A home's dining area should fit the family's lifestyle.
A good design for dining space must center on how the family lives. Set aside floor space for the table and chairs first. However, use extra space for hobbies or activities, especially if the family won't use a dining table frequently. Make the table area the room's focal point, but any use leftover floor space wisely. Avoid crowding the dining room with too much furniture or artwork. Instead, space everything correctly so that everyone can eat with ease. Make sure the dining room is comfortable to navigate, so having meals there is especially pleasurable. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Choose a formal or informal dining table that appeals to the family. Make sure the table's shape and size leaves plenty of room to maneuver around the table and the room. Plan to buy a round wooden table to fit a corner space, for example. Allow 28 inches of table edge for each diner at a round table. Make sure a rectangular table provides approximately 24 inches of table edge for each diner.
2. Fit chairs with proper dimensions for a table. Buy armchairs that use 27 inches of table edge for a rectangular table, but allow 28 to 30 inches of table ledge for a round table using all arm chairs. Figure space for walking around the table. Measure to make sure diners' toes will be about 18 inches from a plumb line dropped from the table edge. Leave 36 to 54 inches from table edge to wall to make ample room.
3. Plan all of the wall space in detail. Decorate the walls to create the room's overall design look. Measure the floor space for furnishings to fit into the room, but take doors and windows into account. Take measurements of interior doors, so they will not conflict with foot traffic. Shift furniture in the planning process to look harmonious with window openings. Borrow space from an adjoining room, if needed, by taking down a mutual wall.
4. Buy extra chairs to make a table work more effectively. Purchase eight chairs instead of six and store two chairs in bedrooms, for example. Use dining chairs as desk chairs or side chairs in a bedroom space until holidays arrive. Buy a table with one or two leaves that can be added, if needed.
5. Display family heirlooms or items of special interest in a dining space. Add shelves or glass-front cabinets for dishes or special collectibles. Use the dining room for antique side tables or chairs. Install glass shelves for growing indoor plants or displaying work of the family artist. Use the room as a getaway space for one person needing some office space or a quiet zone. Buy a bulky wall unit or large wooden cabinet to store media or a computer to use on weekends, for example.
Tags: table edge, inches table, floor space, inches table edge, Make sure, around table