The Dining Room
The dining room is more than a place to eat; it's the heart of the home where family gathers, stories are told and guests are welcomed warmly. Whether it's a separate room or a corner of the living room, you can make it warm and inviting, tempting everyone to linger long after the meal. In this guide we walk you from the table all the way to the finest details of hosting.
The Table as the Heart
The table is the star of the room, so choose its size and shape to suit your space and family. A rectangular table fits long rooms and larger families, while a round one is warmer for conversation and easier to move around in small spaces. An extendable table is a true treasure for homes that host many guests on special occasions. Choose a material that stands up to daily life and children, such as sturdy wood or an easy-clean surface. Remember to leave enough room around the table to pull out chairs and move comfortably without crowding.
Seating & Comfort
Comfortable chairs invite guests to stay and talk long around the table. Choose a height that matches the table and leaves comfortable legroom, with gently cushioned seats for the long sittings of special occasions. Mixing different chair styles gives a modern touch, or add a bench along one side to seat children and bring warmth. Pick easy-clean or removable fabrics if you have little ones. Comfort here isn't a luxury; it's what turns a quick meal into a family gathering that happily stretches on.
Lighting & the Statement Pendant
Nothing gives a dining room magic like a pendant hung right above the table. Set it around 75 to 90cm above the tabletop so it lights faces without blocking the view. Choose a design that reflects your taste, as it's the piece that draws the eye and sets the mood. Add a dimmer to soften the light for a romantic dinner or a quiet occasion. Warm light flatters the colours of the food and makes the sitting feel cosy. Complete it with a soft side light on the sideboard so the room stays balanced and welcoming at all times.
Styling the Table & Sideboard
Beautiful styling makes even a simple meal feel like an occasion. Start with a runner or a tablecloth that sets the style, and add a simple centrepiece such as a vase of flowers or low candles, kept low so they don't block the view between diners. Don't overdo the décor, so there's still room for the plates. The sideboard is precious space for storage and display at once: keep serving pieces inside, and dress the top with art, a vase or elegant serving dishes. Change the styling with the season and occasion to keep the room alive and ever fresh.
Making Small & Open Dining Areas Work
You don't need a full dining room to enjoy beautiful meals. In small spaces, choose a folding or wall-attached table, or a round table that eases movement. A bench against the wall seats more people in less space. If the dining area opens onto the living room or kitchen, use a rug or a hanging pendant to define the zone visually and give it its own identity. Keep the colours in harmony across the open areas so the space feels connected and calm, rather than scattered or crowded with details.
Hosting & Family Gatherings
The soul of a dining room truly shows when it fills with loved ones. Always keep spare, easy-to-fetch chairs for unexpected guests, and store your special serving sets in a nearby sideboard. A rolling serving cart makes offering food and drinks easier without repeated trips to the kitchen. Add a warm touch on special evenings with candles, soft music and dimmed light. Make the table welcoming to children too, with safe seating and unbreakable pieces. When you feel at ease hosting, that warmth passes to your guests, and every gathering becomes a lovely memory later recalled with fondness.
Frequently asked questions
Which table shape is best for a small space?+
A round or oval table is usually best for small spaces because it has no sharp corners and makes moving around easier. A folding or extendable table is a clever choice that gives you more size only when you need it. Avoid oversized tables, and leave enough room to pull chairs out comfortably without hitting the walls.
How high should I hang the pendant above the table?+
The practical rule is to keep the bottom of the pendant around 75 to 90cm above the tabletop. This lights faces and food without blocking the view between diners or bothering the eyes. If your ceiling is high, you can raise it a little. Choose a width proportionate to the table's length so it looks balanced.
How do I define an open dining area within the living room?+
Use a rug under the table to frame the area visually, and a pendant hung directly above to declare it a distinct zone. A sideboard or bookshelf works as a gentle divider between eating and sitting. Keep the colours consistent between the two areas so the space feels connected and harmonious rather than harshly split.
How do I prepare to host a large number of guests?+
Keep an extendable table and spare, easy-to-bring chairs, and store your serving sets close by in the sideboard. A rolling cart makes serving dishes and drinks easier and cuts trips to the kitchen. Set the table in advance, dim the lights and add candles for a warm atmosphere. Preparing ahead gives you a calm that makes hosting enjoyable for you and your guests alike.