In a previous blog post we talked about a chronic dining room issue: having enough space at the table. Careful measurements will help you maximize your dining space and find the right-sized table to meet your needs, but there are more things to consider than just measurements.

A key element for making the most of your table space is choosing the right dining room chairs. Standard measurements that define how many people a 7-foot dining table seats are moot if you choose chairs that are abnormally large. For example, banquet dining chairs take up far less space than armchairs.

By the Numbers

Before you can begin searching for the perfect dining room chairs, you’ll need to use your tape measure again.

• A comfortable dining room table height is typically 28-30 inches above the floor. The maximum height you’d want for a dining room table is 31 inches.

  How tall is the table you’ve chosen? If it’s abnormally high, you may have to have special chairs made or try and modify dining chair heights with seat cushions.

• The optimal height for a dining chair seat is 11-13 inches from beneath the top of the dining table. A standard dining chair is usually 18-20 inches from the seat to the floor. Make sure that you measure dining chairs before buying them to be certain that they’re the right height for your table.

  If your dining room table has an apron below the tabletop (as many antique tables do), then be sure to factor that in to ensure comfortable seating.

The Right Fit = Comfort

The most important thing is that your dinner guests are comfortable. Utilize this guide to do a little planning before purchasing your next dining room chairs.

Now that you know the correct dimensions for dining chairs to match your table, it’s time to consider which type of chairs you want. In our next blog, we’ll feature the most common types of dining room chairs.