The trend has been for colors to come down in value and become more natural. Highly saturated, bright colors are still going to be around and used more as accents in the dining room.



Size of Dining Room

You need to make sure the size and shape of the dining table setting is in balance with the rest of the room. It's a good idea to take measurements of the area before you start shopping. As a general guide you should have a minimum distance of 1.2m between the edge of the table and the wall. If you have a small room, a glass table top will give the illusion of more space.

Furniture

The dining room furniture is simply obliged to show good taste of owners of an apartment. The first consideration for dining room furniture should be the number of necessary chairs. Nothing will destroy a carefully designed dining room more quickly than importing folding chairs when extra seats are needed. Table size is also a factor: be sure to leave at least 24 inches of clearance around the perimeter of the room to allow guests to move about freely.

Table size

Consider how many people you need to fit around the table on a regular basis. An extendable table will suite those who have few people using the table on a daily basis but who like to entertain a lot. Choose an extendable that can easily be set to a variety of configurations and then minimised for daily use. The dining table width is also very important. You need plenty of space for plates and serving dishes. We suggest a table width of at least 1m, especially if you like to set all your food on the table to allow guests to serve themselves.

Frequency

Designing your dining room can be an expensive project, and before you choose to create an opulent formal setting, consider how frequently you will use it. If the dining room is pressed into service regularly for Sunday dinners, dinner parties, and holiday gatherings, it may be well worth it to seek professional advice, whereas if it is to be a casual or less frequently used room, your personal preferences may be all the design consultation you need.

Proper Lighting

Lighting is a crucial consideration when designing your dining room. Guests should have adequate light to appreciate the food without squinting, but the light should not be so harsh as to glare off a white tablecloth or dishes.

Chandeliers are common fixtures in dining rooms, and they can be purchased in a variety of designs and styles to match any level of formality. When choosing lighting fixtures, take into account the presence of natural light: if you plan on hosting dinner parties, avoid western-facing windows that would focus the setting sun into your guests’ eyes.

Budget

The bottom line is; dining room furniture doesn't come cheaply. If tempted to make price the priority then keep in mind other factors such as how long the furniture will last and how long it will look good. It could be worth spending a bit more to ensure durability to avoid making another purchase too soon down the track. However, for those with a young family, the priority might be "safe, tough and functional" with a view of upgrading when the children are older and it's easier to keep the table in good condition.