Quickship

Seated for the Season

Dining furniture often takes time to make. Our Quickship collection ships sooner than made-to-order furniture, so a table and chairs can be in place before the first dinner.

The Dining Room Guide

How to Furnish a Dining Room

Choose the table first, then the seating, then the pieces that serve it. For a fuller walkthrough, read our dining room furniture guide.

Designer dining table and chairs in a styled dining room

Begin with the table

Let the number you seat set the size, then let the room set the shape. Browse dining tables by shape to compare round, rectangular, square, and oval designs side by side.

Leave room to move

Allow about three feet between the table edge and the nearest wall or piece of furniture, so chairs pull out easily and guests can pass behind them.

Choose the seating

Comfort decides how long a table stays at the table. Consider the seat depth, the back, and the upholstery of each dining chair, and how easily it slides in and out.

Add a bench or stools

A bench tucks under the table and seats one more at the long side. Counter and bar stools suit an island or a raised surface, and their height should match it.

Finish with storage and light

A credenza or sideboard keeps serveware close at hand, and a pendant centered over the table sets the tone for the whole room.

The Uniek Edit

Gifts for the Host and the Table

The Uniek Edit, our holiday gift guide, gathers considered ideas for the host, the table, and everyone on your list.

Explore the Uniek Edit
Holiday gift ideas from the Uniek Edit

Questions

Dining FAQs

How wide should a dining table be?

Around 36 inches leaves space for place settings across from one another. Closer to 40 inches leaves room for a runner, candles, and shared platters without crowding.

How many people will a table seat?

Allow roughly two feet of table edge for each person. The dimensions on each product page make it easy to count, and many listings note how many a design seats comfortably.

Should I choose a round or a rectangular table?

A round table works well in a square room and makes conversation easy. A rectangular table follows a long room and is easy to extend. Both look best with space to walk around them.

Is an expandable table worth it?

If you host occasionally, yes. An expandable table stays compact day to day and gains length when guests arrive. Check how the extension works and where any leaves are stored.

How high should the chairs be?

The seat should sit about ten to twelve inches below the underside of the tabletop. That leaves room for legs, and arms should slide under the table edge or stop short of it.

Do the chairs need to match the table?

No. A table in one material with chairs in another often looks more considered. A bench along one side is a relaxed alternative to a row of chairs.

What is the difference between counter and bar height?

Counter stools suit a surface about 36 inches high, and bar stools suit one about 42 inches. In both cases, the seat should sit about ten inches below the surface.

Is there help for choosing the table, chairs, and storage together?

Yes. Take the whole dining room to Design Assistance, and our team can help you think through the table, seating, and storage as one picture.

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