The holiday season is here, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to enhance your dining area, setting the stage for welcoming guests and creating cherished memories around the table. In this guide, we will show you how to create the perfect dining space with experts from our friends at Furnitureland South.
When designing a space, the experts at Furnitureland South start by thinking about the height of a room
Measuring is a crucial task when shopping for furniture, especially regarding seating in your dining room. The standard seat height is 18 inches, and the standard table height is 30 inches.


How to choose a dining chair
When measuring dining chair size, consider your table’s apron (the wooden panel connecting legs to the top) for proper knee clearance. Ensure the chosen chair height fits and determines seating capacity based on table length: A 72-inch table comfortably seats 6, a 96-inch table comfortably seats 8, and a 120-inch table comfortably seats 10. Remember to maintain 24 inches per chair for adequate space.
Deciding on Upholstered vs. non-upholstered dining chairs
When deciding between upholstered and non-upholstered chairs, there are key factors to consider. Chairs with performance fabric are easy to clean and ideal for managing spills, especially for families with children. On the other hand, non-upholstered chairs are usually narrower, making them a good fit for smaller tables. But if you love those long, cozy dinners, upholstered chairs might offer added comfort during those leisurely post-meal conversations.

Furnitureland South recommends head chairs and side chairs
Headchairs are such a fun way to bring personality into your space. You can play with bold fabrics, unique shapes, and solid styles to anchor your dining table. Since most tables are 30 to 40 inches wide, the head chair can be wider than the others, filling that space perfectly. Think of it like the capital letter or punctuation that marks the start and end of your table – they not only look great but also add a nice touch to your dining setup!

What to think about with dining table finishes
Choosing the right finish for your dining table can be a game-changer in aesthetics and functionality! There are various options, all tailored to different lifestyles and preferences. If durability and easy maintenance are your top priorities, a table with a catalyzed lacquer finish might be your dining room’s best friend.
This finish undergoes a chemical curing process, resulting in a robust and resilient surface shielding against moisture and spills. Cleaning becomes a breeze, making it perfect for those bustling households or anyone who wants a worry-free dining experience. Now, if you’re eyeing elegance and a touch of formality, glass finishes are your go-to. They not only add flair to your dining space but also offer easy maintenance. With its smooth, non-porous surface, cleaning up spills becomes a non-issue.
So, whether you’re envisioning cozy family dinners or fancy dinner parties, there’s a dining table finish out there that will fit your vibe and lifestyle.

Furnitureland South’s tips for choosing dining room lighting
From everyday family gatherings to spectacular dinner parties, your dining room deserves to sparkle. It’s the centerpiece that sets the room’s ambiance and deserves a thoughtful investment.
Select the Style
- Style comes first: Determine the light fixture style you need before determining the
size and proportion. For example, if the dining room has large windows and beautiful
views, choose a more minimal fixture to not interfere with the view. - Scale for large spaces: If the dining room is large with high ceilings, then search for a
grand fixture to elevate the room’s grandeur. - Shape Harmony: Consider which shape will work best with your table’s silhouette. Opt
for a round or organically shaped light over a round table since a linear light will create
an odd scale. If working with a long, 12-person, or larger table, choose a fixture that
mirrors the shape of the table or choose two fixtures.

How to size your lighting fixtures
When selecting the size of your dining room fixture, the official rule is one-third of the length of
a rectangular or oval table. Don’t ever go smaller than that, but you can go bigger. Avoid fixtures
wider than the table. To get a starting point, add your room’s length and width, then convert to
inches. For instance, a 10×14 room needs a minimum 24-inch-wide fixture.

Shop dining at Furnitureland South
In-stock dining room options
The experts at Furnitureland South hope this guide will assist you in creating a beautiful dining room perfect for all your holiday and family gatherings! Explore a wide range of in-stock dining options available now at Furnitureland South.
Discover custom dining at Furnitureland South
At Furnitureland South, the Custom Dining Gallery is your playground for personalized furniture.
Here, your imagination takes the lead! Team up with a Design Consultant dedicated to crafting
your perfect dining table and chairs—choose the heights, lengths, finishes, and all those unique
details. Book an appointment for a tailored experience in curating your exceptional dining
set!
Please tell Furnitureland South Design Consultants you saw it on NC Eat & Play!
As a beloved North Carolina retail business with more than 5-decades serving the furniture needs of thousands of customers from all over the world every month, we’re grateful to partner with NC Eat & Play and help followers discover all that Furnitureland South has to offer.
In addition to planning a perfect dining space, make sure to check out Megan’s recipes for the holidays

Check out My Mama’s NC Kitchen, where Megan and her mom share their takes on iconic recipes like Angus Barn’s Chocolate Chess Pie or fun creations with Cheerwine.
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