Understanding Typical Sizes for Conference Tables
Choosing the right table starts with knowing the common dimensions used in Australian offices. Standard sizes are based on how many people need to sit comfortably with laptops, documents and room to move.
For most boardrooms and meeting spaces, a typical rectangular table for 6–8 people is around 2100–2400 mm long and 1000–1200 mm wide. Larger rooms that host 10–12 people often use tables between 3000–3600 mm in length. These proportions allow enough space for chairs, legroom and any technology built into the tabletop. You’ll see many of these sizes in commercial ranges of Boardroom Tables and general Office & Meeting Tables.
Width (or depth) is just as important as length. A width of 1000–1200 mm lets people sit opposite each other without feeling cramped, while still keeping the centre of the table within easy reach. Narrower tables can work in tight rooms, but they limit space for power boxes, paperwork and catering.
Some rooms switch between training, workshops and formal meetings, so flexible sizes matter. Modular and flip-top designs in ranges like Training Tables and Folding Tables often follow similar depth standards but use smaller modules (for example 1500 x 750 mm) that can be pushed together to form a larger surface.
How Many People Can Sit Around Different Table Shapes?
Capacity depends on both table shape and dimensions. The same length can seat more or fewer people depending on corners, base design and chair size.
For a rectangular boardroom table, a simple rule of thumb is to allow about 600 mm per person along the side. That means a 2400 mm table comfortably seats four per side plus one at each end, totalling 10. If you plan on larger executive chairs, or frequent laptop use, increasing this to 700 mm per person is more realistic. Purpose-built Meeting Tables usually reflect this spacing in their recommended seating guides.
Round tables work differently. The bigger the diameter, the more people you can add around the circumference without anyone being stuck at a “bad seat”. A 1200 mm diameter table typically suits 4 people, while 1500–1800 mm can seat 6–8, depending on the chair size. Many collaborative spaces use Round Tables for stand-ups or quick project huddles, where clear lines of sight matter more than formal seating.
For training and conference setups using Trestle Tables or lightweight Folding Tables, allow at least 600–700 mm per person along one side when people only sit on one edge (as in classroom layout). When seating on both sides, keep enough depth so laptops and notes don’t collide. Pairing these with suitable Event & Conference Chairs ensures you can adjust capacity up or down quickly.
Room Size, Clearances and Comfort
The biggest mistake is buying a table that technically fits the room but leaves no space to move. You need to plan around the table, not just the tabletop itself.
As a guide, allow at least 900–1200 mm of clearance from the table edge to walls or fixed furniture so chairs can slide back and people can walk behind others who are seated. In compact meeting rooms, you might get by with slightly less, but daily use quickly shows the value of generous circulation space. When you’re browsing Boardroom Tables, always compare product dimensions with your floor plan and account for door swings and storage units.
Chair size affects the workable footprint just as much as the table itself. High-back Meeting Chairs with armrests take more space than slimline event chairs. If you host long workshops or training days, larger ergonomic chairs are worth the room they occupy, but you may need a slightly shorter table to maintain comfortable walkways.
Think about technology and presentation zones as well. Screens, whiteboards, cameras and microphones all need clear sightlines from each seat. Some organisations choose slightly narrower tables to bring participants closer together and closer to displays, especially in hybrid meeting rooms. In multi-purpose spaces, modular Training Tables allow you to reconfigure layouts quickly to suit different group sizes and AV needs.
Choosing the Right Style for Your Meeting or Boardroom
Beyond dimensions, the design of your table should match how the room is actually used day to day. Different bases, edges and finishes all impact comfort and usability.
For formal boardrooms, a long rectangular or boat-shaped table typically projects a professional, executive feel. These often appear in curated Boardroom Tables ranges with cable management, recessed power boxes and durable commercial finishes. If you regularly host clients or video conferences, consider a table shape that keeps everyone within camera view and allows microphones to pick up voices evenly.
Smaller collaboration spaces benefit from more casual solutions. Compact Meeting Tables or circular designs encourage equal participation because no one sits at the “head” of the table. Pairing them with mobile Meeting Chairs on castors helps teams shift between focused discussion, breakout groups and quick stand-up reviews without needing to relocate.
For multi-use spaces that host workshops, staff training and community sessions, flexibility is key. Lightweight Trestle Tables and foldable or flip-top options from Folding Tables and Training Tables ranges can be packed away when not needed. Combine them with stackable Event & Conference Chairs so your room can transition from presentation mode to group work or open-floor events in minutes.
Practical Tips Before You Buy
A little planning upfront can save time, money and frustration later. Use these steps to narrow down the best conference table for your space.
Start by measuring your room accurately, including any alcoves, columns and built-in cabinetry. Sketch the space and mark the ideal screen position, entry door and any storage units. Then overlay potential table sizes, ensuring you keep that 900–1200 mm circulation zone around all sides. When comparing options in Office & Meeting Tables, check the detailed dimensions and recommended seating numbers against your plan rather than relying on guesses.
Next, think about how often the room’s layout will change. If it’s a dedicated executive boardroom, a single large table from the Boardroom Tables collection is usually the best choice. For training rooms and shared spaces, consider modular Training Tables, portable Trestle Tables or versatile Folding Tables that can be rearranged or stored between sessions.
Finally, match your seating to the table size and comfort level you need. Check the width of your preferred Meeting Chairs or Event & Conference Chairs and multiply it by the number of people you’d like to accommodate on each side. This simple calculation ensures realistic capacity without squeezing people in. Rounded corners, durable edges and cable management should also be on your checklist so the table serves your team well for years of meetings, workshops and presentations.
