Ask the designer

Q With a family of five, we’re wondering what size kitchen table we should get to avoid a squeeze?

A. In big Irish families it’s always a bit of a dilemma as to how many you can squeeze around the dining table. A standard 86-90” rectangle table should comfortably seat 8 diners. Allow approximately 24” per dinner setting and an additional 6” for the placement of multiple cutlery and stemware when required. Dining-table chairs should be at least 15” wide with a depth of around 18-20”, with plenty of room around the table to pull them out. If you have the space, opt for a round/oval table with extendable leaves!.

Q. There seems to be a bit of an echo in our TV room. How can I get rid of it without splashing out on sound-proofing?

A. With modern surround-sound home entertainment systems, this is quite a common problem. Usually, it’s caused by soundwaves bouncing off hard or reflective surfaces in the room. So one simple solution to your acoustic problems is to ‘pad’ the room with things that absorb or diffuse sound instead. Swap your wooden blinds for lined curtains on windows or French doors. Throw a table cloth over glass, stone top or wooden dining tables. Add textile wall hangings and large rugs on vinyl, wood or tile flooring to dampen the echo. Furniture should be moved away from the walls and add cushions or throws to leather sofas.

Q. We’re thinking of replacing our open fire with an inset stove. Any tips?

A. Inset stoves fit into standard fireplace openings and have an enclosed front, making them easier to clean and far more fuel-efficient than an open fire – so you’re making a good choice. My personal favourite on the market at the moment is the Cara Inset Stove by Irish company Waterford Stanley (www.waterfordstanley.com). It’s very versatile and would look well with a modern stone or carved timber surround. Choose one that best complements your interior. British brand Charnwood also do a good selection of inset stoves, either as room heaters or with back boilers for central heating. Alternatively, you could go for a modern insert stove, which is set higher into the chimney breast in a ‘frame’ — eliminating the need to buy a surround.

Q. Our bedroom has a low ceiling (2.3m). Is there a way to make the room feel less claustrophobic?

A These days, the standard ceiling height is 2.4 – 2.7m, so I’m guessing your home is a little older. Keep ceilings painted in a lighter colour than the walls — ideally a matte white. Deep coving painted in the same colour as the ceiling will add to the impression of height. Avoid overhead lights or chandeliers: go for recessed spotlights or wall lights that bounce light upwards instead. Choose wallpaper that emphasises the vertical—– such as stripes of a trailing floral pattern. Hang artwork a little higher than usual to draw the eye upwards.