Short answer: allow about 60 cm of table edge per guest and at least 90 cm of free floor around a dining table. That means a 160 cm table seats 6, 200 cm seats 8, 300 cm seats 12 and 420 cm seats 16. In a majlis, keep 40–45 cm between the seating and the coffee table. A wall mirror over a console should be roughly two-thirds to three-quarters of the console's width. The sections below explain each rule with real sizes.
1. Choosing a dining table size
Start with how many people you host on a normal week, then think about the largest gathering you want to seat. Two simple measurements decide almost everything:
- Width per guest: about 60 cm of table edge per person, so elbows and plates have space. Carved chairs with arms need a little more.
- Clearance: at least 90 cm from the table edge to the nearest wall or furniture, so chairs can be pulled out and people can walk behind them. 100–120 cm feels generous.
Dining table size guide
| Guests | Table size | Room size needed (approx.) | ZW option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 160 × 100 cm | 3.4 × 2.8 m | Qanadil set for 6 |
| 8 | 200 × 100 cm | 3.8 × 2.8 m | Qanadil set for 8 |
| 12 | 300 × 100 cm | 4.8 × 2.8 m | Qanadil set for 12 |
| 16 | 420 × 140 cm | 6.0 × 3.2 m | Qanadil set for 16 |
The room sizes above add 90 cm of clearance on every side of the table. If one long side sits against a wall with a bench or no chairs, you can reduce that side.
All four sizes share the same Damascene design, carved in solid pitch pine and hand-inlaid with between 1,061 and 2,051 pieces of mother-of-pearl. You can buy the Qanadil table on its own in any of the four sizes and add matching chairs in pairs.
Tip for UAE villas
Many villas combine a formal dining room with a majlis for guests. If your dining room doubles as a hosting space during Ramadan or family gatherings, size the table for your largest regular gathering rather than your daily use. It is easier to leave chairs out than to squeeze guests in.
2. Majlis and living room coffee tables
In a majlis, the coffee table is the centre of hospitality, so it needs to be reachable from every seat.
- Distance: 40–45 cm between the seat edge and the table, close enough to place a cup without standing up.
- Size: roughly two-thirds the length of the main sofa or seating run. For an L-shaped or U-shaped majlis, a large square table works better than a long rectangle because every guest faces it.
- Height: level with the seat cushion or a little lower.
Our Salema coffee table has a 122 × 122 cm square top, which suits a U-shaped majlis or a large L-shaped sofa. Its border spells "Ahlan wa Sahlan" (welcome) in inlaid Kufic script, which makes it a natural centrepiece for receiving guests. Each Salema design is a one-of-a-kind piece. For full layout ideas, read the Arabic majlis design guide.
For smaller corners, a pair of chairs with a side table creates a conversation spot. The Dimash seating corner combines two chairs and a matching side table.
3. Choosing a wall mirror size
- Over a console or sideboard: the mirror should be about two-thirds to three-quarters of the furniture's width, centred above it with 15–25 cm between the furniture top and the mirror's lower edge.
- On its own wall: hang it so the centre sits at roughly eye level, around 150–160 cm from the floor. Tall crown mirrors can sit lower so the crown has room.
- Entryways and stairwells with high ceilings: go bigger than you think. A small mirror on a tall wall looks lost.
Mirror size guide
| Space | Good fit | ZW option |
|---|---|---|
| Hallway, dressing area, above a small console | Around 100 × 50 cm | Rimmon (101 × 51 cm), Tamra, Italiya |
| Entryway where you also want display space | Mirror with shelves | Tarquin, Tarquin Grande |
| Large foyer, majlis or double-height wall | 2 m or taller | Arabesque Large (211 × 150 cm), Arabesque Grand (236 × 157 cm) |
More on styles and hanging in our crown mirror guide.
4. When a room divider makes sense
A carved folding screen (paravan) is the easiest way to create privacy without building a wall. It works well when you want to:
- separate a majlis or reception area from an open-plan living space;
- hide a dining area, prayer corner or storage from the entrance;
- add a decorative backdrop behind a bed, sofa or console.
Measure the opening you want to screen and leave a little extra so the panels can stand in a gentle zigzag; folding screens are not designed to stand fully flat. Four-panel screens suit smaller openings, five-panel screens cover wider ones. Dimensions for each design are listed on its product page.
See all designs, from the Damascene Anbar to the Moroccan Zahraqa, in our room divider collection, and get ideas in room dividers for UAE homes.
Frequently asked questions
How big should a dining table be for 8 people?
About 200 × 100 cm, with at least 90 cm of free space around it, so a room of roughly 3.8 × 2.8 m.
How big should a dining table be for 12 people?
About 300 × 100 cm, in a room of roughly 4.8 × 2.8 m.
How far should a coffee table be from the sofa?
40–45 cm from the edge of the seat.
What size mirror goes above a console?
Two-thirds to three-quarters of the console's width, hung 15–25 cm above it.
Can I order a size that is not listed?
Yes. See how custom-made furniture works, or contact us with your room measurements and we will advise on the best fit.
