Dine in Style: The Dining Set Buying Guide

The dining area acts as the heart of the home. It’s where we gather with family and friends to share meals, make memories and connect with each other. But to truly make your dining experience exceptional, you need the right furniture set. This can transform the room into a welcoming and stylish space that you’ll be proud to show off.

Whether you’re looking for a formal dining set for special occasions or a more casual one for everyday use, there are a few key factors to consider before making your purchase. Read on to learn some shopping tips and get ready to dine in style.

Design Style

Your home design is a crucial factor to consider when shopping for a dining set. You want your new furniture to complement your existing décor and enhance the overall look and feel of your home. So, check out the wide selection of contemporary dining room sets that that fit any style or budget.

If you have a modern or contemporary home, you may want to consider furniture with clean lines, sleek finishes, and minimalist designs. Chairs with sharp angles and geometric shapes would look great in this type of home. For a more traditional home, you may want to consider furniture with natural wood finishes, ornate carvings, and soft fabrics. Chairs with curved backs and legs would be a perfect fit.

If you have a smaller home or apartment, consider furniture that’s space-saving and multi-functional, such as a drop-leaf table or a set with benches that you can tuck neatly under the table when not in use.

Don’t forget to consider the colour scheme of your home as well. You want your new dining room setting to blend seamlessly with your existing décor. If your home is neutral or monochromatic, a bold and colourful dining set can add a pop of interest and personality to the space.

You should also consider the lighting in your dining room. The type of lights you have can greatly impact the mood and ambience of the space. A chandelier or pendant light will add elegance and sophistication to the room, while track lighting or recessed lighting will provide a more modern and minimalistic look. Make sure the lighting fixtures you have in place complement the style and design of your set.

How Many Seats Do You Need?

You want to make sure that your furniture can accommodate all of your family members and guests comfortably. Consider the size of your dining room or kitchen and how much space you have available for a dining set. If you have a smaller space, you may want to consider a smaller table with two or four seats, whereas if you have a larger space, you may want to go for a bigger table with six, eight, or even ten seats.

Another thing to keep in mind is how often you entertain guests. If you frequently host dinner parties or have large family gatherings, a bigger table with more chairs would be a better fit. On the other hand, if you only entertain occasionally or have a smaller family, a smaller one with fewer seats may be more practical.

It’s also important to consider the shape of the table when choosing the number of chairs. A round or oval table is a better fit for smaller groups or intimate dinners, whereas a rectangular or square design is better for larger groups and family gatherings.

Chair and Table Height

When it comes to the height of the dining table and chairs, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind to ensure that you have a comfortable and functional dining space.

So, what’s the ideal height for dining chairs?

When it comes to chairs, the ideal height is around 46 cm from the floor to the seat. This allows for enough legroom and comfortable seating for most people. However, if you or your family members are taller or shorter than average, you should consider chairs with adjustable heights or choose ones with a higher or lower seat height. Barstool-type chairs range from 60 to 66 cm in height, and it’s important to consider the height of the countertop they will be used with to ensure a comfortable and functional space.

The ideal height for a dining table is between 71 and 76 cm. This height is comfortable for most people to sit and eat at without feeling too low or too high. If you’re looking for a more casual or modern look, you should consider a table with a lower height, but keep in mind that this won’t be as comfortable for long periods of sitting.

When it comes to the gap between the dining table and chairs, I recommend a distance of about 25 to 30 cm. This allows for enough space to push the chair back and stand up comfortably without feeling cramped. If you have a smaller space, you should adjust this gap to fit your needs.

Indoor vs Outdoor

Where you’ll be using the furniture can greatly impact the type of materials you should look for, as well as the style and design of the pieces. For indoor dining room sets, you have a wider range of materials to choose from. You can opt for a classic wooden table and chairs, a modern glass table, or a metal set with a sleek design. However, you’ll want to consider factors like comfort and durability, as well as how the furniture complements your existing home décor.

For outdoor entertaining, you’ll want to look for materials that can withstand the elements, such as rain, sun, and wind. Materials like aluminium, wicker, and teak are popular options for outdoor sets, as they’re durable and weather resistant. You’ll also want to consider the size of the space where you’ll place the furniture, as well as the style and design of your outdoor area.