Size & Seating Guide for Custom Conference Room Tables

Choosing the Right Size Conference Room Table is Important

Your productivity and ability to communicate effectively are greatly affected by the size, shape, and seating layout of custom conference room tables. Every room is unique, and your meeting participants need to be comfortable and able to collaborate with other attendees. We specialize in large conference table and boardroom table designs built to our client’s specifications.

At Paul Downs, our custom conference room tables can be hand-crafted to fit any space and accommodate any number of guests. We’ve been producing custom conference room tables and furniture since 1986. We also make other furniture including lecterns, credenzas, reception desks, and much more. We’re a workshop, not a factory. We make every commissioned piece from scratch, one at a time.

3 Ways to Select the Best Conference Room Table Size

When determining the best custom conference room table for your office or meeting room there are a few important factors to think of. First would be how many people you need to seat at your table. Second would be the desired table shape as the shape is important for the function of your meeting space. Third would be the room size. You can’t put in a large table that blocks entrances and allows minimal space for meeting participants. You can peruse the size and seating guides below or have someone from the team at Paul Downs can help you decide the best conference table design for you.

1. Number of Seats

The spacing between participants at your table is more important than ever. When deciding how many seats to have at your table, allowing participants to have personal space is paramount. The traditional spacing that is recommended for each seat at your table is at least 30 inches. A distance of 36 inches is recommended for boardroom tables or meeting tables where attendees will have computers or other personal materials with them. With social distancing now a factor in meeting sizes, we recommend having 42 inches between seats to accommodate the extra space needed to keep everyone safe.

More About Seat Number

2. Desired Table Shape

The main purpose of a conference room is to allow for interaction and collaboration for all participants. An ideal conference room table shape will allow everyone to make direct eye contact with as many people as possible. A round conference table does this best, but most conference rooms are not large enough to accommodate a circular table for more than a few people. Large rectangular or boat-shaped conference tables can typically maximize the number of people in the space you have. We offer completely custom conference table solutions that can be shaped to serve any room or purpose.

More About Table Shape

Conference Room Table Sizes - Sizing Guide

3. Size of the Room

Your custom conference table should have enough clearance between walls and other barriers so that your guests can easily navigate to their seats. The distance from your table edge to the walls will depend on the size and dimensions of the room. We suggest a minimum clearance on each side of a rectangular conference table should be around 20% of the table length and width. If your room is 20 feet long, the space on each side and end should be around 4 feet, meaning your table should no longer than 12 feet. Many conference rooms also include a credenza or other furniture so be sure to account for them when sizing your table.

More About Room Size

The Paul Downs Difference

No mass-produced, cookie-cutter tables here. When it comes to custom conference room tables, Paul Downs is the pinnacle of craftsmanship. We design truly unique meeting and boardroom tables that are hand-crafted to your specifications, from power and data hatches right down to the grain of the wood we use. If you need a conference room table for your business, organization, or school, we’re just a click or call away. Someone from our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Interested in Custom Conference Room Tables? Contact Us Today.

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Google Rating

5.0

Based on 74 reviews

Paul Downs Cabinetmakers

5.0

Ed Ratka

14:35 07 May 21

From the moment we had our first call to the installation of our conference room furniture, the level of service was impeccable. The design and craftsmanship of our conference room tables and credenzas is outstanding. We are proud to have such beautiful pieces part of our newly renovated law firm office.

Andrew Yallop

00:21 23 Apr 21

Former employee and wanted to let people know how other American woodworking and conference table manufacturers should operate! Paul Downs Cabinetmakers is a great example.The owner treats his employees like a part of his family. From the guy sweeping the floor all the way to the top, everyone is treated as a valued team member who is actually heard throughout the organization. Everyone’s input is valued.I spent 3-1/2 years working for Paul Downs and it was a wonderfully unique experience in a trade that is often underpaid and undervalued.The team works very well together, from an open initial brainstorming process, to fabrication, to packaging and final installation.You set your own schedule, and there’s never an issue if you have something come up.Pay was great with the owner trying to ensure his biggest asset, his employees, had a livable wage and benefits.It was a great team, great work I could be proud of, and an awesome experience! Keep making gorgeous stuff guys!

Tori James

20:12 16 Apr 21

The entire team at Paul Downs did an amazing job. They built our law firm a beautiful boardroom table and matching credenza. Everyone (shipping coordinators, project managers, engineers, etc.) went above and beyond to make sure that all of our needs were met. They explained everything and were very responsive throughout the entire process. I highly recommend them!

Leslie Hutchison

14:38 14 Apr 21

As an interior designer working on commercial projects, it can be challenging to find quality conference tables for clients. Paul downs created a gorgeous custom modular table for my country club client that allows flexibility to configure tables into one large table , two tables or four tables. They worked with me throughout the entire process and provided the necessary drawings and details. The table finish and workmanship is beautiful! I am so impressed with the quality and the service provided by Paul Downs' project team. I look forward to working with Paul Downs in the future.

Anne McDermott

17:51 17 Mar 21

Working with Paul Downs to design, create and install our company's boardroom table was a seamless process and the finished product absolutely exceeded our expectations. Every team member, from designer to project manager, was super responsive, friendly and demonstrated complete expertise.I wouldn't hesitate to work with the Paul Downs company again and can't recommend them more highly! A truly great experience from start to finish with a beautiful table to show for it!!

Chris James

16:44 16 Mar 21

The table was exactly as designed and they met the deadline that was promised. They communicated throughout the process and installation went off without a hitch. Everyone is pleased by the new addition to our board room.

Doug Burton

13:49 12 Jan 21

This was the very best customer experience I have every had with a custom conference table manufacturer in my 35 years of business in this industry.From the design to the interaction with Paul Downs with the end user to the installation; it was a 10 out of 10 in every way.The end user is even more pleased with the end result than we are!

Barbara Winnick

18:49 04 Jan 21

This has been a wonderful experience. My table is beautiful and everyone was very helpful.

Dan Jacobs

16:09 04 Jan 21

We would certainly recommend Paul Downs for not only the beautiful conference table and credenza they made for our church but willingness to help us thru the process and patience as we made decisions. Great organization.

Chuck Mosser

22:35 24 Nov 20

Always great working with Paul Downs and their superb craftsmen. Our second conference room table complements our first one that was designed five years ago. High marks from the start of the project to final delivery and assembly at our new offices. Chuck Mosser, EVP/CFO @ IntelliGenesis, LLC

John Pfister

18:00 27 Oct 20

Nate did a wonderful job designing our conference room table incorporating our logo. He was easy to work with and patient when we went through different variations. The final product is absolutely stunning and will be proudly used in my main conference room for years to come.

Charles Johnson

19:09 21 Sep 20

Hard to express how satisfied we are, not only with the product which is absolutely beautiful but this is the way business should be done! If more companies in the U.S. would provide "real service" like Paul Downs does we would not even consider buying from another country. Every step of the way was a pleasure and extremely professional. Other companies should take note of the customer service and relationship development from Paul Downs. 5 STARS PLUS!

Teri Ord

21:14 27 Aug 20

Paul Downs made a custom dining room table and 8 chairs for me years ago. I still love it, and it is in wonderful shape and just as beautiful as when I first bought it. He worked with me to design exactly what I wanted and even went on his own to a furniture shop to see a table that I liked. He designed one that was 10 times better- more solid and stable, more beautiful and with leaves that just magically slid out when I needed a bigger table! I have to say it was one of the best business experiences I have had with anyone. He was patient, nice, flexible and most important, a straight shooter who did what he said. His talent and high standards are obvious once you start working with him. He is a true artist with wood!

Jennifer Sterner

12:21 18 Aug 20

Top Notch Company! Excellent customer service and genuinely good craftsmanship. Initially they crafted a beautiful custom table and matching credenza for our boardroom. A year later we asked for another custom table to match the large table and catering credenza that would house a small fridge. They knocked it out of the park on both projects....completely exceeded our expectations! The pictures do no justice to these beautiful pieces. I highly recommend Paul Downs Cabinetmakers if you're looking for quality, custom work.

R S

12:30 13 Aug 20

Paul Downs Cabinetmakers exceeded our expectations, from the very beginning of the design process all the way through to the installation of our conference table and credenza. Great communication and are engaged each step during the process of design, production and installation. We could not be happier with the entire experience.Property Manager Brethren Mutual Insurance Company

Brent Barkley

23:45 27 Jul 20

Paul Downs delivered a beautiful and well constructed table. They maintained great communication throughout our project and made sure we got exactly what we wanted. Our installation was professional and quick. Even during the Covid pandemic, Paul Downs stayed in contact and kept our project moving. We are excited to gather around our table for many years to come.

Leah Oliver

17:16 15 Jun 20

We were looking for a modular elegant looking board for our boardroom and were challenged with finding a table that would fit in our rectangular space. The whole process start to finish was professional and Paul Downs staff were accommodating and provided options for our needs. We ended up purchasing the board table, presenter table and two small movable tables. The logo was an option that was suggested by the designer and it was a great addition. The table was assembled by our staff and the documentation provided to us was spot on. The quality of the table and the workmanship is meticulous and you can tell that there was a lot of thought and care put into the design and construction of the table.

Cameron Williams

16:58 31 Mar 20

A fantastic place to work if you are given the opportunity. Paul has assembled a group of hard working, intelligent, and passionate group of people to deliver a fantastic and unmatched end product. As an engineer, I was offered competitive pay and opportunity to work on exciting projects with diverse challenges. This job takes place in a fast paced manufacturing environment where you will succeed if you have a good attention to detail and are as committed to the end product as everyone else that works here.

Joshua Bernstein

14:43 04 Feb 20

To get the idea what Paul Downs is about, you can read Paul's excellent book 'Boss Life' about running a small business or you can take a look at his archive of NY Times columns, you can also ask to discuses their operating manifesto on Culture, Craftsmanship & Prosperity.But seeing his shop in action is really something to witness.In a high-tech sales and design studio, engineers interface virtually with clients around the world designing one of a kind conference tables in real time. After their work has been finalized it goes onto the shop floor where artisan woodworkers and craftsmen use a process of continuous improvement to make custom conference tables and some other furniture pieces.Everything about this shop screams perfectionism. The floors are swept, every stack of vernier or wood board is organized. Work that is better done by machine is done with CNC and other woodworking technology. Finished pieces are assembled and inspected prior to shipping These guys do their work as true craft and design professionals.The final tables can be seen on their website and social media are second to none.This is a high end process for businesses who are ready to invest in the look of a killer conference room that the Paul Downs team can bring to reality.

Matt Boucree

14:30 20 Sep 19

My experience with purchasing our conference room table from Paul Downs was excellent. They assisted us throughout the process, incorporated our changes, and stored the table until we were ready for delivery. The quality is excellent. Delivery and set up was perfect. Very satisfied.

Joseph Mitchell

17:10 09 Sep 19

Great experience from start to finish. Great service and we ended up with an amazing table and desk for our conference room. We gave them our vision and they made it happen. Thank you!

Tim Delorenzo

19:13 12 Aug 19

The most professional company we worked with throughout our construction job. Nate (design) and Andy (project management) were our main contacts. They were engaged throughout the process. They presented multiple options every step of the way. They were extremely responsive and helpful. They delivered on time. Quality of work was incredible. We'll be using them again for other custom furniture needs coming up. Highly, highly recommend them.

Louann Thornton

02:44 23 Jul 19

I am an architect and interior designer and was seeking a custom made conference table for my husband’s company. I am very particular and highly appreciate quality craftsmanship. Paul Downs made the entire process seamless and efficient, which is important to me...and I am sure to many. Everything was pinpointed and accurate so that there was no question that all my wishes were addressed. The table is exquisite and the quality is top notch. I would definitely recommend them to anyone. Now if I could only convince them to branch into private residential tables!

Jeff Loven

14:15 18 Jul 19

Great quality work on our board room table. Very professional.

Mary Cleveland

13:27 18 Jul 19

Paul Downs Cabinetmakers were recommended to build a conference room table for our firm. The table needed to fit into our new conference room. Every step in the process was mapped out and double checked by Paul Downs so the end product not only fit but was a magnificent object of beauty. Their craftsmanship exceeded our expectations and we are delighted to show our clients the end product.

GJ Hin

16:08 17 Jul 19

From the design process to the delivery, everything was flawless. Our company conference room table gets tons of compliments.

Bill Shaw

17:01 15 Jul 19

We needed a larger conference room table with lots of technology added so it could also function as our Emergency Operations Center. Our Paul Downs Design Engineer showed us a host of options, talked us through the pro and cons and really made the process easy. Now we have the table. It's exactly as designed and expected. Thank you for a great experience. And it was affordable.

Nolan Guagenti

14:44 15 Jul 19

Paul, did a great job in a timely fashion and I would use him again for any future cabinet needs.

Samuel Saxton

14:53 10 Jul 19

We love our table. It sits in our companies largest and most used room. When you walk in the table exceeds the look and feel we wanted in our board room. The process of designing and installation went smoothly and easily. Thanks!!!

Ugo Chiulli

00:31 10 Jul 19

I have received TOP NOTCH service at every stage of my project.My project is likely one they are not aiming to get (two flip up 3'x6' custom conference room tables) but they certainly made me feel like it was a BIG deal to them.The attention I received at every stage was great. Small questions were welcomed and answered to my satisfaction.Fantastic company to work with!

Ginny Wooten

20:26 09 Jul 19

My law office needed a fabulous new conference room table. One large enough to hold a room of attorneys, and one beautiful enough to fit in with our historical office. Paul Downs delivered and we could not be happier - with the process AND the outcome!

Jessica Williams

12:17 05 Jul 19

The process of getting an idea to seeing the idea come to life is awesome. The Paul Downs team is great in relaying information and walking you through the process of getting exactly what you want and helping you fill your space.

Joe Romano

17:30 02 Jul 19

Very good experience. Would use again.

B Lynch

15:10 01 Jul 19

The Paul Downs team did a fantastic job of turning my idea into reality. I'd been looking for the "right" conference table for 3 years when I found Paul Downs Cabinetmakers on the internet. After a brief conversation and a design consultation, they provided renderings for approval and then produced a beautiful conference table and credenza. Their work is first rate. I recommend them without reservation.

Tom Yshoc

16:14 27 Jun 19

Great people to work with. Excellent quality product. Delivery and installation was remarkable. Will definitely use their service again.

Ted Lorenz

23:09 17 Jun 19

From start to finish a great experience. We could not be happier with our custom conference table.

Renae Amaya-Jolly

20:13 05 Jun 19

Paul Downs Delivered!! Roy Law Group worked with Paul Downs' designers and they came up with a conference room table, credenza, reception desk and reception side table for our new office suite. The pieces are even more beautiful than the animated designs. Also, the entire group at Paul Downs is very professional and responsive.We had some hesitation about working with someone in Bridgeport, PA when we are in Portland, OR but they assured us that they ship all over the United States.If you want custom made furniture for your office that really emphasizes your brand, Paul Downs delivers.

Erin Leydon Plummer

19:42 30 May 19

After researching custom furniture makers online we discovered Paul Downs. A few years passed between introducing our concept and moving into our new office space where we engaged Paul Downs and worked together. Our designer, Nathan, absolutely nailed it - he listened intently, researched our company independently, and asked the right questions to complete our vision. The custom, 16-person round table is an absolute work of art, along with the other pieces we purchased. Thanks for making this process personal, resulting in timeless pieces for our new corporate office!

Pattiann Peneno

12:05 01 Mar 19

beautiful quality and amazing people to work with

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