Want to know what every dining room needs?
Image from the Lifestyledco. The simple centre piece is cohesive to the overall room.
Dining rooms are one of the key spaces in your home. Why? Because they are so well used. From eating, game playing, homework and socialising, it’s a space you want to get right.
In this blog I will outline the 5 things every dining room needs so you can tweak yours to make it perfect for you.
From the dining table, dining chairs, lighting, art and mirrors and your centrepiece…let’s dive in!
Dining table.
When choosing a dining room table it’s important to remember it needs to be in proportion to the room size and the size of your family.
Dining tables come in many types of materials, so you have lots of choice here. Wood is perhaps the most forgiving and comes as a veneer, stained or distressed. Stone tops are beautiful but can be harder to maintain due to them being porous. Glass tables are not so easy to keep clean if you have kids in the house!
Tips
Think about what material of dining table will suit your family best.
Ideally your dining table should be between 92-106cm away from the walls and circulation passages in your space. Get your tape measure out!
The table should also mirror the shape of the room, for example if you have a square table then a round or square table will work best.
This round dining table works well in this square space and allows for plenty of circulation space. I also love how it is a contrasting colour to the dining chairs! Design by Lindye Galloway.
2. Dining chairs.
When choosing dining chairs it’s vital to consider that you have enough chairs for your needs.
Even if you have an extendable table brainstorm that you have ample seating in other rooms that you can use when all your guests are present. On top of this, chairs need to fit comfortably around your table of choice (this is especially important if you choose chairs with arms). There’s nothing worse that not being able to pull your chair up to the table!
Tips
Each dining chair needs between 60-75cm of room for the person to use it comfortably.
For design interest choose your chairs separately to your table. Matching sets lack vibrancy and uniqueness.
Consider choosing chairs with arms for the ends of your table, and regular chairs for the remaining seats.
Measure your table that it will fit all the chairs you need for your family.
Choose a material that is easy to clean if you have kids in the home, there is guaranteed to be plenty of spills!
Here’s a lovely example of using chairs with arms at the ends of the table for some contrast. This is a striking design feature and the guests at the end will be super comfy! Design by Studio McGee.
Upholstered chairs are always luxurious, but not practical for families with young children. Again, choosing your dining chairs in a contrasting material to your table elevates your space. Design by Zephyr & Stone.
3. Lighting.
Lighting is a vital element to your dining space. It doesn’t have to be a pendant, and if you have a lower ceiling height then a flush mount or semi flush mount would be a better option.
Look for a statement piece if your ceiling allows as this will really help to zone your dining area (especially if its within an open plan living area). Choose a light that is dimmable so that it encourages family and guests to linger after a meal.
Tips
If choosing a hanging pendant it needs to sit at least 90cm above your dining table.
Your dining room lighting always needs to be centred to the table, not the room!
If you have a long rectangular or oval table you can consider 2 feature lights, rather than a single piece.
A perfect example of how your lighting can help to zone your dining room zone. Here we see a feature pendant used to zone this dining area to it’s designated area in the open plan living space. Design by Atlas Architects.
2 pendants sit beautifully with this longer dining table. The right number and size of lighting above your dining table really does matter when it comes to proportion and scale. Design by Bone Made.
Artwork or a Mirror.
A key element to designing a beautiful dining room is bringing in your personality through some art work or a mirror. Ultimately choose something that you love, that speaks of your family and will spark conversation with your guests.
If your dining area is on the small side then a mirror may be the best option for you. By bouncing light and reflection around your space will feel more enjoyable and spacious to be in.
Tips.
Hang art work at eye level, usually 1.5 metres from the floor.
Go big or go home when it comes to your mirror! A small mirror will feel out of proportion to a bigger dining table.
If your space is wide look for a wide mirror or artwork, if you have tall ceilings a tall mirror or art work will further eventuate this architectural feature.
Here you have a statement artwork and a view….what more could you want?! Design by Arent & Pkye.
This tall mirror helps to showcase the tall ceilings in this dining room as well as sit in proportion to the wall space between the windows. Design by Lucy and Company.
5. Simple Centrepiece.
Whilst I do love a large sculptural piece on a dining table, a basic element for every dining room is a simple centre piece. This way you can easily use the table without having to move things out the way, and you can see the person sitting opposite you!
Choose a centrepiece that isn’t too fussy and leaves plenty of breathing room to your table. A lovely bowl, or smaller vase or vessel would bring some texture and contrast.
Think about a centrepiece that is in keeping with the overall feel of your space and looks at home with your overall style.
Tips.
A vessel that can house something live, like fruit or a small plant or foliage is a plus.
Consider a grouping of 3 with varying textures and heights as your centrepiece.
A pair of different height vases works perfectly here. You could easily move the larger vase with the foliage when needed, but for everyday the greenery brings life and vibrancy. Design by Prescott Design.
So there we have it, the key 5 things you need to design your dining room. A dining table, chairs, lighting, artwork or a mirror and a centrepiece are the basics that you need when starting to put together a dining space that functions well and is beautiful to be in.
Of course there are many other design elements that will help to elevate your dining room even further, but start with these 5 foundational pieces to bring your space to life.
If you need more individualised help with your dining room then feel free to reach out to me here. We can jump on a phone call and I can learn more about what you need - I’d love to help.
Want to stay in touch with me and receive my monthly newsletter? There you will find useful design tips to help you in the design of your home. Would you like my free styling guide to help you make styling your spaces easier? Sign up here if interested.