Dining room furnishing in 7 steps

A dining table, four chairs, done? Not so fast! Furnishing a dining room requires a deft touch that combines functionality and a welcoming atmosphere. After all, the dining area isn’t just the social hub of family life at Christmas; it’s also a place for relaxed coffee breaks and cozy game nights, in addition to shared celebrations and meals. Attractive furniture, beautiful accessories, and atmospheric lighting create a comfortable ambiance and complete the overall look of the room.

1. Tailor to the needs

Single household, family dining room, or welcoming living room? Like the other rooms in the home, the dining room or dining area should also meet the needs of its inhabitants. While a small dining table might suffice for singles who like to eat out, a table for a family of four should ideally have a minimum edge length of 120 cm. Those who regularly entertain might opt ​​for an extendable table or choose a long banquette and comfortable upholstered chairs. Dining room furnishings should therefore be tailored to individual needs and preferences.

While the dining room used to be the central hub of social dinner parties, the trend today is towards open-plan spaces that seamlessly blend living and dining areas. Especially with a combined living and dining room or a dining nook integrated into the kitchen, the focus is on a harmonious overall look , and the dining room furnishings should be particularly well thought out.

2. Gather inspiration

If the dining area is integrated into the living room or kitchen, it makes sense to extend the style of that room to the dining space as well. In a separate dining room, there’s a bit more scope for design. Ultimately, the style you choose depends on the room’s layout, but also on personal taste : Should it be clean and minimalist, or rather rustic and cozy? Would an industrial look with metal and leather elements be an option? Should warm wood tones dominate, or would a modern glass table also be suitable?

If you’re still unsure about your dining room design, creating an idea board or mood board can help you gain clarity. Whether it’s snippets from fashion, art, or interior design magazines, fabric scraps, or photos – collect anything that appeals to you. The internet also offers a wealth of inspiration , with countless images showcasing various interior styles. The final result is a collage that highlights your preferences for color, fabric, and materials, as well as your favorite furniture.

3. Finding the right dining table

It is the centerpiece of the dining room and attracts everyone’s attention: the dining table . Whether rectangular, round or square, made of wood, metal or glass, in Scandinavian, industrial or country style – the possibilities are virtually endless.

The correct size for the dining table depends on the room size and the number of people who should be able to sit at it.

If the dining area is open and spacious, a classic rectangular table can be a good choice. It can be positioned in the center of the room or with its ends against a wall. It offers plenty of space for all family members, any guests, or even shifts working from home. Extendable models enlarge the seating area and adapt to individual needs in no time.

For those who value a convivial atmosphere, a round or oval table is a good choice – it can be a real eye-catcher in the dining room. Because everyone sits at an equal distance from each other, the atmosphere is more relaxed and conversation is encouraged. A diameter of at least 100 cm provides enough space for four people, while for six people it should be at least 120 cm in diameter.

Small square dining tables or folding tables are particularly suitable for very small rooms . Tip : Light walls and a white table reflect the light and make small dining rooms appear 
larger . If you opt for a wooden table in an open-plan living area, it’s best to choose the same type of wood as for the living room furniture – this creates a more harmonious look.

4. Take a seat in comfort:

The perfect chairs, Comfortable, stylish chairs are a must for any dining room. The more comfortable the chairs, the longer the conversation will last. Especially for long tables or frequently used dining tables, comfortable seating is essential . The seating experience depends primarily on the material of the dining chairs: Upholstered armchairs in fabric or leather offer excellent comfort. But even those who prefer wooden chairs can comfortably linger for hours with cozy cushions and sheepskins. Freedom of movement and legroom , as well as the chair’s height in relation to the chosen dining table, are also crucial: For example, if the dining table is 75 cm high, the optimal seat height is 45 cm. Approximately 70 cm of width should also be planned for each seat – this ensures everyone at the table is comfortable!

5. Create storage space

A well-furnished dining room shouldn’t overcrowd the space. Whether it’s the fine silverware, dishes, napkins, or tablecloths – hardly any other room requires as many items as the dining room. Clever storage solutions are therefore practical everyday helpers: sideboards, china cabinets, dressers, and display cabinets create storage space in the kitchen and keep everything needed right at the dining table. At the same time, they serve as stylish display surfaces and can be adorned with tiered trays, vases, pictures, or bowls to become real eye-catchers.

Tip: A pretty serving trolley is also suitable as a smart storage companion for small dining rooms or dining areas – a statement piece in the dining room decor.

6. Atmospheric lighting

The right lighting plays a major role in dining room design, as it significantly influences the room’s atmosphere. Pendant lights are particularly popular because they create an attractive ensemble with the dining table, highlighting it as the room’s centerpiece. They also shield the light source, ensuring glare-free illumination at the dining area.

As a rule of thumb : If the pendant light (measured from its bottom edge) is approximately 60 to 70 cm above the table, i.e., just above eye level, it is at an optimal height. This way, you won’t be blinded while eating and can look your companion in the eye without obstruction.

The dining room becomes even more inviting with complementary light sources, such as individual wall, floor, or table lamps that provide warm and, ideally, dimmable light . Flickering candlelight enhances the cozy atmosphere and invites you to enjoy intimate gatherings.

7. Decorate stylishly

Carefully selected decorations complement the dining room furnishings and create a cozy atmosphere, giving the room an individual touch. However, they should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the space.

Wall art in attractive frames, vases, bowls, and candlesticks are popular choices . A rug not only brings warmth and coziness to the dining area—especially on tiled floors—but also acts as sound insulation when moving dining chairs. Furthermore, it structures the dining area and visually separates it from the rest of the room. Because spills are inevitable during meals, rugs should be easy to care for and clean. Crumbs and food can easily fall from the dining table and potentially cause stains that should be easy to remove.

Tasteful table decoration includes not only pretty tablecloths made of linen, damask or cotton, but also beautifully arranged flower arrangements that give the dining table an appetizing and festive character.

What style did you choose for your dining room decor?