Creating the perfect dining space is all about the balance of style and functionality. From choosing the right dining table and chairs, to selecting the perfect rug, lighting and storage, each element should be carefully considered to ensure the space is both comfortable and functional.

With the right combination of elements, you can create a dining space that is perfect for entertaining and enjoying meals with family and friends. This is our top 5 best dining space tips.

1. Choose a dining table you love

While the most common choices are square and rectangular tables, a circular table always works better in a small space. Generally a circular table with a diameter of 110cm should fit four people around it easily, but whatever shape you choose always allow a 70-80cm space around the entire table for a chair to be pulled out when someone stands up, as well as for someone walking behind them during dinner.

If however flexibility is what you need, then our Expand dining table is the perfect choice. Available in three sizes and made from the highest quality FSC certified solid oak, each one has a super smooth extension system inbuilt so they can be enlarged by up to 100cm to accommodate any extra visitors and will get more beautiful with age.

2. Get the seating right

Whether you prefer upholstered, non-upholstered or more of a mix-and-match approach, we have the right seating for you.

Blurring the lines between form and functionality, purpose and pleasure; our Daybe dining sofa will take you effortlessly from a sleek daytime workspace to an intimate late night dining experience in an instant. Meanwhile, the Oaki dining chair in solid oak, with its angled back legs, will make the whole space appear much bigger, allowing you the additional space to pop a couple of stackable Pal stools around the table as and when required.

3. Frame the space with a rug

Adding a rug to your dining area is a great way to frame the space. They ground the furniture, dampen the sound, and add texture, pattern and warmth.

The key is to get the right size, so your dining table and all the chairs will sit comfortably on top. As a rule, the rug needs to be 60-70cm bigger than the tabletop on each side to allow plenty of room for pulling-out chairs. For balance, always complement the shape of your table with the same shape of rug.

Also, think about fabrics too. Our Row series of rugs are a favourite choice for every room in the home. They come in a variety of colours and sizes, are made from New Zealand wool, and have a flat soft weave making them extremely durable as well as easy to care for and clean.

4. Set the mood with lighting 

From bright and cheery breakfasts to romantic candlelit dinners, the lighting you choose for your dining space needs to do it all.

As well as using a dimmer to control the amount of light each emits, you also need to consider their height. A height of 55-65cm above the tabletop is recommended, with a width of one and a half times the width of the lampshade between each of them. Meanwhile for larger statement lighting pieces, such as our Heat or Traditon series, a vertical height of 75-80cm is used so not to block your fellow diner’s view.

5. Add plenty of practical storage

Finally practical storage is an essential part of any modern dining space. Not only does it support everything that goes on around the table, meaning drinks, cutlery, and crockery are all within easy reach, but also provides flexibility.

Our Hifive series for example, with its streamlined modular components, comes in a range of sizes and finishes to perfectly suit your needs. Available as a free-standing unit, as well as wall mounted console, it can be tailored to any space.

However, no matter where you live, there is one piece that always makes a statement: our Loud . This series inclueds a drink trolley, a sideboard or a large free-standing cabinet with push-open doors and bronze glass shelving, all three available in a light oak, smoked oak, or black painted finish.