Round tables create an intimate, inviting setting that’s great for entertaining, or catching up with each other at the end of the day over family dinner. 

But once you have your round dining table, how do you pick your dining chairs? Should they have arms, or no arms? How big can they be?

Finding chairs to complement your round table requires a blend of practicality, proportion (and of course, personal preference). Follow this guide to narrow down your search. 

5 things to consider when picking dining chairs for a round table

How many people are sitting at the table

Ideally, you should aim to give each person at least 60cm at the table. This gives them enough elbow room to eat, without feeling packed like sardines. Using this logic, you can work out how many seats you can have at your table: 

[Circumference of round table] ÷ [60cm] = max number of chairs

A small table with a circumference of 240cm could fit a max of 4 chairs, so everyone can sit comfortably. Where a large table with a circumference of 520cm, could fit 8.6 chairs—but since 0.6 of a dining chair would be terribly uncomfortable, you could either make your setup a little more snug with 9 chairs, or keep it safe with 8. 

Whether you have a small table or a large table, it all comes down to how many people you want to seat. If the aim is to max out your seating capacity, you’d be better going for more compact chairs with no, or narrow arms to optimise the room you have. But if you have the luxury of space, you can splash out on wider chairs with luxurious arm rests and decorative accents. 

The height of your round dining table

Here in the UK, the standard height for a dining table is 71–76cm, but not all tables are the same. The ideal distance between the top of a dining table and the seat of a chair is 26–30cm, so each person can sit comfortably (and also reach the salt at the centre of the table while seated). This is something you’ll need to consider when pairing chairs with your round dining table (including tall, bar tables). 

The width of the pedestal on your round dining table

If you have a round pedestal table (that’s a table with one base in the centre) it’s important that the seat depth doesn’t exceed the distance between the edge of the tabletop and the pedestal. 

This is so each person has adequate legroom, but also so you can tuck the chairs fully underneath. 

The importance of visual balance

Do you ever look at a room and something feels off—but you can’t quite put your finger on it? It’s because the proportions are wrong. 

Even if your priority is to seat as many people as you can at your dining table, a large table can look overcrowded and off-balance with lots of chairs that are too small. And likewise, a small table can be overshadowed with huge dining chairs.

Remember: it’s not just about the width of the seat, but also the height of the back. 

How you use the table

Before choosing chairs for your round table (or any dining table for that matter) think about how you’ll use that space. 

If your dining table is going to be the setting of long conversations with friends over dinner, comfort is key. Think plush, cushioned chairs in soft, luxurious fabrics. 

Or if you need something more family-friendly for the kitchen, opt for easy-clean options that are light enough for little ones to move in and out when they need to hop up for breakfast. 

4 reasons to choose a round dining table

Round tables are great for sharing

Unlike rectangular dining tables, round dining tables give everyone equal access to the centre of table. So it’s easy for everyone to serve themselves from the salad bowl, without having to pass things down to the other end. P.S. This is why round tables are also excellent for board games. 

Round tables encourage conversation

With a round table, everyone is facing into the centre. This means everyone can see each other, which helps conversation to naturally flow.

Round tables are more child-friendly

With no sharp edges, you won’t need corner protectors on a round table—they come pre-baby-proofed. 

Round tables can balance a room

The soft lines of a round table can contrast nicely with square or rectangular rooms, breaking up the straight lines to create visual interest. 

Know which style of dining chair you want, but stuck on colour? Read our guide on whether dining chairs should be lighter or darker than your dining table.