Dining furniture buying guide
Your dining space deserves the best! We’ll help you measure up to find the perfect fit for your home, choose durable materials, and discover tables and chairs — from space-saving hacks to family feasts.
Find your dining guide and make the most of every space:
1. Shape — Picking what works for your space
The shape of your table can change how your space feels. Round tables are great for conversation and fit well in tighter corners. Rectangular tables work beautifully in longer rooms and offer the most seating. Square tables give a neat, balanced look and are ideal for compact layouts.
Rectangular tables
Rectangular tables work well in most spaces. They’re ideal for dining areas with foot traffic going through them and also great for bench seating which can be tucked under the table to make the room less crowded.
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Round & oval tables
Round or oval tables generally require a slightly larger room but work well to balance a room that is square in shape. They are inviting and can fit more people since there are no corners.
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Square tables
Square tables are good for conversation since everyone faces each other. Like oval tables, larger square dining tables require more space along both the length and width than other types.
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2. Size — Finding the perfect fit for your home
Before you start your dining furniture search, grab a tape measure and check your dining area size.
Start thinking about how you’ll be using the table. For example, when you’re eating, will there be only plates and cutlery, or will you have lots of serving dishes too?
Give your table the space it needs
A little extra room around your dining table makes every meal more comfortable. Here are some simple spacing tips to help you move, sit and serve with ease — no bumping elbows or squeezing past chairs.
Distance from a wall or a cabinet
Ensure there's 80 cm of space between your table and the nearest wall. This leaves enough space to comfortably sit, pull out your chair, and allow someone to easily pass behind you.
Distance to a kitchen unit
Between the dining table and the kitchen cabinets, a little more space is needed. With 120 cm, you will have enough room to sit comfortably and for someone to cook at the same time.
Did you know?
Each person needs about 60 cm of eating space, and a minimum of 80 cm between the table and whatever is behind it, but in this case, more is better. If you don’t have enough room for a large dining table, consider an extendable table.
Room for plates and cutlery
Choose a table that fits the number of eaters. Setting the table for one person asks for 60x35 cm, for a placemat, plate, cutlery and glasses.
Room for elbows
With a minimum space of 60 cm for each adult, everyone can eat comfortably - no matter the etiquette.
3. Function — Smart features for everyday living
Once you know your space, think about how your dining furniture can flex with your daily routine. Extendable tables make room for extra guests in a snap, while foldable tables and chairs free up space whenever you need it. And if you want to make the most of vertical space, high‑dining solutions offer a compact, casual spot for meals or quick catch‑ups.
Extendable tables
Extendable tables stay compact for daily meals but open up in seconds when you need room for more. Perfect for gatherings, big or small.
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Foldable solutions
Foldable tables and chairs help you switch up your space anytime. Use them when you need them, fold them away when you don’t.
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High‑dining solutions
Bar tables and stools make the most of a compact space and creates a casual spot for meals, work or quick catch‑ups. Perfect for small homes or open‑plan kitchens.
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Indoor & outdoor use
Weather‑resistant furniture lets you enjoy dining indoors or outside with ease. Durable materials stand up to sun and rain, so your setup stays looking good.
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4. A seat for everyone — Making sure every seat feels right
Everyone sits differently, so choosing the right chair makes every mealtime feel better. Whether you prefer soft cushioning, easy‑care surfaces or seats you can stack away, there’s a chair that fits your style, your space and the way you live.
Upholstered chairs
Upholstered chairs add soft comfort to long meals, gathering and catch-ups. With padded seats and supportive backs, they are great if you spend extra time at the table. Most of our covers are remoable too, making them easier to care for.
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Non-upholstered
Non-upholstered chairs are sturdy, easy to wipe and designed for everyday use. They are perfect for busy households, quick clean-ups and dining spaces that work hard from breakfast to dinner.
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Stackable chairs & stools
Stackable chairs & stools let you keep extra seating ready without taking up valuable space. Light, practical and easy to store, they’re ideal for gatherings or when guests drop by.
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5. Materials — Choosing the right material
Your dining table is going to see a lot of action, so choosing the right material is vital. If you've got a busy household, look for hard-wearing laminates or melamine that wipe clean in a jiffy. For a natural feel, wood veneer offers warmth and character. Solid wood is lovely, but requires a bit more care. Don't forget about chair materials—comfort should always trump style!
Solid hardwood
Solid hardwood brings natural warmth and long‑lasting strength. Woods like acacia, birch and oak age beautifully as their colour deepens. With unique grain and natural variations, each piece feels one‑of‑a‑kind.
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Hardwood veneer
Hardwood veneer gives you the look and feel of real wood with a surface that’s easy to care for. A durable hardwood layer over strong particleboard creates a stable table that’s less likely to crack or warp than solid wood.
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Melamine
Melamine is a smart choice for families with children, as it is moisture and scratch-resistant, and can withstand spills, banging toys, crashes, and splashes. Paired with a sturdy metal frame, you have a table that will withstand the toughest trials.
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Quartz
Quartz offers a hard, smooth, non‑porous surface that resists stains and moisture. It’s easy to clean and built to handle everyday spills, making it a practical, long‑lasting choice for busy dining spaces.
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