shape of Your Space?

Is your dining room long and narrow? Open and square? The shape of the space affects which table will work best. Rectangular tables suit narrow rooms. Round ones help open layouts feel more relaxed.

Style and Material Preferences

Think about how the table looks in your space. A teak wood table, for example, adds warmth and durability. It blends easily with natural, modern, or minimal styles.

Dining Table Size Guideline by Seating Capacity & Table Shape

Which Table Shape Should You Choose?

Now that you have a better idea of size, let’s talk about shape. The right table shape depends on your layout, how many people you usually host, and the mood you want to create. Here’s some recommended table shapes that you can match with your dining room’s interior design style.

Square

If you have a compact dining area or a room with a symmetrical layout, a square table might be the perfect choice. This shape brings a sense of balance and closeness, making it ideal for two to four people. It’s especially suitable for small homes, apartments, or dining areas integrated into open-plan spaces.

A square table usually ranges between 90 to 120 cm on each side. To ensure comfort, try to leave at least 1 meter of space around the table for smooth movement.

Square tables are often matched with clean and structured interior styles such as Scandinavian, Minimalist, or Japandi. These styles emphasize calmness, simplicity, and functionality.

One option worth considering is the Stripe Collection Square Table by Otazen. With its simple yet characterful design, it suits compact dining areas perfectly—especially those aiming for a warm, modern aesthetic.

Rectangular 

Rectangular tables are the most commonly used shape in dining areas. They offer generous seating capacity and a linear design that fits easily into most rooms. This shape is ideal for 4 to 12 people, depending on the length, and usually measures between 120 to 330 cm long and 70 to 100 cm wide.

It works well in longer or open-concept rooms, especially when aligned with lighting fixtures or parallel to a kitchen layout. Rectangular tables also match various interior styles, from industrial to Japandi and rustic themes.

To complement this shape, Otazen offers a variety of options, including the Arpa Collection which mixes teak and aluminum for a more contemporary edge, or the Javea Collection with full-teak material and a timeless design—perfect for interiors that embrace warmth and texture.

Round

Round tables create a cozy and communal feel in the dining room. Without sharp corners, they allow more movement and create a soft visual flow in the space. Round tables are a great fit for 4 to 8 people, depending on the diameter.

A 100 cm table is ideal for four people, while 150 cm is better suited for six to eight. This shape is especially effective in square rooms or open-plan spaces where flow and connection are key.

Round tables naturally suit softer design styles such as Scandinavian, Japandi, bohemian, or minimalist interiors. If you’re after a timeless option with a natural look, the Jasmine Collection by Otazen—crafted in teak—offers a graceful round silhouette that fits beautifully into casual and elegant settings alike.

Oval

Oval tables combine the spaciousness of rectangular tables with the flow of round ones. The curved edges make it easier to move around the table and soften the look of a room. This shape is suitable for 6 to 10 people and typically ranges from 150 × 90 cm to 240 × 110 cm.

Oval tables are ideal for dining areas that are long but not too wide. The shape helps maintain openness while still offering a large surface area. It works especially well in modern, tropical, or Japandi interiors that prioritize gentle visual rhythm and organic form.

For an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, the Grao Collection from Otazen offers an oval teak table that balances visual softness with sturdy construction. It’s an excellent piece for those who want the function of a large table with the aesthetic ease of curved design.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dining table isn’t just about size. It’s about how that table fits into your lifestyle, your room, and the stories you create around it. From understanding room dimensions to selecting the right shape and style, each detail plays a role in shaping your dining experience.

With the right considerations in mind—and a clear picture of your space—you’ll be better equipped to select a dining table that’s both functional and beautiful. Whether you lean toward square, rectangular, round, or oval, there’s a perfect fit out there that reflects your space and your personality.