Designing a room from start to finish can be very daunting, exhausting, and frustrating; especially if you don’t know where to start. If you do know where to start, what now?
The Perfect Dining Table
I would start with picking the dining table first. When trying to decide what shaped table you want to go with, if you have a larger room, choose a rectangular or oval-shaped table. Square or round tables are best for smaller, or square-shaped rooms. If you have a square-shaped room, opt for a round table to avoid having the room look too square. If you constantly use your dining room, choose a table made out of more durable materials such as solid wood or quartz.
I love tables with a pedestal base especially smaller, round tables; this allows for more room around the table and you don’t have to worry about the obstacle that is table legs.
Add Personality With Chairs
At the risk of looking too matchy-matchy, I try to avoid dining room sets where the chairs perfectly match the table. My favorite thing to do when designing a dining room is to add contrast and a lot of personality by mix-matching the chairs to the dining table.
Here are some ideas to mix and match chairs and tables:
- Use contrasting colors and fabrics.
- Add dining chairs that are different from the table but work well together.
- If you have a rectangular or oval table, match the chairs on the sides but pick different chairs for the end of the table.
- Rectangular or oval table, match the chairs on the sides with the table and pick different chairs for the ends.
If you chose chairs with arms make sure that they can easily slide under the table.
Give guests a room to move! Don’t overcrowd a table for the sake of having enough room for everyone because then no one will have room.
Here’s a guide to chair count for your size dining table
- 48″ table: 4 chairs
- 60″-72″ table: 6 chairs
- 80″-87″ table: 8 chairs
- 92″-108″ table: 10 chairs
- 120″ table: 12 chairs
The number of chairs you can fit at a table may change depending on the width of the chairs.
Lighting
A general rule of thumb, lighting should be 36-40 in from the table and span 1/2 to 3/4 of the table. If you have a larger table, two pendants would look magnificent. If you want to add a little pizzazz, cluster pendants are a great choice (and one of my favorites). Smaller chandeliers or pendants are best for round and square tables, while larger-scale lighting is better for rectangle or oval tables.
Make sure to center the lighting to the table and not the room.
Rugs
I have seen dining rooms without rugs and you definitely don’t need one but if you choose to add a rug remember that all legs of the chairs should be sitting on the rug. The rug should be big enough that the legs won’t fall off the rug if someone scoots the chair out.
A rug that is easily cleaned or has darker colors (if the dining room will be used frequently) would be your best bet. I love Ruggable, especially if you have littles that constantly spill, they are very easily cleaned and so beautiful. Adding a jute rug to a dining room wouldn’t be a bad idea!
Things to Avoid
Benches
In my personal opinion, backless benches are the worst thing you can add to your dining room. It makes the room look too casual and not to mention, they are just not comfortable.
High Pilled Rugs
High-pilled rugs make it harder for you to move dining chairs from in and out of the table. They also catch crumbs easily and make it harder to clean. Especially if you have littles, save the high-pilled, shaggy rug for another room in your home.
Upholstered Dining Chairs
I love upholstered dining chairs and would highly recommend them because they are very comfortable, but they are not ideal for every home. Upholstered chairs can be a pain to clean, especially if they are a lighter color. If you use your dining room on a regular basis or have littles and love upholstered dining chairs, go for darker colors, easier to clean, and durable fabrics.
Whenever designing any room remember to have fun with it! I hope that these tips and tricks help you design your dream dining room.
Dining Chairs
Dining Tables
Until next time!
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