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Dining Sets for 6: Sizes, Styles, Inspiring combos for indoor and outdoor dining
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Categories :
Dining Room
Looking for practical advice and creative inspiration for the ideal 6-seater dining set? Look no further.
As any discerning homeowner knows, your dining space is about so much more than just having a place to rest your rump while you sink your teeth into dad’s signature Fillet au Poivre. It showcases your tastes in more ways than one, setting the tone for your home and your dining experiences.
Whether you’re trying to tie those family bonds a little tighter, or opening your home to more friends and fun, there’s just something special about coming together around the table. So, when it comes to choosing the perfect dining set, there’s more at stake than that prize steak!
A 6-seater dining table offers the perfect blend of intimacy and versatility, so it’s no wonder it’s the most popular size for home dining. In this post, we'll delve into ideas, advice and practical tips for choosing a 6-seater dining set for your indoor or outdoor space that will make every dining experience one to savour.
What is the best size dining table for 6 people?
Rectangular 6-seater dining table dimensions
Rectangular tables are the most common shape for 6-seaters, since you can comfortably arrange two chairs on either side, with an additional two on the ends.
A rectangular table should be at least 90cm wide and 1.5m long to fit six chairs.
1.6m and 1.8m tables are also popular 6-seater options, particularly if you have dining chairs with armrests which take up a little more room. A 1.8m table looks nice and casual with six chairs, but can easily fit an extra two to turn it into an 8-seater when needed.
Oval & round 6-seater dining table dimensions
Oval and round tables also make good 6-seaters.
An oval table should be at least 1.6m long to avoid your diners feeling cramped near the ends.
For round tables, you’ll want a diameter of at least 1.2m and no more than 1.5m (which can seat up to 8 diners). Check out our guide on choosing the best dining chairs for a round table design.
Square 6-seater dining table dimensions
Square tables are not a natural choice for 6-seaters, due to the obvious maths. Since you want an equal number of chairs on each side to keep things balanced, they’re usually used as 4-seaters or 8-seaters.
But if you’re more an out-of-the-box type, you could make an 8-seater square table work as a 6-seater. In this case, a square table should be at least 1.5m long to fit 2 chairs on one side.
But how do you pull off the asymmetrical look? The best way we’d recommend is to pair up two matching chairs on opposite ends, then choose two of a different style chair to place on the other opposing ends of the table. Choosing a wider, weightier chair—perhaps one with armrests—to stand on its own on two of the sides would help balance the look and make for a quirky mix and match effect.
How much space do you need for a 6-seater dining set?
To make sure your 6-seater dining set fits comfortably into your space and avoids your diners feeling cramped, the rule of thumb is to have at least a 90cm margin between your table and the nearest walls or other furniture. A 1m to 1.2m margin is ideal if you can swing it. If your table is going to be near a door or entryway, plan to place it at least 1.2m away from the entry point.
This means that for a 90cm by 1.5m rectangular table, your room should ideally be in the region of 3 x 3.5m. For open plan spaces, the actual floor space is less of a concern, as long as your diners aren’t bumping into the furniture!
With a little forethought and creativity, you can probably fit a 6-seater dining table into most dining spaces. If you’re really short on space, using benches on the sides of a 4-seater rectangular table can easily turn it into a 6-seater.
6-seater dining sets: inspiring styles and combos for indoor & outdoor dining
Now that we’ve got the practicalities out the way, let’s take a look at some trendy contemporary dining styles and combos to get you set up with an inspired indoor or outdoor dining space.
Rectangular table with 6 chairs
Rectangular tables are the classic and popular option for good reason – they’re very versatile, fit well into most modern spaces, and provide plenty of surface area to set out all your dinnerware and serve up delicious meals at the table. Upholstered dining chairs with padded seats and backs are a comfy option to rack up those dining miles!
Bordeaux Dining Table - 1.9m
This beautiful French Provincial style dining table combines elegant craftsmanship with a warm, natural finish to bring a sense of timeless style to your dining experience.
R17,499
This unique set brings natural warmth to your dining space with its solid rubberwood provincial style Bordeaux table, combined with cane and rattan cushioned Avilen chairs for a relaxed yet sophisticated look.
Enzo Dining Chair - Smoke
Bring some mid-century modern style to your dining space with the Eames-inspired Enzo Dining Chair. Upgrade your dining with a look that’s both classic and creative!
R1,199
The Vancouver Enzo 6-seater set is beautifully balanced for the contemporary connoisseur, boasting a solid acacia wood table with wire-brushed finish for a rustic touch.
The mid-century modern Enzo chair with its iconic Eiffel style legs is available in a range of stylish colours in microfibre, velvet or polyester, so you can mix and match and choose the fabric option that makes sense for your lifestyle.
Rectangular table with bench seating
A rectangular table with bench seating can be great for families with kids, as it can accommodate more diners while providing a more cosy and laid back feel. Bench seating can also add a rustic touch to a dining room, whether you’re going for a contemporary, farmhouse or country cottage vibe.
The Arcadia dining set with bench seating can comfortably seat 6-8 diners along its 1.8m table with two benches.
The contrast of textured metal and acacia wood makes a stunning combo that will have family and dinner guests dining in style while feeling perfectly at home.
Round table with 6 chairs
A round table is a great option for smaller dining spaces, as it takes up less room and makes for more intimate mealtimes. Chairs with higher backs and armrests fit in well and offer a comfortable option for long dinner parties.
This round table 6-seater dining set is the perfect addition to any modern open-plan apartment or townhouse.
The Gorm is crafted from reclaimed pine, bringing a solid, wholesome personality to your space, while the Jude chairs provide a touch of elegance with their diamond pattern microfibre upholstery.
Patio Dining Sets for 6
What better place than the patio to create the ideal dining environment to enjoy those perfect summer evenings with your favourite peeps? With a patio dining set for 6, you can go a little more laid-back, or bring on the Parisian café vibes to add that touch of extra flavour and flair!
This French bistro style patio dining set is sure to impress your friends and lure any reluctant teens to the table! The 1.7m slatted Acacia wood table will hold its own on patios partially exposed to the elements, combined with the stylish Tara bistro chairs (available in a range of fresh colours) for a unique blend of natural charm and character.
If you’re after the perfect mix of contemporary elegance and comfort, the Luciana Round Dining Set is a gorgeous option that will have you wanting to spend all your mealtimes on the patio. The table and chairs are from solid acacia wood with a natural finish, with unique rope detailing put to beautiful effect.
6 Seater Dining sets for Outdoor Spaces
An outdoor dining set can really help get the most from your outdoor space, whether you want to get your day off to the perfect start with breakfast by the pool, or end it off with a casual garden soirée!
Whatever the occasion, the casual and comfortable Orion Patio Dining Set is the ideal destination for intimate outdoor entertaining. The set is crafted from environmentally friendly eucalyptus wood that will stand up well to the elements, and comes with a set of 6 folding slatted chairs with removable cushions for outdoor convenience.
Shop South Africa’s widest range of dining sets for 6
Now that you’ve got a good idea of the ideal size for a 6-seater dining table and dining area, and some inspiring combos to turn your indoor or outdoor dining space into the envy of all your friends, it’s time to find yourself the perfect set that speaks to your unique personal tastes.
For more inspiration, browse Cielo’s wide range of 6-seater dining sets, or build your own perfect combo from our huge selection of contemporary dining tables and dining chairs and benches for your living room or patio.
Happy dining!