Lekker's Guide to Choosing the Right Dining Room Furniture

Selecting the right dining room furniture can make all the difference in transforming your space. Not only does it elevate the overall aesthetic, but it also enhances the functionality of your dining area. Whether you're hosting large gatherings or enjoying intimate family dinners, the perfect dining set can set the tone for your entire home. Here’s your comprehensive guide to choosing the best pieces that match your style, needs, and space.

Dining Table Shapes: Finding the Perfect Fit

The dining table is the heart of your dining room. Its shape not only defines the style of your space but also dictates the flow of your room. Here are the most popular table shapes and how they can work for you.

Rectangular Tables

The rectangular dining table is a classic choice, offering ample space for family meals, gatherings, and special occasions. Many models feature removable leaves, allowing you to easily expand or reduce the size based on your needs—perfect for both everyday use and larger gatherings. Their design also makes them easy to place in various room layouts, offering both style and practicality.

Round Tables

Round dining tables are ideal for creating a welcoming atmosphere, as everyone faces the center, making it easier to engage in conversation. They’re a great option for smaller spaces, as they don’t take up as much floor area while still providing ample seating. Their compact yet spacious design makes round tables a smart, versatile choice for any home.

Square Tables

Square dining tables are perfect for square-shaped dining rooms, creating a balanced and intimate setting. Their compact size makes them ideal for smaller spaces, offering a cozy dining experience. Many square tables also come with drop leaves or extension features, allowing you to expand the table for larger gatherings without compromising on space.

Space-Saving Solutions: Flexibility & Functionality

Extendable and drop-leaf tables are a game-changer for anyone looking for both flexibility and space-saving functionality. These versatile designs allow you to easily adjust the size of your dining table, making them perfect for households with varying guest lists or changing needs.

An extendable table typically has one or more leaves that can be added or removed, allowing you to easily expand the surface for larger gatherings or shrink it down for everyday use.

Drop-leaf tables, on the other hand, feature hinged sides that can be dropped down or extended to create a smaller or larger surface area. These tables are especially ideal for compact spaces, as they can be tucked away or expanded as needed. When not in use, the sides can be folded down to save space, making them perfect for apartments or smaller dining areas.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Dining Furniture

Material choice plays a significant role in both the aesthetics and practicality of your dining set. The right material can set the tone for your entire dining room while ensuring long-term durability. Here are some popular options and what they bring to the table.

Wood

For warmth and natural beauty, wood is hard to beat. Whether you’re into rustic charm or sleek modern vibes, there’s a wood for you. While it’s naturally sturdy, wood can require some maintenance—like occasional polishing or sealing—to keep it looking its best. It’s a great choice for families who appreciate craftsmanship and a bit of character.

Glass

For a sleek, contemporary look, glass is a great choice. It opens up the space and gives your dining room a light, airy feel. While it’s easy to clean, you may need to wipe away smudges and scratches more often. Glass is perfect for those who love a clean, minimalist look but don’t mind a little extra maintenance to keep it clear.

Stone

Stone brings a bold, sophisticated touch to your dining room. This material is incredibly durable and perfect for making a statement. However, stone options such as marble or quartz do require some maintenance. While marble is known for its polished, elegant appearance, it can be prone to staining and needs regular care to keep it looking its best.

Laminate

Laminate is the practical, budget-friendly option that’s easy to clean and resistant to scratches. It’s a great choice for busy households or anyone looking for a low-maintenance dining table. However,laminate doesn’t have the same longevity as wood or stone. Over time, it can show signs of wear and it’s more likely to be damaged by heavy use or extreme temperatures than other materials.

Metal

Metal dining tables are a stylish and contemporary option that’s both durable and low-maintenance. Steel, brass, or iron bases are commonly used in modern dining sets, and these materials offer sleek, industrial vibes that complement both minimalist and edgy design aesthetics. Metal is incredibly sturdy and resistant to wear, but depending on the finish, it may require occasional cleaning to prevent tarnishing or rusting.

Dining Chairs: Comfort Meets Style

Choosing the right dining chair requires balancing comfort, style, and practicality. Each material and design offers unique advantages, so it’s important to match your choice to your needs and lifestyle.

Upholstered Dining Chairs

Upholstered chairs provide a soft, padded seating experience and are available in various fabrics and leather options. These chairs are versatile in design, fitting both modern and traditional interiors, and prioritize comfort. High-quality upholstery combined with a durable frame ensures longevity, though fabric chairs may show wear faster in high-traffic areas. Maintenance involves spot-cleaning for fabric and occasional conditioning for leather.

Paper Cord & Caned Dining Chairs

Paper cord and caned chairs feature woven seats or backs, typically made from materials like paper cord or rattan cane. These chairs often have a light and airy design, popular in Scandinavian and mid-century modern styles. While they are strong, they can wear or sag over time with heavy use. Regular dusting and spot-cleaning are sufficient for maintenance, but they should be kept away from excessive moisture or direct sunlight to prevent damage.

Wooden Dining Chairs

Wooden chairs are highly durable, especially when crafted from hardwoods like oak, walnut, or teak. While prone to scratches over time, wooden chairs can be refinished to restore their appearance. Maintaining them is simple—wipe them with a damp cloth and occasionally polish the wood to keep it looking fresh. Wooden chairs are a practical option for everyday use and are perfect for creating a warm, natural aesthetic.