Fine Woodworking 2007 Building Furniture

C O M F O R T A

C R I T I C A L FAC T O R

Overall table height,

legroom below the

apron, overhang on

the table ends, and

the space allotted for

each diner should all

be considered when

designing a dining table.

29 in.

29 in.

25 in.

TA B L E S I Z E A N D

S E AT I N G C A PAC I T Y

While 29 in. of elbow

room per person is ideal,

it’s not always possible.

These examples give an

idea of how many people

fit comfortably around a

given table size.

A well-proportioned table offers

both comfort and style

B Y G R A H A M B L A C K B U R N

Table Design

he original and quintessential func-

tion of a table is to provide a flat sur-

face for writing, playing games, eating,

or working. And the form of any given

table may be as varied as these uses. So it is

of the utmost importance to be clear at the

outset about the requirements of the table

you intend to design, whether it’s a small

coffee table or large dining table. There are

not only structural requirements—so that

the table can do its intended job—but also

ergonomic requirements. The most exqui-

site dining table will be a failure if it proves

too small to seat diners comfortably.

Attention to function is absolutely the

designer’s first responsibility. Familiarize

yourself with tables designed for similar

functions, and note features designed for

specific purposes, such as sturdy legs for

18 in.

1

3

4 36 in. 2

1

4 3

48 in.

5 2

1

(^43)
5 60 in. 2
6
1
3
4 2
1
8 3
2
7 4
6 5
1
12
2 3
11
10
4
5
6
9 8 7
30 in. by 48 in.
1 2
4 3
36 in. by 72 in.
1 3
D I N I N G D I M E N S I O N S
While it’s important to make sure a table
is sized to fit its intended space, these
dimensions will get you close to a design
that gives people elbow room.
30 F I N E W O O D W O R K I N G
36 in. 48 in. 60 in.
T
2
7 6 5
8 4
BUILDINGTABLES]
30 F I N E W O O D W O R K I N G Drawings: Graham Blackburn
FWSIP08BF_ST.indd 30 6/6/07 4:12:46 PM