Table Shapes and Why They Matter
Start with the basics: the shape of your table should suit both your room and how you use it.
Round dining tables work well in smaller rooms or open-plan layouts where you want a softer look. They make conversations easier and tend to feel less formal. If you're furnishing a flat or want a compact option, a round table is a good call.
Our range includes the Richmond Interiors Blackbone Brass Round Dining Table and Berkeley Designs Milan Dining Table - a solid choice for anyone looking for a clean, natural finish that works with most colour schemes.
For more defined dining spaces or larger families, rectangular and oval tables offer more seating and a more traditional structure. A piece like the Richmond Interiors Mayfield 210cm Dining Table in Brown or Berkeley Designs Malibu Dining Table has a mid-century style that suits both classic and modern interiors.
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Matching or Mixing Chairs
There’s no rule that says your dining table and chairs have to match perfectly. Some people still go for matching sets, but mixing different finishes or styles can make the space feel more natural.
If your table is wood, think about adding upholstered chairs to soften the look. Velvet dining chairs in darker tones like navy or forest green pair well with oak or walnut finishes. If your table is a statement piece — like marble or black matte — you might want to keep chairs simple to avoid overcrowding the look.
For smaller rooms, avoid bulky chairs. Go for open-back or armless options that tuck neatly under the table. This makes the whole space feel bigger and more open.
Key Materials in Luxury Dining Furniture
The materials you choose say a lot about the feel of the space. In higher-end interiors, there’s a move toward natural, textured finishes.
Oak and ash wood are timeless and fit easily into modern or traditional rooms.
Marble-effect finishes give a clean, high-end look without feeling too flashy.
Matte black or dark wood feels more dramatic and can help a dining area stand out in a neutral home.
You can link your dining furniture with other materials in the room — think of sideboards, lighting, and flooring. For example, if your table is dark wood, a brass or gold pendant light overhead warms up the space. A textured rug underneath helps define the dining area and brings softness underfoot.
Room Size and Table Placement
Before choosing a table, measure your space properly. You want at least 75cm of clearance around all sides so people can sit comfortably and walk past.
In tighter homes, go for extendable dining tables or round models like Azuma Matte Grey Ceramic Extending Dining Table 160-200cm . For open layouts, think about anchoring the area with a rug or sideboard so the dining zone feels intentional.
Also think about flooring — darker tables look great on lighter wood or stone floors, while light oak tables can get lost on pale flooring unless you use accessories to add contrast.
Storage and Matching Pieces
Many of our dining tables are part of wider collections, so if you want a consistent look, consider pairing your table with a sideboard or display cabinet from the same range.
Sideboards are especially useful in open-plan spaces where you want to keep cutlery, napkins, or tableware close by without cluttering the table itself.
You can also tie your dining space to your living room furniture. For example, if you have a black oak dining table, think about a matching TV unit or coffee table nearby to keep the flow of the space clean and unified.
Lighting for the Dining Area
Lighting often gets overlooked when furnishing a dining space, but it makes a big difference in how the room feels. A pendant light over the table defines the area and gives a softer atmosphere in the evenings.
For round tables, one central pendant works best. For longer tables, a row of smaller pendants or an elongated fixture looks balanced.
Browse our lighting collection to see modern, classic and minimalist options that work over dining tables.
Dining Rooms That Work With the Rest of the Home
Dining areas are often connected to kitchens or living rooms, so it makes sense to style them with the bigger picture in mind.
Here are some tips:
- Use similar tones across materials (e.g., wood, metal) to keep everything cohesive.
- Stick to one or two accent colours and repeat them through chairs, art, or soft furnishings.
- Link styles across categories — for instance, if your dining chairs are curved and minimalist, carry that shape into your sofa or occasional chairs.
Don’t be afraid to make it personal. Art, candles, ceramics, and plants help balance the hard edges of furniture and bring a lived-in look.
Current Trends in Dining Furniture
Right now, we’re seeing more demand for:
Burl wood finishes – rich and textured
Curved dining chairs – soft lines, comfortable shapes
Mid-century details – tapered legs, walnut tones
Compact table styles – especially for urban homes
Layered materials – combining wood, metal, and stone
If you want to explore any of these looks, we can help match the right pieces.
Summary: What to Think About When Buying
Here’s a quick checklist to help you choose the right dining table and chairs:
✔️ Do the size and shape fit your space?
✔️ Does the material work with your flooring, lighting, and nearby furniture?
✔️ Are the chairs comfortable and scaled to the table?
✔️ Is there storage nearby if you need it?
✔️ Do you want matching or mix-and-match pieces?
✔️ Does it work with the rest of your home furniture?
A Note on Quality
We work with brands like Richmond Interiors, who focus on building long-lasting, functional, and well-designed furniture. These pieces aren’t just for show — they’re built to stand up to everyday use and keep looking good over time.
Link to Other Rooms
If you’re working on more than just your dining area, check out:
This helps keep the feel of your home consistent without needing to commit to one set style.
Final Thought
You don’t need to overcomplicate your dining setup. Pick a table you like, add chairs that are comfortable, and build around that. Good quality, well-proportioned pieces are what make a space feel put-together.
We have a range of luxury home furniture for dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, and more — with natural materials, clean designs, and solid craftsmanship.
Have a look at our full dining collection here, or get in touch if you want help planning a space that works for you.
