Creating The Dining Space That Makes Family Meals A Joy

Bringing the whole family around the dining table is a tradition that’s becoming increasingly important to maintain, especially as growing families might spend more time apart with faces glued to individual screens. As such, the dining space is one that should be treated with care and consideration, and here are a few ways you can make sure that it’s meeting your family’s needs just right.

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The Table Is The Heart Of The Space

As the functional centrepiece of family meals, choosing the right dining table matters a lot. Size is the most important factor, as you want it to be able to fit all members of the household while allowing some room for guests, but without dominating the whole room. Round or oval tables can make for closer and more conversational spaces, while rectangular tables tend to be better designed for accommodating larger families.

Practical And Comfortable Seating

Tied with your dining table in terms of importance is the seating that you offer. Opting for quality brands like Shawcross Furniture dining chairs can ensure that they offer proper support and stable construction to suit repeated use. Aside from cushioned seating for comfort, you should also choose those with wipeable fabrics or finishes that make them a lot easier to clean, given the high likelihood of a spill happening at any time.

Set The Right Mood With Lighting

Lighting creates the ambience that you dine under, and can dictate how the space actually feels. Having a pendant or chandelier above the table makes it a focal point of the space, and warm bulbs can create a more cosy and inviting atmosphere that can make relaxation and conversation come a little easier. If you’re close to walls, supplementing your main lighting with an extra sconce can ensure that there are no dark shadows in the surroundings and bring a softer tone to the scene overall.

Creating Thoughtful Flow

During your meals, it’s very likely that people will get up to grab a drink, put away dishes, use the restroom, or simply move around a little. Maintaining a good flow around the dining space is important. If people have to pull in their chairs every time someone passes, you might want to rethink furniture placement and sizing. Good spacing reduces tension and allows for uninterrupted dining and socialising experiences.

Add A Personal Touch

Little details can add a lot of warmth and care to the area. This can include things like artwork or family photographs on the walls, as well as fresh flowers or candles on the table to bring a sense of intimacy and emotional comfort. These little touches can make the dining area feel much more lived-in and inviting, which is important for family dining as much as it is for socialising. 

The kind of dining space and design that best suits your family is largely going to depend on the needs and preferences of that family. However, the tips above can start pointing you in the right direction if you’re looking to make some improvements.