Whether you are lucky enough to have a room specifically allocated to dining, or have a space incorporated into the kitchen or sitting room, it is important that a dining area is a practical and enjoyable place to sit, eat and socialise. In small flats, a dining area with table is a good selling point so arrange your living or kitchen space with this in mind.
Choosing a dining table
The main rule is to make sure that the dining table you choose is a suitable size for the space you have - diners need to be able to push their chairs back and move comfortably around the table without knocking into surrounding furniture. For smaller spaces, use a small folding table with flaps that can be fixed in place when required so that it won't dominate the living or kitchen area when not in use. For more generously sized rooms, choose larger tables with removable leaves or insets. If the surface of your table is wood cover it with an easy to wipe down cloth for everyday usage which can be uncovered for more formal dinner parties.
Seating
What you sit on when you eat is again based on the space you have. Large, more formal dining rooms, can have a set of 6 or more chairs in a choice of styles - upholstered, traditional wooden, farmhouse - the style is up to you and the character you want to create. In dining areas, seating has to be more cleverly managed. A bay window could have a built in seating area with storage beneath. Or opt for stacking stools, or folding chairs, or benches which can be pushed under the table when not in use.
Tableware
Whether you prefer formal or informal dining, a good set of white china, and classic wine glasses and tumblers is very useful. With this you can mix smarter china and glassware and tablelinen for dinner parties, or more functional items for everyday use.
Storage
If space permits, invest in a dresser to display and store china, and a small sideboard or cupboard for serving food. Mobile versions are very useful, especially if the dining area is far from the kitchen. Choose a table with drawers to house cutlery and table linen.
Lighting
This plays an important role as it can change the mood from day to night. For family mealtimes lighting needs to be strong and more targeted - pendant lights over the table on a dimmer switch - though more intimate for evenings when the general lighting can be softened with candlelight.
