Start with the job each table has to do
Tables decide how many covers you can seat, how easily staff move between them and how comfortable guests feel. Before comparing styles, work through five questions in order: how many people sit at each table, what top size that requires, which restaurant table base gives enough stability, what height suits the concept, and which top material will survive daily service. Getting the order right prevents wobbly tables and chairs that don't tuck in.
Table top sizes by number of seats
Allow roughly 60 cm of edge width per diner. Coffee-and-cake cafés can work with compact tops, while full-service restaurants need extra room for plates, glasses and sharing dishes.
| Seats | Square / rectangular top | Round top | Typical base |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 60×60 – 70×70 cm | Ø 60 – 70 cm | Single column, 40–45 cm foot |
| 4 | 80×80 cm or 70×120 cm | Ø 80 – 90 cm | Single column with 55–60 cm foot, or cross base |
| 6 | 80×160 – 90×180 cm | Ø 110 – 120 cm | Four legs or twin bases |
Leave at least 45–60 cm between occupied chairs of neighbouring tables and around 90 cm for main service aisles.
Round or square tables?
Round tops have no corners, so they ease circulation in tight rooms, feel sociable and can take an extra chair when needed. Square tops line up neatly along walls and banquettes, and can be pushed together to seat larger groups. Many venues mix both: rounds by windows and in corners, squares in the middle of the floor where layouts change through the day.
Commercial table base types
- Single-column (pedestal) base: keeps legroom free and is the most common choice for cafés. The foot plate or arms must be wide enough for the top.
- Cross (X) base: spreads support over a larger footprint for similar weight, making it steadier under tops of 80 cm and above.
- Four-leg table: the most stable option for large and rectangular tops, though legs can restrict chair placement.
Base width relative to top size
As a rule of thumb, a pedestal foot should measure about two-thirds of the top, and the overhang from the foot's tip to the table edge should not exceed 20–25 cm. Choose a wider or heavier base for heavy tops such as marble and for tall bar tables. Adjustable levelling glides help on uneven floors. You can compare sizes in our table bases range.
Table heights: 72–75, 90 and 105–110 cm
Standard dining tables are 72–75 cm high and pair with restaurant chairs that have a seat height of about 45 cm. Counter tables at 90 cm need seats around 65 cm, and bar tables at 105–110 cm suit bar stools with seats of roughly 75 cm. A gap of 27–30 cm between seat and table top keeps posture comfortable.
Table top materials: compact laminate, wood, marble-look
Compact laminate resists moisture, scratches and heat, making it a practical choice for busy cafés and terraces. Solid or veneered wood looks warm but needs a suitable lacquer and regular care. Marble-look surfaces give an upmarket feel; genuine marble is heavy, so the base must be chosen to match.
ASF Sandalye manufactures metal table bases and chairs at its own facility in Sancaktepe, Istanbul, and ships across Turkey and abroad; add the models you like to your quote list or contact us for a quote.
Common questions
What size table top do I need for four people?
For four diners, an 80×80 cm square, a 70×120 cm rectangle or a round top of Ø 80–90 cm usually works. Go towards the larger size if you serve full meals.
How wide should a pedestal table base be?
The foot should be roughly two-thirds of the top size, for example 45–50 cm for a 70×70 cm top. Heavy tops and bar-height tables need a wider base.
What is the standard bar table height?
Bar tables are typically 105–110 cm high and pair with bar stools that have a seat height of about 75 cm. Counter-height tables at 90 cm suit seats of around 65 cm.