DESIGNING YOUR DINING ROOM
The table size should be determined by the size of the room and other furniture in it. The minimum space between the edge of the table and the wall or a piece of furniture is 30 - 36".Ideally 48 - 60". This allows for clearance walking behind seated diners.
Seating allowances each diner should have 24 - 30" wide by 16 - 18" in depth and 5 - 9" between diners.
Area rugs in dining rooms must go beneath the table and all 4 chair legs. Dining chairs need at least 2' pushback space. It is important that when the chairs are pushed away, they are still on the rug and do not go beyond and become caught. An underpad is a good investment as it will protect the rug fibres rubbing against the wood floors whenever chairs are pushed back and forth.
Chandeliers in a room with an 8' ceiling should be hung between 28 - 34" from the table top and the bottom of the chandelier. For each foot higher than that add 3". To determine an appropriate size of chandelier measure the width of the room in feet, double the number and change it to inches. The width should never be longer than the table. Ideally it would be 1/2 to 2/3 of your table. Dimmer switches are very important in a dining room as they add ambience. Wall sconces can also add ambience and should be placed 60" from the floor.
Centrepieces & candles should never block the view of the diner.Average eye level for men is 27" from table top and for women it is 19". It is also of note that candles should not be scented where food is being served.
Drapery brings an elegant mood to a dining room. This is an area of much discussion. The correct length has the fabric just touching the floor. The placement of the curtain rod should be half way between the top of the window moulding and the ceiling in most cases. There are always different options depending the height of the room, window etc.
Dishware looks more cohesive when the style works with the style of your room. A victorian china pattern would not work as well in an ultra modern space as something clean lined and plain. Coordinating wallcoverings, drapery, rug, table linens and china does not mean match matchy. I just means having it flow well and coordinated.
A beautiful Dining room
