How to choose the perfect dining table and chairs for your home

Pros reveal their secrets to creating balance in kitchens and dining rooms and share insider tricks for taking measurements

Fri, 06 Sep, 2024 - 12:55

Carol O’Callaghan

A table and chairs is the staple for any dining room or dining area of a larger kitchen or open-plan layout.

Any additional furniture purchases depend on the style and scale of the room and can include a sideboard or butler’s tray with the whole space finished off as simply as hanging a stylish light fitting above the table and some pictures on the wall.

Of course not every dining space can accommodate the formality of an outsize table for 10 plus guests, and in any event formal dining spaces are less popular than they used to be. Open-plan arrangements have largely taken over which tend to be more relaxed but can be just as elegant depending on the finer touches added in the finish.

According to Iseult Uhlemann of Scandinavian design retailer Bo Concept, the first consideration, however, is table size and scale.

“Consider how you live and how you will use your new dining table day to day,” she says. “If you are someone who loves to entertain and host large dinner parties, an extendable table is a great solution. For more casual use or smaller family gatherings, a fixed table might work. In open-plan spaces, I would also consider how the table functions as part of the overall flow of the room. Does it complement the other furniture? Can it double as a workspace or homework area? Round tables are fantastic for smaller dining spaces or rooms where you want to create an intimate, cosy atmosphere. They encourage conversation and work well in areas where you might not have a lot of space to navigate around sharp corners. Oblong or rectangular tables are ideal for longer, more narrow rooms. They often have the capacity to seat more people too, making them great for big families or those who love to entertain. In open-plan spaces, they can also help define the dining area, creating a clear zone within a larger room.”

Black Suri table, April and the Bear, €450.

If you are lucky enough to have a separate dining room you might have the luxury of space, so a larger statement table could work, but this tends to be the preserve of period homes, or seriously big new builds. In any event, consideration has to be given to a space-appropriate piece.

“It’s all about finding the right balance,” says Iseult. “Something substantial enough to anchor the dining area but still work in harmony with the rest of the space.”

At the same time, creating a dining area in an open-plan space can sometimes bring space-planning challenges but the solution to this is zoning, according to Catherine Barry, interiors consultant at Pebble & Sash Interiors.

“Create a nook to make a clearly defined area with bench seating at the wall which can have hinges for storage underneath, and pendant lighting or wall sconces,” she says.

For more spacious dining areas, a sideboard can help finish off the room and provide extra storage.

“A sideboard is one of our essentials and helps to set the scene with two over-sized lamps for symmetry and a butler’s tray. For us, it’s all about textures and interest so don’t be afraid to mix and match with, say, an antique sideboard and limewashed table. It’s where you are the host and it should reflect your personality. Something as simple as a spaghetti Bolognese on a lovely table with a candle will feel special.”

Often overlooked, though, are simple practicalities such as assessing the scope of the space before hitting the shops and being seduced by a gorgeous table which turns out to be too big or even looks twee when you get it home.

“Measure, measure and measure again,” says Nicole Reid, co-owner of design boutique, Interiosity. “Ensure the furniture fits comfortably, leaving enough room for movement around the table. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 80cm between the table's edge and walls or other furniture.”

Nicole cautions, though, against making choices that are not in line with the aesthetic of your home.

Lovely light fittings finish off a dining room, Hay pendant; €330 each, Fritz Fryer.

“Whether modern, traditional, or rustic, consistency in design creates a harmonious look,” she says. “One thing people often overlook when designing the dining space is lighting. This can have a huge impact on the comfort of the space. Make sure to have a cohesive centre piece that will illuminate your dining area but add a dimmer switch to allow for an intimate relaxed atmosphere.”