Tips for the perfect dining room

A good dining area is a must-have for most households. No matter the size of your home, you can make it work so you have a space where you can really relax and unwind over some good food. Read on for our tips on using what you have to furnish your dining area to perfection!

Be realistic about how the space will be used

We all know the primary purpose of the dining area – to eat! But what about the other uses? Most homes turn their dining table into a homework desk, a games table, or – try to avoid this one – a storage space! If you have a large family, and your table will get a lot of use, make sure it can accommodate every need and is made of a sturdy, hard wearing material.

For homes with a smaller space allowance, or kitchen diners, we recommend extendable tables. As for materials and style – that’s up to you. We love a classic Scandi design for its simplicity and versatility, but antique pieces made of solid wood are great options – unique, too. Beware of cheap dining tables, they will wear quickly. Invest in quality, and it will always pay off.

For chairs – never underestimate the importance of a good padded seat! Wooden designs look great, but get uncomfortable quickly. If you love having people over for dinner and there’s often variation in the numbers – get a bench or two. They’re super stylish, and you can squeeze more people on them than usual. Cover wooden ones in a sheepskin or some stylish cushions to protect those bums!

Don’t forget the lighting

This really sets the mood, and should never be left out. Lighting shouldn’t be too bulky or intrusive. We like pendant lamps that will evenly illuminate the area, but at the same time don’t obstruct the diners’ view of other family members.

The light should also never be blinding, otherwise you won’t enjoy dining together very much. It’s worth reaching for dimmable lighting, so you can always adjust the brightness to suit your needs.

Accessorise to perfection!

Last but not least: accessories. The dining area may seem OK without them, but it won’t be the same. For example, we love a good rug. Not only does it look nice, it also serves to visually separate the area of dining and kitchen, in case you have an open plan space, but also it keeps toes nice and warm in the winter.

We also like tablecloths and placemats. They come in handy – especially if you’ve splashed out on a high end table – they’ll protect the surface from heat, spillages, and other damage. If you’re not a fan of tablecloths covering the entire table surface, go for a runner instead. The dining area will be instantly cosy and transformed beyond recognition. A vase of freshly cut flowers or a bowl of colourful fruit is also a great choice and can easily be put aside when sitting down to eat.