Choosing dining room furniture is about making a statement, as you will invariably be entertaining family, friends and associates and will want to impress.  The dining set is the centrepiece of any room, and should be stylish, practical and versatile enough to be able to adapt to changing needs.  Read on for some pointers to what exactly you need to consider...

Dining Room Furniture

There are a number of practicalities to consider when choosing dining room furniture, so take the time to weigh up these before you choose:

• Colour – opt for a dining set that coordinates with the other elements of the room/home
  
  
• Comfort – the dining set should be an appropriate height for everyone who uses it regularly, with seating that encourages people to linger
  
  
• Harmony - the dining set should fit into the broader decor theme of your dining room and home
  
  
• Lighting – lighting is crucial in setting the right atmosphere, and should not be too harsh or too dim
  
  
• Lifestyle – is your dining room oriented toward family or is it primarily for entertaining friends?
  
  
• Materials – timber can look classic or contemporary, while glass exudes light and space or choose a dining set that uses a combination of materials
  
  
• Occasional – a side table or commode can provide some visual interest in a dining room
  
  
• Practicality – is the surface of the table easy to clean, glass being especially liable to fingerprints and smudging, while some untreated timbers can stain or split
  
  
• Space – pick a table and chairs based on the size of your dining room
  
  
• Versatility - some dining tables are extendable or retractable, offering you the flexibility of having additional guest; while some dining chairs can stack for easy storage of spares

Dining Room Table Shapes

A dining room table is the centrepiece of any dining room, so choose with style and practicality in mind.

• Square – square tables are perfect for those with space constraints, and they are also a more intimate setting for 4 or less people.  They do however limit you in terms of seating a larger party, and they may not suit long, thin dining rooms
  
  
• Rectangular – this is the most common table shape and gives one greater flexibility to seat larger numbers of diners, and can also be pushed up against a wall when needed.  The only weak point of this type of shape is that it does not suit smaller, square rooms
  
  
• Round – this shape is the best at promoting intimacy as everyone has eye contact, and it also can be used in the corner of a room.  It is however somewhat wasteful of space
  
  
• Oval – oval tables are a perfect compromise of the above types, being space efficient, intimate and able to seat large number of diners.  They do however look awkward in smaller square rooms, and one is not able to utilise corners

Dining Room Chairs

Dining room chairs should coordinate with your table, and offer comfort and style for those extended dinner parties.  In terms of practicalities chairs should be able to be pushed under the table when not in use and also offer a comfortable seating position for diners.  Chairs should also have legs which are not too wide, so they fit with space to spare.

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