Classic dining room furniture to maximise your space

Whether you have a separate dining room for more special occasions or a dining area, linked to your kitchen space, the dining room furniture you choose, as well as the decorating scheme you opt for, will define the space and can have a big impact on how spacious the room feels too.

The Dining Room Table

The dining room would be pretty useless without a dining room table, but which one best suits you?

Before anything else, you need to give some thought to the number of people that will not only be sitting around it on a regular basis, but also on special occasions and get-togethers, such as Christmas.

If you don’t have space for a table to seat the maximum number of people you expect to need to seat at any one time, or would prefer that the dining table doesn’t dominate the space, consider an extending dining table that can be opened up when necessary.

Rectangular tables fit perfectly into most classic dining room ideas, but don’t always suit the space you are working with. For many people circular dining tables work better in their space — particularly in dining spaces that act as a walkthrough from living room to kitchen, where their fluid lines create less of a barrier than a rectangle. Circular dining tables are also a very sociable option, allowing diners to face on another.

An oval table is another option, offering the sociable nature of a circular table, with a shape that suits more classic dining room ideas.

If you are very tight on space, consider a built-in dining space, created using an alcove or corner, and using fixed benches either side of a table — American diner style.

Dining Room Furniture

A dining room where the chairs and table are the sole focus of the room can sometimes appear a little too formal and lack a homely, lived-in feel. Add to this the fact that most of us can not afford the space in our homes to have a room reserved just for special occasions, and it makes sense to include other items of furniture that make the room more useable.

Sideboards and console tables make perfect sense in the dining room, with their slim profiles offering space to keep drinks and display decorative objects without taking up too much space. Opting for a side table with storage drawers or cupboards allows you to store special cutlery and crockery that would otherwise be taking up space in your kitchen, whilst the classic, timeless nature of side tables lends itself perfectly to candelabras or a display of fresh flowers or twinkling tealights.

For dining spaces that are open to your kitchen, a couple of side tables can sometimes work better, offering a little more flexibility in where they can be placed. Side tables in the corner of a dining space provide the ideal spot for dining room essentials, such as serving bowls and dishes when the table can’t quite cope, but also give you somewhere to place a cosy table lamp or two, or some warming candles.

Dining Room Decorating Ideas

The decorating scheme you go for in this room will very much depend on how you plan to use the space. If it is going to be a multi-tasking room – for weekday family meals and entertaining alike – your decorating ideas will be very different to those with a room reserved for special occasions only, for example. Here are some dining room decorating ideas to get you started.

Smart and Classic

A classic, timeless dining room relies on choosing simple, well-made items of dining room furniture, such as sideboards and console. Upholstered chairs in a modern fabric will keep the look fresh, whilst full-length curtains, textured wallpaper and chandeliers will add a touch of luxury to the space. Ensure you include up-to-date pops of colour, either on the walls or through artwork and accessories to prevent the whole look becoming too stuffy.

Fresh Scandi Style

For a dining space that needs to be light, airy and suitable for family meals as well as entertaining friends, take your cue from Scandinavian interiors and use plenty of white, shutters at the windows, pale wood furniture and lots of sparkling glass accessories. Prevent things looking cold by including natural materials too; a stack of cut logs, a fluffy rug and plenty of fresh flowers will work very nicely.

Modern and Minimalist

If your style is more sleek and contemporary, choosing a colour palette of just one or two colours is a great idea. Keep furniture simple and consider side tables and consoles in a dramatic shade to bring character to the room. Blinds will work better than drapes in this kind of space. Choose your lighting wisely, setting it on dimmers — minimalist does not have to equal sterile.

Vintage Chic

A look that has evolved over time and carries with it a sense of a lived-in home will feel warm and inviting — perfect for a dining room. Mix and match newer items of furniture with upcylced or reclaimed pieces and embrace the trend for floral and botanical patterns through wallpaper and fabrics. Decorate the dining table with groupings of vintage glassware and bowls too.