A dining room does more than house a table. At its best it is a stage for conversation, a backdrop for memory, and the room that defines a household's relationship to pleasure. Designing one well requires thinking about light, proportion, material and ritual simultaneously.
Start With the Light
Every great dining room is anchored by its chandelier or pendant. The fitting should hang 75–90 cm above the table surface — low enough to create intimacy, high enough not to obstruct sightlines. The width of the chandelier should be 50–60% of the table width.
Browse the chandelier collection and read our chandelier size guide for exact calculations. Always fit on a dimmer — the difference between dinner at 30% and 100% brightness is the difference between a memorable evening and a functional one.
Layer beyond the central fixture. Wall lights at either end of the room add depth and prevent the space going dark at the edges when the dimmer is turned down. Use our Room Lighting Calculator to plan the full scheme.
The Table and Furniture
Round tables encourage conversation; rectangular tables allow more formal seating. The table material sets the register: marble is grand and cool, walnut is warm and domestic, lacquered surfaces are glamorous and considered. Leave 90–100 cm of clearance between the table edge and any wall or furniture behind the chairs so movement remains comfortable. Browse the seating collection for dining chairs that balance form and comfort.
Walls, Floor & Window
Dark walls — deep navy, forest green, warm charcoal — make a dining room feel enclosed and intimate. The contrast between the dimmed room and the lit table becomes cinematic. Light walls create an airier space that works equally well for daytime meals.
A rug under the dining table absorbs sound and defines the zone within an open-plan space. It should extend at least 60 cm beyond the table on all sides so chairs remain on the rug when pulled out. See our rugs collection and round rugs for dining-appropriate options. For guidance on sizing, read our rug size guide.
Floor-to-ceiling curtains add height and gravitas. A heavy drapery in velvet, linen or silk creates the ideal backdrop. Use sheers during the day to maintain privacy while diffusing light beautifully. See our curtains and drapery guide.
The Table Setting
Our luxury tablescape guide covers the art of table setting in full detail. The essentials for a dining room that impresses:
- Plates: Choose artisan plates with sculptural quality — handmade ceramics, painted porcelain or fine Italian china.
- Glassware: Real crystal glassware rings rather than thuds. See our guide to crystal vs mass-produced glass.
- Cutlery: Weight and balance matter. A well-made piece of cutlery changes how a meal feels in the hand.
- Decanters: Even table wine poured from a beautiful decanter tastes better by association. Read the wine decanter guide.
- Candles: Scented candles at dinner height add warmth and fragrance simultaneously. Keep the scent subtle — nothing that competes with the food.
Scent and Atmosphere
A reed diffuser placed in the room an hour before guests arrive ensures ambient fragrance without the conspicuousness of a burning candle. Choose a warm, clean scent — cedar, sandalwood or white tea. See our home fragrance guide for the full approach to layering scent.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How low should a chandelier hang over a dining table?
- 75–90 cm from the table surface is the standard. Lower creates more intimacy; higher feels disconnected. Always install on a dimmer switch.
- What size rug do I need under a dining table?
- The rug should extend at least 60 cm beyond the table on all four sides so chairs stay on it when pulled out. For a 180 cm table, a minimum 300 cm rug length is recommended.
- Should dining room curtains touch the floor?
- Yes. Floor-to-ceiling curtains create the most refined look. A small break (2–3 cm) is acceptable. Curtains that hang above the floor look curtailed and reduce the sense of height.
- What colour walls work best in a dining room?
- Dark tones — deep navy, forest green, warm charcoal — make a dining room feel intimate and cinematic. Light walls create versatility for daytime use. Either approach works; the key is committing fully to the choice.
