When planning a dining table for your patio or garden, you face the question of how high the seats need to be and how much space each person requires. Unlike indoors, wider armrests, weather-resistant constructions, and varying table heights often play a role outdoors. Additionally, the arrangement should allow enough freedom of movement so that no one bumps into anything when standing up. This guide provides specific measurements for seat height, table width, and space per place setting, enabling you to coordinate chairs and tables perfectly.
Seat Height for Outdoor Chairs
Seat height refers to the distance between the floor and the top edge of the seat. For outdoor dining chairs, it typically ranges between 45 and 48 cm. This value corresponds to the standard for indoor furniture and ensures that the upper and lower legs form a right angle when seated. Always measure the height at the front edge of the seat, as some models may slightly slope backward.
Chairs with armrests additionally require clearance under the tabletop. The top edge of the armrest should be at least 8 cm below the underside of the table so that the chair can be pushed in completely. For tables with aprons or crossbars, this clearance is reduced, so you should check the clear height between the floor and the underside of the apron.
Coordination of Table and Seat Height
The difference between seat height and tabletop height is given as table height minus seat height and should be between 27 and 32 cm. With a seat height of 46 cm, this results in an ideal table height of 73 to 78 cm. Standard outdoor dining tables usually measure 75 cm, so most outdoor chairs fit without adjustment.
If the seat height deviates upwards or downwards, for example, with lounge chairs at 40 cm or bar stools at 65 cm, the table height must be adjusted accordingly. For low lounge arrangements, coffee tables with a height of 45 to 50 cm are suitable, while bar tables should be 100 to 110 cm high.
Space Requirement per Place Setting
Each person requires a minimum width of 60 cm at the table so that plates, glasses, and cutlery can be placed side by side. 70 cm is more comfortable, especially if larger plates or serving dishes are on the table. For depth, 40 cm per place setting is calculated, measured from the table edge to the center.
A rectangular table with a length of 180 cm and a width of 90 cm thus offers space for six people: two at the short sides and one at each long side. Round tables with a diameter of 120 cm are suitable for four people, while with a diameter of 150 cm, six people can comfortably sit.
Movement Space Behind Chairs
For a person to stand up without having to push the chair far back, at least 80 cm of free space should remain behind the backrest. This value applies to the distance between the table edge and a wall, railing, or next piece of furniture. If someone needs to walk behind an occupied chair, 110 cm is required.
On a terrace or balcony, these measurements quickly add up. A table with a width of 90 cm, including chairs and movement space, requires a total area of at least 250 cm in depth: 80 cm behind the chair, 90 cm table width, and another 80 cm on the opposite side.
Specifics of Outdoor Materials
Outdoor chairs made of aluminum, teak, or polyrattan often have wider frames than indoor furniture, as the construction must withstand wind and moisture. Armrests can therefore be 6 to 8 cm wider, which reduces the effective seat width. Therefore, check the inner width between the armrests, which should be at least 50 cm for comfortable models.
Cushions and pads increase the seat height by 3 to 5 cm. If you use cushions, measure the total height including the cushion to ensure that the difference to the tabletop remains within the recommended range.
Overview of Guidelines
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Dining Chair Seat Height | 45 to 48 cm |
| Standard Table Height | 73 to 78 cm |
| Difference Table to Seat | 27 to 32 cm |
| Width per Place Setting | 60 to 70 cm |
| Depth per Place Setting | 40 cm |
| Movement Space Behind Chair | 80 cm (standing up), 110 cm (passage) |
| Clearance Armrest to Underside of Table | at least 8 cm |
Planning Checklist
- Measure the seat height at the front edge of the seat, including cushions if applicable.
- Check the clear height under the tabletop if aprons or crossbars are present.
- Allow 60 to 70 cm width and 40 cm depth per person at the table.
- Plan at least 80 cm of movement space behind each chair, and 110 cm for passages.
- Check if chairs with armrests fit under the tabletop.
- Consider the total width of the armrests to determine the actual seat width.
You can find suitable pieces under Outdoor Chairs and Outdoor Dining Tables. Details on construction, available dimensions, and delivery times can be found on Eichholtz Outdoor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bar stools with a regular dining table?
No, bar stools have a seat height of 65 to 75 cm and only fit bar tables with a height of 100 to 110 cm. At a standard dining table with a height of 75 cm, the seating position would be too high, preventing the upper and lower legs from forming a right angle and causing knees to hit the tabletop.
How many people can sit at a round table with a 150 cm diameter?
A round table with a 150 cm diameter can comfortably seat six people if you allow 60 to 70 cm width per person. The circumference is approximately 471 cm, providing ample elbow room for each person. With eight people, it becomes cramped, as only just under 59 cm per place setting would be available.
Do I need to adjust the seat height for outdoor chairs with cushions?
Yes, cushions and pads increase the seat height by 3 to 5 cm. Measure the total height including the cushion and check if the difference to the tabletop still lies between 27 and 32 cm. If the seat height becomes too high, you can choose thinner cushions or forgo them entirely.
How much space do I need on the patio for a table with six chairs?
A table for six people measures approximately 180 cm in length and 90 cm in width. Including chairs and movement space, you need at least 340 cm in length (180 cm table plus 80 cm on each short side) and 250 cm in width (90 cm table plus 80 cm on each long side). This results in a total area of approximately 8.5 square meters.