How many people does a 180 cm dining table seat?

About six: three along each side at roughly 60 cm per person. Check the chair width and leave at least 90 cm behind the chairs for movement.

Is solid wood worth the extra cost for a dining table?

For daily use, yes. Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished, so it lasts far longer than a veneered particleboard top and can be repaired instead of replaced.

What height should a dining table be?

A standard dining table is 74–76 cm high with a 44–46 cm chair seat. Sit at it before buying to check that your legs clear the frame and your feet rest flat on the floor.

Dining Table Buying Guide for Addis Ababa Homes

A dining table is where the household gathers, so it has to be big enough for a normal meal, small enough for the room, and tough enough for daily use. This guide covers the measurements and materials that matter before you choose.

6 min read

Work out how many people sit down

Allow about 60 cm of table edge per person. A 180 cm table seats three along each side; a 160 cm table seats two comfortably and three tightly. A round table 120 cm across seats four; 150 cm across seats six. Measure the chairs too: a dining chair is usually 45–50 cm wide, and people need room to pull it back.

Leave at least 90 cm between the table edge and the nearest wall or sideboard so chairs can move. In a small room, a round or oval table lets people slide in without sharp corners and makes the room feel less crowded.

Solid wood, veneer or glass

Solid hardwood — eucalyptus, zigba or tid — is the most repairable surface and the best choice if the table will be used daily. It can be sanded and refinished years later. A veneered table is flatter and more affordable; the quality depends on the core, so ask whether it is thick plywood or particleboard.

Glass is easy to wipe and makes a small room feel lighter, but it shows fingerprints and needs careful handling with children. Whatever the surface, ask for the finish: a matte lacquer hides scratches better than a high gloss, and a table mat protects the wood from hot serving dishes.

Check height and legroom

A standard dining table is 74–76 cm high, with chairs whose seat is 44–46 cm from the floor. The gap between the seat and the tabletop should be around 28–30 cm, enough for legs without knees hitting the apron. Sit at the table before buying: your thighs should clear the frame and your feet should rest flat on the floor.

Look at the leg position. Legs at the very corners give the most knee room, while a central pedestal is comfortable but can tip if the top is heavy. For a small room, a trestle base lets you push chairs in further.

Plan for the way you actually eat

If the table doubles as a desk or homework space, choose a forgiving finish and a surface that is easy to clean. If you host often, consider an extending table or a second smaller table rather than a permanently huge one that crowds the room.

Think about maintenance. Solid wood needs occasional oil or wax; lacquer needs only a damp cloth but cannot be repaired as easily. Keep the table away from direct sun and radiators, and wipe spills quickly, especially on veneer.

Frequently asked questions

How many people does a 180 cm dining table seat?: About six: three along each side at roughly 60 cm per person. Check the chair width and leave at least 90 cm behind the chairs for movement.
Is solid wood worth the extra cost for a dining table?: For daily use, yes. Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished, so it lasts far longer than a veneered particleboard top and can be repaired instead of replaced.
What height should a dining table be?: A standard dining table is 74–76 cm high with a 44–46 cm chair seat. Sit at it before buying to check that your legs clear the frame and your feet rest flat on the floor.