Dining Rooms

Where to start? An empty dining room or dining area needs furniture.  There are so

many shapes, sizes and styles to choose from - and it’s so easy to make an

expensive mistake. Glossy walnut and wenge tables are top of the fashion charts at

the moment, but almost-black lacquer is now making a bid for the top spot. It

seems like only yesterday the top must-have was a cherry dining table.  How

fashions change!

Before you begin, here is a handy checklist: so get out your measuring tape and

read on…….

Ask yourself the following questions:

1.       How many people do you want to seat?

2.       What are the dimensions of your room? What is its size and shape?

3.       Will the table be used for purposes other than eating? Could it be used, for example, as a work area for your laptop or for the children’s homework?

4.       Is it a dedicated dining room or is it a dining area off your sitting room or kitchen?

Just as there is a huge selection of tables on the market, so too are there many

variations in the types of dining rooms to furnish.  They, too, come in all shapes

and sizes.

A bay window or corner area can be used with a built-in bench, with cushions and a refectory-style table. Illustration C shows how a banquette can work in a very limited space. You can use stools instead of chairs and tuck them away under the table when they are not in use.        

Illustration A shows how a large dedicated dining room can work.  Here, traditionally, the dining table takes centre stage. This is either set directly in the middle of the room or else is slightly off to one side to make room for a sideboard or separate serving tables. Surrounded by matching chairs and set or decorated with other objects, the table can be illumined by an overhanging chandelier. Extra chairs can be easily and discreetly set against the wall until they are needed. Don’t forget: carvers (chairs with arms) take up more space. Where space is limited, a glass-top table can be a good option.  It does not look as bulky as a solid wooden one. 

Illustration D.  A round table is always popular as everybody gets to sit at the head!  Conversation also flows well, as it is easier to chat and there is the extra bonus of being able to squeeze in an extra guest.  But it doesn’t suit every room, so measure carefully.

Illustration B. Depending on shape, a large sunroom can house a square or round dining table. Here you can see how a generously proportioned table fits well into such an area.

When you are making your calculations, make sure you leave enough room around the dining table.  A minimum space of 90cms is necessary to allow for pulling back chairs and general movement around the room.

In Summer, you can treat your patio, or a sheltered part of your garden, as a dining

area – weather permitting. What could possibly be better than a late, leisurely

breakfast on a sunny Sunday morning, surrounded by plants and trees in your own

al fresco dining room!