When furnishing a dining room, the dining set is usually the focal point. This is where the magic happens – eating, playing, discussing, and crafting – in short, the dining set with its table and chairs is the central element of every dining area.
All the more reason to think about what this central element should look like. This naturally includes whether to purchase a dining set as a complete package or to choose and combine chairs and table separately.
As always, there are pros and cons to both approaches, which we would like to present to you in this article. Undoubtedly, the most important question for a dining set is about the table itself. Which table should it be, how big should it be, what shape should it have, how many people should be able to sit at it, what about space requirements, and what kind of base should it have?
How to choose the right table?
Table shape criterion
The general decision for the table shape is between round or rectangular. Oval or other table shapes hardly play a role, so we will neglect them here.
A round table usually requires more space and a larger room to look good and for everyone to sit comfortably. However, it has a crucial advantage: A round table `can always fit one more´, meaning you can usually add another seat without problems. However, this flexibility is also limited by the table shape. A round table is usually not extendable; you cannot add an extra table or, as with rectangular tables with extension leaves, create additional table surface with extension panels.
A rectangular table usually makes better use of space, and tables with extension leaves are true transformers. Here you can flexibly extend the table size to create more space for additional guests. And if you think a rectangular table is boring, you've never seen a live edge table. Although rectangular, it is not straight; instead, the table edges reflect the growth of the original tree, making them wavy, natural, and the table a unique piece.
Table size criterion
Consider how many people will most often sit at the table. For each person, you should allow 60 cm in width and 40 cm in depth. Assuming 4 people, the minimum size would be 120 x 80 cm; for more comfort and with wider chairs, a size of 140-160 cm length and 80-100 cm width is recommended.
For round tables, there is also a rule of thumb for determining the table size: Multiply the number of people by 20 to get the approximate required diameter of the table in centimeters. So, if you plan for 6 people, the table should have a diameter of at least 120 cm.
What if you want to remain flexible and occasionally have more guests for dinner? An ideal solution here is the aforementioned dining set with extension leaves.
It offers several advantages over tables with folding leaves or pull-out extensions. An extension leaf can be attached when needed. On one side or both, and even when the table is already set. People can sit normally at the ends of the table, which is relatively uncomfortable with tables with folding leaves. Tables with pull-out extensions have a more complex mechanism, are usually more expensive, and are not flexible – either the leaves are out or not, and this must be done before setting the table.
Table material criterion
Wood remains particularly popular as a material for dining tables. Lacquered table surfaces are easier to clean than oiled variants and are therefore usually the first choice for dining tables. Solid wood tables always look good, and your taste determines the type of wood – with a stronger or more subtle grain, more texture, smoothly sanded or with planer marks, in vintage style or used look.
Plastic tables or tables with melamine coating are scratch-resistant and washable, but honestly: beautiful is different. Glass tables are elegant but very cleaning-intensive – every fingerprint leaves traces – which is certainly not practical for a dining table.
Table base criterion
For the table base, there is still the standard version with four legs at the table corners. However, modern dining tables today usually have two base elements at the ends of the long side, most often in a U-shape and in an industrial metallic style. Spider bases are also very popular for not-too-long tables and offer more legroom under the table for those sitting. Other popular bases include X-shapes, V- and A-bases – all stable, and the criterion for selection is again your own taste.
What about the chairs?
Generally, there are small, medium, and large chairs. For large chairs, you need a larger table so that individuals don't bump into each other. Make sure the seat height is correct and that the legs of those sitting fit comfortably under the table without hitting the underside of the tabletop. 
Armchairs require a bit more space, and the table usually needs to be a bit higher if the chair is to be pushed under the tabletop.
Swivel chairs have the advantage that it's easier to get up; the chair is simply rotated 90 degrees and doesn't need to be pushed back. This is especially interesting for people with limited mobility.
The shape, color, and material of the chairs are primarily a matter of taste. They are available with and without armrests, with four chair legs or as cantilever chairs, as swivel chairs, upholstered, made of wood, rattan, as rope chairs or shell seats, with continuous or interrupted backrests.
For space requirements, you should allow about 80 - 100 cm around the table edge so that you can easily get up during meals without disturbing the person next to you.
Dining set as a complete package or combine table and chairs yourself?
Our dining sets include chairs that match the table. This means for you: size and shape are right. Of course, everyone has their own taste, and perhaps you don't like our combination – then you can, of course, combine them yourself. Just pay attention to the criteria we have put together for you above, and not much should go wrong.
You can find more tips for planning and furnishing a dining room in the article 'Furnishing the perfect dining room - how it works'
However, we should mention one advantage of a dining set: If you order online, you generally receive the table and chairs in one delivery. This means that only one transport cost applies, and you only have to wait for the carrier once. In addition, sets often have a combination discount, which is less common for individual products. The dining set is simply cheaper than the individual elements combined.
