DESIGN TIPS | GOLDEN RULES OF DINING ROOM DESIGN
From choosing the best table shape to determining the ideal size and wood finish for your space, there are many considerations that go into designing your dining area. Discover our design tips for creating a dining room that’s both beautiful and functional—inviting your guests to linger a little longer.
FUNCTION AND FEEL
At the beginning of your process, it’s important to hone in on how you’d like your dining room to serve your home. A well designed dining area can function as more than just a place to eat—it’s another gathering space for friends and family, and an opportunity to define your aesthetic within the home.
When navigating dining table shapes, there are a couple of considerations in addition to your aesthetic preferences. Rectangular tables like The Reade or Carlise are a traditional choice and look best in rectangular rooms for a streamlined, symmetrical aesthetic. They also tend to come in larger sizes
and will be the best choice for accommodating a large number of guests. Round dining tables are super versatile—with their accommodating footprint, they can be used to create a dining area within a more compact room, or in an open concept space where their round top will emphasize the airy, free-flowing environment. We designed our Reade Round Dining Table with a range of sizes up to 60” diameter, allowing for a larger seating footprint while still maintaining the intimate family feel.
FIND YOUR FIT
There are some universal tips when it comes to determining the best dining table for your space. Below, our designers have outlined the main considerations when selecting a dining table size.
Measure the length and width of your dining room, and subtract six feet from each measurement. This will allow for 36” of clearance all the way around the table to comfortably sit in a chair and move around the space.
For open concept rooms, start with the amount of people you are looking to seat and create a zone around your table size keeping to the same clearance rules as above. Consider the amount of space between the chair seat height and the bottom of your tabletop. For comfortable seating, leave around 12” between the table and the chair seat height for guests to cross their legs under the table. Our Jane, Allen, and Madison Dining Chairs were designed with this in mind, giving between 17.5” - 21” of width for added comfort—each pairing beautifully with our Dining Table Collection.
Allow for 24” of space for each chair at the table. This gives enough room for each guest to feel comfortable at their seat without being overcrowded. Our guides below illustrate the amount of seating that each table width can accommodate—with the upper end of each range allowing for the maximum amount of guests, creating a more casual, intimate environment.
MATERIAL MATTERS
When selecting the wood finish for your dining table and chairs, think about whether you’d like to match them to other elements in your home like the floors or cabinets, or create visual interest through contrasting tones. A darker finish like Charcoal will create a focal point of drama in your space, whereas a modern neutral like our Whitewash or Greywash gives a light, airy aesthetic. Discover our range of wood finishes, designed to be versatile and timeless with an emphasis on the natural materials used in each piece.
Each piece in our dining collection is handcrafted to bring out the inherent character and natural beauty of the solid ash wood frame and designed to age over time to masterful perfection. And with 70+ fabrics and leathers to choose from, you can design your dining chairs to suit your style goals—from a modern, monochromatic look to an elevated take on a classic farmhouse feel. Start customizing your piece or work one on one with our team of designers to bring your vision to life.
ADDING ACCENTS
Whether your dining area is a standalone room or within a multipurpose space, pairing it with a rug is a great way to enhance the design and achieve a carefully curated look. This works particularly well in multi-use rooms to define the dining area, allowing each zone to flow seamlessly together.
Look for a rug size with 18-24” of space on all sides of the table so that chairs can be pulled back and not hang over the edge.
Short pile or flat weave rugs are best under a table as they will more easily allow guests to slide their chairs out from under the table. Patterned or darker toned rugs will disguise any spills that may occur. As you add additional furniture to your room, keep the 36” of clearance rule in mind to ensure comfortable flow within the space.