Oconference roomit is an essential aspect of office design. It is a universal space that you can use for employee meetings, training sessions, interviews and client meetings. EITHERconference tableit is as crucial as the room itself. Since this surface is the centerpiece of the room, you need a conference table that looks impressive and meets your practical needs.
Size is one factor you should consider when choosing a conference table. To determine the best conference table size for you, you should consider the dimensions of your conference room, the table shape you prefer, and the number of seats at your table. This conference room table seating guide will walk you through each of these factors so you can choose the best option for your company's meeting room.
The size of the room
A good starting point is the size of the conference room. The size of your conference room may limit the size of your conference table. Here are some tips for determining how much space is available in your conference room:
- Create a team list:Decide what equipment you want to include in the conference room. You may want items like a podium, sideboard, or audiovisual equipment. Write down the measurements of the equipment you plan to add to the room.
- Measure the room:When measuring your meeting room, keep in mind that the dimensions of the room may not reflect the available space. If you have or plan to place items along the perimeter of the room, measure the empty areas of the room without counting the space these items already occupy or will occupy.
- Determine the clearance:You need to determine how much space you need around your desk. For large rooms, a space of approximately 6 feet around the perimeter of the conference table is ideal. In smaller rooms, make sure you have at least 3.5 feet of space around the table. Having so much space allows people to move freely around the table and pull out chairs without feeling cramped.
- Subtract the free space from the dimensions of the room:Be sure to double the amount of slack to account for all sides of the table. After doing this measurement and math, the remaining dimensions represent the maximum table size your conference room can accommodate.
Let's work through a quick example. Imagine your conference room is 24' x 14'. You have a sideboard against the wall that is 1.5' deep. This existing furniture reduces the available space in the room to 22.5' x 14'. Suppose you want 5 feet of clearance around the table, an appropriate amount of space for a room this size. Available space is now reduced to 12.5' x 4'. Now you know that your conference table dimensions need to be 12.5' x 4' or smaller to fit the space perfectly.
table shape
Many people base the shape of their table on the purpose of the room. For example, a rectangular table may be better if the room is for meetings and conferences. If you want your employees to participate in small group discussions, a modular conference table will fill that need.
The example above left us with rectangular dimensions, which more easily translate to square or rectangular tables, but there are many shapes of meeting tables. Some of the more popular ways include:
- Rectangle:Rectangular tables are a classic option that offers more seating for the size. A rectangular table can be wide enough to include several seats at each end, or it can be narrower with one seat at each end. The flat table is suitable for meetings and training rooms.
- barco:Boat-shaped conference tables look interesting and stylish. The table has convex sides with tapered ends and rounded corners. Contrary to common belief, they offer no more seating than a similarly sized rectangular table. Some people prefer the sight lines they get with a boat-shaped conference table.
- Square:Square conference tables tend to offer a good amount of seating for the size. However, if you're designing a large conference table, a square table means that people sitting on the other side of the table may feel too far away.
- Redondo:Round tables tend to work best for smaller seating arrangements. If you want to accommodate a large number of people, a circular table will take up a lot of space compared to other shapes.
- live edge:Live Edge tables are a beautiful and unique option. Because they include a space in the middle of the table, unless you choose a river table where glass fills that space, you shouldn't plan on seating people at either end. Sharp-edged tabletops are irregular in shape, so you'll want to check with your furniture manufacturer about how many seats they recommend.
number of seats
In some cases, you can start by considering the number of seats you want at your conference table. Consider how many people your company employs and how you plan to use your conference room. Design your table to accommodate the maximum number of people who will be in the room at one time. If your business is expanding, you can also choose a larger desk that doesn't grow quickly.
Download this graphicto see how many chairs fit specific table sizes and shapes. For example, if you need a conference table for 20 people, you might choose a 60" x 264" rectangular table, a 72" x 264" boat table, a 160" x 160" square table, a 240" diameter or a 60" x 300" live edge table.
In general, the basis for these estimates is to provide at least 30″ for each person seated at the table, which is usually enough for gatherings. However, if each person needs work space for a laptop or other items, plan for more space. In these situations, you want more than 42″ of space per person. The size and style of chairs you choose can also influence how much space each seat needs.
If you're unsure of the table size you need to meet your seating requirements, we can discuss your needs to ensure you have the ideal fit for your conference room.
table height
In addition to understanding the size of your conference room and the number of seats required, you may want to think about the specific dimensions of your new conference table. One of the most important considerations is the height of the table.
Most manufacturers of solid wood or veneer conference tables base the height of their tables around a specific standard. In general, most conference tables have a height of around 30″, which is equal to 2.5′.
The standard 30″ height can vary slightly depending on the final conference table choice. Many factors can contribute to the table appearing higher or lower. These factors include:
- The conference room floor:If your conference table is on a firm floor surface, such as concrete or luxury vinyl, you can expect the height to stay true. On the other hand, if your conference room floor has soft or thick carpet, the conference table may “sag” in the fibers. This can make the table appear lower, depending on whether the chairs "sag" as well.
- Adjustable conference table legs:Some conference tables allow you to slightly adjust the table legs. This feature corrects legs if floors are uneven, such as in older buildings with “fixed” floors or that may not have been level to begin with. If you can adjust the legs of your conference table, the standard height of 30″ from the floor may differ.
If you're not sure about the height of a 30" conference table, try measuring the height of your current desk or your office desk. By doing this, you will have a better understanding.
Frequently asked questions about other conference tables
When determining how to choose a conference table for your business needs, you may have specific questions. These are some of the most frequently asked questions about conference tables.
What are the different styling options?
Sometimes the type of conference table you use influences its dimensions and shape. there are many differencestypes of conference table stylesavailable. These include:
- Bayonne:The Bayonne table offers a sleek, contemporary look and can be separated into several smaller pieces for easy transport. It is made of solid wood with a laminated metal base.
- Flying V:This conference table has a powerful and professional atmosphere. You can modernize it with integrated power and data options.
- live edge:Perfect for rustic or modern themes, the makers use a large slab of wood from a tree to make it. Since no two trees are the same, no two Live Edge tables are the same. You can customize the species of wood, finish and size.
- Quartz:Quartz creates a luxurious and professional environment. It features a steel base and optional power and data integration. The table comes in various shapes and sizes.
- Río:These unique tables are stunningly beautiful and create a sense of serenity. Like the live-edge tables, the makers craft them from a slab of wood, but they also feature a piece of blue river glass that gives the appearance of a river flowing through a forest.
- Solid wood:Wooden conference tables will last for many years. You can choose the species of wood, the dimensions and the finish of the table to complement the environment of your meeting room.
- sheet metal cascade:This beautiful modern table conveys a sense of calm. Like a waterfall, the wood grain of the veneer falls over the table top and down the base.
- Fuze:These tables feature a sharp edge top with a natural edge and steel legs in triangular shapes.
How long is a conference table for 10 people?
The length of a 10-person conference table is not set in stone. However, you can get a general idea of how long a table for 10 people will be if it is rectangular or oval. Many 10-person conference tables are around 144", which is 12' long. Some can be longer, especially if they are designed to offer more space per person. Of course, if you're looking for a round, square, or irregularly shaped conference table, the longest part of the table will be somewhere around that 144″ figure.
What size conference table do I need?
This is an interesting question because it forces you to think about your current and future needs. Think about the meetings you usually hold and how many attendees you expect on average. If you're typically limited to no more than eight people at any given meeting and your room is at least 11' by 19', you'll probably only want an 8-person conference table, or one that's about 96" long and 48" long. . " Wide.
Still, you need to keep your size goals in mind. If you plan to expand your business and have a large enough space, you may want to expand your conference table to a size range of 10, 12, or even 14 people.
How can I uniquely place a conference table in a room?
Not all rooms are square or rectangular. Some are L-shaped or circular or have unusual built designs. When adding a conference table to an unevenly sized room, contact conference table experts like the team at Greg Pilotti Furniture Makers for a quote. We have the background and experience to help you choose a conference table that suits your needs and aesthetics.
Contact Furniture Makers Greg Pilotti for Pricing
For a completely unique and custom conference table, Greg Pilotti Furniture Makers can help. Our exceptional craftsmanship and use of high-quality materials combine to result in functional and attractive conference tables that meet your needs.
Contact Usto discuss pricing on your table design specifications or learn more about your options.