How to choose a dining table for 4 or 6 people? Shapes, dimensions and practical advice
Choosing your dining tableis much more than just buying a piece of furniture. It's about the way we live our daily lives, the moments we share, family meals, impromptu evenings with friends - and sometimes even teleworking hours.
The dining table is often at the heart of the home, a real meeting point. But how do you choose between a dining table for 4 or 6 people? What size, shape and style should you choose, depending on your space and habits?
In this guide, we help you make sense of it all. Ideal size, layout tips, suitable shapes, styles to choose... and, of course, our favorite models, designed to combine style and practicality in everyday life.
1. What table size for your space?
Before settling on a particular model or style, start by taking a good look at your room. The space available is the first criterion to take into account. A dining table that's too big can quickly become too cluttered, blocking off passageways and making the room feel suffocating. Conversely, a table that's too small - even if it seems more "practical" - can quickly become frustrating if you like to entertain or if your family is growing.
The objective? Find the right balance between comfort, traffic and everyday use.
Here are a few simple guidelines:
- For 4 people, a dining table 80 to 120 cm in length or diameter is ideal. It allows you to eat at ease, without encroaching too much on the living space.
- For 6 people, count on a length of 140 to 180 cm for a rectangular dining table, or a diameter of 120 cm for a round table. This format offers more room to move around, without everyone getting in the way when passing dishes.
Nordlys tips:
- It is essential to maintain a of at least 60 cm all around the dining table. dining table. This makes it easy to pull out a chair, sit down and move around, without disturbing the other occupants of the room.
- In an open-plan living-dining environment, remember to visually place your table in the center of a dedicated area to structure the space. In a small room, prefer a table with slender legs or a central base to free up floor space.
- Finally, don't forget to take into account the elements surrounding the dining table: sideboards, central islands and swing doors can all reduce usable space. A good layout also involves anticipating traffic flows.
2. Optimize small spaces
Living in a small apartment doesn't mean giving up on comfort - or on a proper dining table. Even when square meters are limited, there are clever solutions for creating a pleasant dining area without taking up too much space.
The secret is to rely on well-thought-out formats: the right table, the right size, the right design, can transform a small corner into a real living space.
The round dining table, a great ally for small spaces
With its gentle curves and absence of corners, it facilitates circulation and often seats more people than you might think. It can be easily integrated into a kitchen corner or an open-plan room. This is exactly the case with the CALI dining table by Nordlys: compact, warm and ideal for creating a convivial dining area without overloading the room.
The bar dining table, to optimize height
Another tip: play on vertical volumes with a bar dining table, like the TRADITION bar table. It takes up little floor space, adds a modern touch and blends naturally into a studio or open kitchen. As a bonus, it can also be used as a work surface or visual divider.
Dining table models with built-in storage: discreet and practical
If you're really short of space, consider dining tables with built-in storage. Still uncommon but ultra-useful, they allow you to store plates, napkins or cutlery directly in the structure. Some models in the HAVANA range, for example, offer discreet storage under the tabletop, perfect for keeping essentials close at hand without cluttering up cupboards.
And why not an extendable dining table?
Finally, for small two-room or studio apartments, nothing beats an extendable table. It unfolds when you need it, then folds away in the blink of an eye. It's the ideal solution for freeing up space between meals or modulating space to suit your schedule. Discover the CORTE dining table, extendable from 6 to 8 people.
3. Round, square, rectangular or oval table: which one to choose?
When choosing a dining tablewe often think first of style or color. But shape plays just as important a role: it influences circulation in the room, the atmosphere at the dining table and even the way you use your space on a daily basis. Depending on the configuration of your home, your habits and your decorating desires, certain shapes will be more appropriate than others.
The round table: more conviviality in a small space
This is undoubtedly the warmest form of dining. No corners, no "head of table" sides, everyone faces each other, and discussions are more natural. What's more, in a small room or in the corner of a kitchen, a round table takes up less space visually, while still accommodating several guests.
Perfect if you have :
- A square or compact room
- The habit of eating for 2, 4 or up to 6 people
- Looking for a cosy, homely or bistro feel?
Nordlys round table models:
- CALI (pine or walnut): round dining table for 6 people, meticulously finished in a pure Scandinavian design. A true modern classic.
- TRADITION 4P or 6P: D90 or D120, in natural wood, black or brown. Warm, rustic ambience guaranteed.
- HAVANA 6P: sober, sturdy, with real rustic charm. Easy to integrate into a natural or vintage decor.
- TRADITION Black/Walnut A bold bistro spirit, perfect for adding a touch of character to your room.
The rectangular table: a versatile classic
It's the most popular form of dining table, and for good reason: it fits into almost any room, offers great seating capacity and can even be used as a desk or multi-function table. It slides easily along a wall or into the center of a dining room.
This is the best option if you have :
- A rather elongated room
- Large families or those who like to entertain
- An open or modular kitchen-living room
Nordlys rectangular table models:
- CORTE: extendable dining table for 6 to 8 people, sturdy and practical, perfect for large tables or festive meals.
- BONIFACIO 4 people BONIFACIO: compact dining table (120 cm), perfect for small spaces without sacrificing conviviality.
- NEWPORT NEWPORT: wood and metal dining table, industrial look. Excellent option for urban interiors, lofts or modern settings.
The oval dining table: soft, elegant and flowing
Less widespread but very interesting, the oval dining table combines the advantages of the rectangular (large capacity) and the round (no aggressive angles). It allows a smoother flow of traffic in busy rooms, while adding a touch of originality to the furniture.
A must if you're looking for :
- A softer, more contemporary shape
- A model for a spacious or open room
- An alternative to the classic rectangular shape
Nordlys' flagship model:
PIREUS - Solid pine oval dining table for 6, with an elegant, sober design. It combines the warmth of wood with curved lines and a minimalist spirit.
4. 4 or 6-seater: how to choose the right size dining table for your everyday life?
When designing your living space, the dining table often plays a central role. But should you opt for a 4-person table or a 6-person table? It's a choice worth thinking about, as it has as much to do with the organization of the room as with day-to-day comfort.
Why choose a table for 4?
The 4-person dining table is often the ideal solution when you live alone, as a couple, or in an apartment with limited floor space. It's compact and easy to place in a kitchen corner, a small living room or a multi-purpose room. It lets you eat comfortably without monopolizing space. It's also an economical choice, both in terms of purchase and accessories (fewer chairs, less space to clean up, etc.). And of course, it can always be fitted with extension leaves or a folding system to accommodate an extra guest on occasion.
Why choose the 6-person table?
The 6-person dining table, on the other hand, is best suited to homes with children, those who enjoy large tables or simply those who entertain regularly. It gives more structure to the space in an open-plan dining room or living room, creating a real sharing space at the heart of the home. It's also ideal for everyday use, provided there's enough room to move around the table.
💡 The right reflex? Think long-term. If you're planning a move, the arrival of a child, or simply a change in lifestyle (more telecommuting, more invitations...), it's best to anticipate. An extendable or modular table can be an excellent compromise.
5. Matching chairs to tables: comfort and style go hand in hand
A beautiful dining table isn't everything. If you really want to enjoy your dining area every day, the chairs are just as important as the tabletop. They're often the most overlooked - and yet they make the difference between a pleasant dinner and a 30-minute backache. The right table/chair duo is a balance between aesthetics, comfort and proportions.
Before falling for a model just because it's pretty, ask yourself these three essential questions:
- Is the seat height suitable? For a standard dining table (between 75 and 78 cm high), the chair needs to be between 45 and 48 cm high. No more, no less.
- Does the backrest support the back well? This is essential, especially if you like to take your time at the table or if you sometimes work on it.
Does the style match your table? It doesn't have to be a total look, but the materials, shapes and colors have to work together.
For a rustic or natural ambience
For Scandinavian or contemporary style
For an industrial or urban look
How about a little mix & match?
You don't have to match everything perfectly. You can mix and match styles, as long as you maintain a certain visual consistency. For example:
- Light wood dining table + black chairs = modern contrast
- Dark dining table + rattan chairs = chic natural ambience
- An industrial dining table + mismatched chairs = an assertive atelier effect
💡 Deco tip : For a more relaxed or modular touch, consider installing a bench on one side of the dining table. It's friendly, practical for the kids, and immediately gives a warmer style. Another idea: use different chairs at either end of the table, for a casual yet stylish effect.
6. Think of tomorrow: choose a table that grows with you
When we buy a dining table, we often think in terms of our current needs. And that's normal. But if you want to make a smart purchase, you might as well think ahead. Will your family be growing in the next few months? Do you like to entertain? Will you be moving soon, to a larger or smaller space? These are just some of the questions that can influence your choice.
A good dining table is one that adapts. And that's where extendable or modular models come into their own. For everyday use, they remain compact, easy to live with and discreet. But as soon as you need it, it opens up in the blink of an eye to welcome dinner guests, a family brunch or even a large table at Christmas.
At Nordlys Furniture , the CORTE model is the perfect example: a rectangular dining table in solid wood, sober and elegant, which can seat 6 to 8 people thanks to its integrated extension system. It retains its solidity even when extended, and is equally at home in a family dining room or an open-plan kitchen-living room.
But it's not just extension leaves that count: the versatility of a dining table also comes down to its style. A timeless design, beautiful materials such as FSC-certified wood, and a well-thought-out finish are what allow a table to stand the test of time without looking old. The CALI models (in walnut or pine), for example, have this ability to harmonize with many different styles of decoration: Scandinavian, contemporary, bohemian, minimalist... They are equally suited to a first apartment or a family home.
💡 Remember: a well-chosen dining table today is a piece of furniture that will follow you tomorrow. It must be able to evolve with your desires, your life changes and your practical needs - without forcing you to repurchase everything at every stage.
Conclusion: the dining table is more than a piece of furniture, it's a real living space.
Choosing a dining table isn't just about ticking a box on a shopping list. It's about thinking about your daily life, the way you live, entertain and share. It's about imagining dinners with friends, breakfasts with family, game nights or homework spread out after school. It means thinking about everything that goes on around... and on this dining table.
Of course, there are objective criteria to take into account: the space available, the number of guests, the shape, the material and the style. A round dining table for small spaces and conviviality, a rectangular table to accommodate more people, an extendable dining table to anticipate the future. There's no single rule: it's all about your lifestyle, your desires and your space.
At Nordlys Furniture , we design dining tables for real life. Solid, aesthetic models designed to last, adapt and accompany you over time. FSC-certified solid wood, durable finishes, compact or generous formats: our collection is equally suited to small studios and large family homes. Each model has been designed to combine design, comfort and practicality, without compromise.
Whether you prefer a Scandinavian style, a raw spirit, a bistro ambience or a contemporary look, you're bound to find a table that suits you - and your home.
So if you're looking for a dining table that's part of your life, not just part of your decor, discover our complete collection on nordlysfurniture.com and get inspired.
