Dining Room Furniture Arrangement Tips

Whether your dining room is elegant and sophisticated, a place for special guests and special occasions, or it is casual and comfortable, a place where the family hangs out and kids are doing homework at the table, it needs to have function and flow.

As part 4 in our four-part series on Arranging Furniture in Your Home, here are some great ideas about the best way to create to best arrangement for your dining and hosting needs:

Consider How You Use the Room

How do you use your dining room? For family-style meals or buffet-style serving? Make furniture choices that support your needs.

Suit the Space

Circular tables with pedestal bases let folks see everyone at the table and are suitable for tight dining spaces or square rooms.  Rectangular tables limit seating, but work well in rectangular dining rooms and come in a variety of lengths and widths. Oval tables with added leaves also work well in rectangular dining rooms and offer flexibility by adapting to small gatherings or large.

Buy for Size

Be sure to allow a minimum of 36 inches from the table to the wall on all sides. Position the table so traffic flows smoothly around it

Know These Measurements

When determining how many chairs you can fit around your table, allow for a width of 20 to 24 inches and a depth of 15 inches per place and leave at least 6 inches between chairs.

Include Functional Storage

Make the most of square footage with a wall of shelves that provide storage for the dining room’s alternative uses -- office supplies, games, and crafts -- or dining extras such as china, linens, and barware.

Light it Right

Choose and place lighting that adapts to the room's functions. For example, hang the chandelier with extra cord length so it can be adjusted for homework or dining. Use dimmer switches, lamps, and sconces to set the mood for the occasion.

Difficult Floor Plan Solutions

Problem: Rectangular space, no free walls

Solution: Combine chairs, benches, and settees for an eclectic look. Duplicate the room shape with the table shape to maximize seating (for example, a rectangular table with the same proportions as the dining room will make the most of the space). Include storage such as cabinets or bookcases, on the perimeter. Define the dining space with a rug that contrasts with the flooring.

Problem: Oversize space, multiuse space.

Solution: Opt for a table that preserves open space for other uses (for example, don’t buy a huge table with seating for 20 when you’ll only ever need seating for 12). Add storage that will accommodate all the activities that take place in the room. When choosing chairs, select models that can also easily be brought up to the table for extra dining seating. Anchor the secondary seating areas with lamps and occasional tables.

Remember that when you are arranging your chairs around the dining room table, you´ll need to leave about 6 inches between chairs to allow for elbow room.

Keeping all these tips in mind, you can create an impeccable dining room that also perfectly serves your needs.