Design Lesson: Dining Room Basics

With the holiday entertaining fast approaching, I thought it would be a good time to give a few pointers on fixing up the dining room. Hanging the chandelier too high, buying uncomfortable chairs and having the wrong sized table are just a few common mistakes that people make when setting up a dining room.

Here are eight common Q & A's about dining room decor:

Question: How do I know what size and shape of dining table suits the space I have?

Table size: There should be a minimum of three feet clearance on all sides of the table. Keep this in mind when there are china cabinets, entryways and other furniture pieces in the room.

Table shape: A pedestal-based table allows uninterrupted seating without corner legs getting in the way. Round or oval tables can accommodate more people than tables with square corners. A table that offers an extension is always great for seating a lot of guests.

Question: What style and size of area rug should I have under the dining table?

Rug size: The area rug should be 18-24 inches larger on each side of the table.

Rug style: An area rug with a decorative bordered/edge will frame the table and chairs.

Question: Do the chairs have to match the table and what style of chair looks best?

Matching chairs: Dining chairs that match the table work well in very formal dining rooms. Chairs of a different style work best in an informal setting. The table and chairs should always relate by wood tone or colours.

Chair style: Most versatile chair style: The Parson chair is most comfortable as the back and seat is upholstered which adds extra comfort. Parson style chairs can come in traditional or modern looks and can be used as side chairs in other rooms.

Question: How do I choose the correct size of chandelier and how high should it be hung?

Chandelier size: For every 1 foot of the dining room's width you get 2 inches of diameter for the chandelier.

Chandelier height: The bottom of the chandelier should be hung 30 inches above the table. Raise it an extra 2 inches for each foot above the average 8 foot ceiling height.

Side Notes:

  • If your dining room is open to other rooms, then take your decorating clues from the accompanying room.
  • If the dining room is a separate, more formal room, create a dramatic space by painting it a deeper wall colour or use wallpaper which will make the room feel more intimate.
  • For a casual approach, add a daybed, sette or couch to one side of the table. A comfortable piece of furniture will encourage guests to linger longer at the table and create a casual feeling to the room.
  • Hang artwork an inch or two lower than usual in the dining room; it will create a relaxed feeling.
  • In a tiny dining room, paint the ceiling the same colour as the wall. It will make the room feel very intimate and appear larger.
  • In a busy family household, choose a table that can be durable enough for homework, eating and hobbies; such a large surface should be used for more than just eating at a few times each year. A laminate, stone or Formica type top would work perfect as a multi-use surface.

SOURCES: Dining table, chairs, chandelier, rug and glass bowls were all from Toronto, Ont. retailer Elte.

Got a question, comment or segment suggestion for Karl? Email us at homedecor@ctv.ca.