A dining room can be the perfect place to spend time with family and friends, whether it’s to sit and enjoy a heart-warming Sunday roast or simply getting together for a quick cup of coffee. Over the past few years, dining rooms have become much more than just a place to eat, with dining tables being used for multiple purposes, such as play-time with children or working from home.
Choosing the perfect dining set for your space will make a huge impact, not only to your home but to your lifestyle as well. Even without a dedicated room of their own, a table and chairs are often the most often-used pieces of furniture in your home and there are plenty of styles available, to suit whatever space you may have.
Dining tables by shape & size
There are many factors to consider when choosing the perfect dining set, as it is often the main focal point of the room. Let’s start with the shape and size, as it’s important to get this right to maximise the space you have!
“How much space should I leave around my dining table?”
You should always leave enough space around the table to allow guests to comfortably pull out their chairs & be seated. We recommend a clearance of around 3ft, so you can move around comfortably and still have room to walk behind guests who are seated.
For larger spaces…
Rectangular – Whether you have a traditional dining room, kitchen diner or an open-plan space, a rectangular dining table is often the most popular choice. Rectangular dining tables leave more space to manoeuvre and are perfect for seating 4 or more guests.
Oval – Oval dining tables are often well suited to long and narrow rooms, providing a similar amount of dining space to rectangular tables. Their curved edges create the illusion space, whilst creating an inviting and intimate setting, similar to that of a round table.
Corner – Perfect for families, corner dining sets create an inviting and homely feel and allow you to make maximum use of the space you have by fitting neatly into a corner. Corner dining sets can often be found with bench seats, which are ideal for tucking out of the way when not in use.
Extendable – Extending styles are great for those who love to host dinner, but don’t require the extra table space from day-to-day. It’s worth bearing in mind though, that you will still need somewhere to keep your additional dining chairs when not in use. If space allows, placing a chair at either end of the table can create a sophisticated and more formal feel. Using an accent chair at each end of the table will effortlessly add interest and appeal to your dining space!
For smaller spaces…
Round – For smaller spaces, such as kitchen diners or cosy corners, Round dining tables can be an ideal solution. Although they usually have a smaller surface area than their rectangular counterparts, there’s still plenty of room to set the table for dinner, fitting into tighter spaces much more easily without compromising on style or functionality.
Square – Another great shape for smaller areas, such as kitchen diners. Square dining tables are perfect for creating an intimate dining experience where space is more limited.
“How many chairs should I put around my table?”
Most dining chairs have a width of 40cm-60cm. As a general rule, each person seated at the dining table should have around 2ft eating space, so allow plenty of room either side of your dining chairs to avoid feeling cramped.
Dining tables by style
With so many beautiful dining sets available to choose from, it can be tricky to decide on the perfect one for you. Here are some of the most in-demand styles:
Traditional, timeless & wooden dining tables…
Traditional – With a clean look and timeless design features, traditional dining tables create a refined ambience and will fit well with most interior décor styles. Traditional dining tables are usually made with polished wood or ceramic, to bring an enduring and sophisticated style to any dining room setting.
Rustic / reclaimed wood – Packed with character and charm, reclaimed wood tables are crafted from solid & recycled timbers such as old conifer and railway sleepers. With its strong and bold construction, reclaimed wood is ideal for the country home, adding an extra touch of rural appeal. The use of recycled and reclaimed timber is not only beneficial for the environment, but also ensures the individuality of each piece. No two pieces of reclaimed wood furniture will ever be truly identical!
Industrial – Industrial characteristics such as metal accents, combined with natural wooden elements create a casual and easy to style aesthetic. Inspired by industrial warehouses and commercial spaces, the contrast between the warmth of the wood and structural aspects of the metal brings a strong solid design.
Contemporary, high shine & marble tables…
High gloss – Tables finished in a lacquered high gloss are perfect for reflecting light and bringing an effortless chic to your home. Often with a sleek silhouette and clean lines, high gloss dining tables are unmistakably modern and sophisticated.
Glass – Perfect for creating the illusion of space, glass dining tables allow light to shine through and can enhance the brightness of a dining room. Glass dining tables are easy to style & are a particularly popular choice in more modern or contemporary rooms. Although they are non-porous and easy to clean, it’s worth noting that glass tables will need to be cleaned more frequently & may not always be suitable in homes with children.
Marble – The stunning characteristics of swirling marble patterns will bring depth and texture to a dining space. Whether you opt for solid marble or a marble effect, the subtle yet glamorous design will work well with both modern and traditional home interiors, transforming your room in to a lavish space & bringing a one-of-a-kind luxury to your home.
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We offer free car parking for over 500 cars, a mouth-watering café and licensed restaurant, all located just one minute from the M60, Junction 22.
Our Retail Store address is Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA.
Very nice, you based where
Hi Josephine,
Our Retail Store address is Housing Units, Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA. We are located just one minute from the M60, Junction 22.
Kind regards,
Team HU