How To Design a Dining Room

The right table, comfortable seating and thoughtful materials help create a dining room that feels personal, welcoming and made for the way you live.

Plan for How You Live

Focus on function. Whether you’re setting up a formal space or need Tips for Family-Friendly Dining Rooms, let the way you use the room guide the layout, furniture and materials.
Know your measurements. Furniture that is sized and arranged well leaves room to sit, move and use nearby doors or storage pieces comfortably.

Design Tip:
Leave at least 36 inches behind chairs and up to 54 inches near storage and high-traffic areas.

Start with shape. Round and oval tables encourage conversation, while square tables feel more intimate. Rectangular tables suit larger groups and boat top tables soften the look.
Select a base style. Pedestal base tables and corner-leg designs can make it easier to fit chairs and maximize seating.
Dial in dimensions. Allow 18 to 24 inches of table width per person and at least 24 inches of depth. Once you have a size in mind, browse tables by seating capacity to narrow your options.
Add flexibility. An extension table works well if you host occasionally but don’t need a larger table every day.

Find the right mix of seating. Chairs offer individual comfort and easy access, while benches and banquettes add flexibility for family meals, kids or larger gatherings. Pair side chairs and chairs with arms or mix wood, fabric and leather chairs for a personalized look.
Follow the table shape. Round tables pair well with compact chairs or banquettes, while rectangular tables work with chairs, benches or both. For banquettes, pedestal bases provide added comfort and accessibility. Explore How To Pair Dining Tables & Chairs for more guidance.
Check for fit. Chair width, arm height, seat height, table apron and leg placement all affect how comfortably seating tucks in. Leave about six inches between chairs and table legs.

Favor materials that fit your lifestyle. Wood tabletops bring warmth while quartz, stone and ceramic composite stand up to busy households. Explore our Tabletop Materials Guide to explore the options.
Customize the combination. Our Top + Base program lets you pair select tops and bases to create a table that fits your space, style and needs.
Match or mix. Wood chairs pair naturally with wood tables and can balance cooler surfaces like stone, quartz and ceramic composite. Matching materials create a cohesive look, while mixing them adds visual interest. Read the guide on How To Mix Wood Tones.

See how our customers have styled their dining rooms with Room & Board.

Find more tips for creating gathering spaces.

Get personalized recommendations from our design associates virtually or in person at our stores.