A Quick Guide to Choosing the Best 36-Inch-Wide Dining Table
Small kitchen tables are a favorite with young couples furnishing their first home and with older people who may be downsizing. Starter homes, apartments and retirement homes often have small kitchen or dining areas. Having a table that is too large for the space is a constant source of frustration. Let's explore whether a 36-inch-wide dining room table may be right for you.
Is 36 Inches Wide Enough for a Dining Table?
Yes, 36 inches is wide enough for a dining table. Most chair styles will fit comfortably at the end of a 36-inch table. Here are a few things to consider with narrow dining tables.
- Choose a table with legs at the corners or a slim pedestal base. Tables with legs at the corners are the most versatile. Browse our gallery for various leg profiles for your 36-inch dining table. Single pedestal bases are another great option, especially for 36-inch round dining tables.
- Choose Dining Chairs that Fit Small Tables. Many wooden or upholstered dining chairs are better suited for large tables. Browse small dining chairs like the Kinglet, Fostoria or Winston style for small dining table sizes. Avoid adding arms to the end chairs of a table 36 inches wide.
- Make it an Extendable 36 x 48 Table. A 36-inch-wide x 48-inch-long dining table is the most common rectangular table size for 4 people. The chairs fit neatly under the table and each person has comfortable space for dining. 36 x 48 dining tables are available with two leaves to extend the small table to a 36 x 72 table for 6-8 people.
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Consider a Bench on One Side of the Table. Adding a bench along one side of your 36-inch-wide table is a great option for families with small children. Three small children sit easily on a bench in the same space two dining chairs require.
Standard 36-Inch-Wide Dining Table Sizes
We recommend allowing each person 24" of space, starting at 48 inches long for rectangular tables.
The following sizes will seat 4-6 people comfortably:
- 36x48 Rectangle Table - No Extension Leaves (Seats 4 People)
- 36x48 Rectangle Table - with 2 Leaves (Each Leaf adds 12"- Extended Table Size -36"x72")
- 36x54 Rectangle Table- with 1 Leaf (Each Leaf adds 12"- Extended Table Size- 36"x66")
- 36x60 Rectangle Table - with 1 Leaf (Each Leaf adds 12" - Extended Table Size -36"x72")
- 36x66 Rectangle Table - No Extension Leaves (Seats 6 People)
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36x72 Rectangle Table - No Extension Leaves (Seats 6 People)
Larger dining tables for 8-10 people or more are available 36 inches wide as well. Most large sizes start as a 36 x 72 dining table. Request 84 inches for extra space around the table.
A 36 x 72 dining room table extended with 2 leaves will comfortably seat 10 people. Follow the same guidelines of allowing each person 24 inches to dine comfortably.
36 x 60 is a common narrow dining table size, often shown for 6 people. 36 x 60 dining room tables often do not allow enough space for chairs to push in under the table when not in use. Choose a table that is at least 66 inches long to fit 6 chairs neatly. A 36 x 60 dining table is best suited for 4 people every day.
Standard dining table heights are available for all 36-inch-wide tables. Tables are 30 inches high unless specified otherwise. Accompanying chairs should have an 18-inch seat height. Make any table counter height or bar height instead.
Complete the Set with an Extendable Solid Wood Bench
When choosing a bench for your space, pay attention to table dimensions. A bench should be approximately 12 inches shorter than the length of the table to fit neatly underneath. Tucking the bench between the legs of the table will allow the table to push against the wall and save even more space. For example, a table that is 48 inches long would have a 36-inch bench.
Extendable benches have leaves just like the dining room tables. Standard dimensions for extendable benches include 36-inch, 48 inch and 60-inch sizes. All extendable benches will double in length when fully extended. This eliminates the need for extra dining chairs.
Wood Types for 36 Wide Extendable Dining Table Styles
All Amish dining tables are available in your choice of wood type and stain color. Amish furniture makers in Ohio build each solid wood table using your choice of American hardwood. Wood types include Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Hickory, Elm, Cherry and Walnut wood. These hardwood options are strong and durable.
Browse our wood and color options online to find the best wood type for your dining table. At Dutch Craft Furniture, we understand that a solid wood dining room table is the focal point in your kitchen. Our knowledgeable sales team is happy to answer any questions you may have or to send samples in the mail for you. No more plastic folding tables; choose a beautiful, 36 wide dining table with leaves for hosting your next family dinner.
