We caught up with Audrey Williamson, Oak Furnitureland’s dining table buyer, to get her expert tips for making your dining room the ultimate spot for good food and even better conversation.

Why does your seating arrangement matter so much in a dining area?

Parquet dining table | @yellowbrickcourt

Think of your table as a stage for connection. Seating can shape the mood of a meal just as much as the food itself. Too much space between dining chairs can leave guests feeling distant. Too little, and it feels cramped. Strike the right balance, and people can lean in, share stories, and feel at ease. That’s when your table becomes a place where conversation flows as easily as the drinks.

Which table styles work best to encourage conversation?

Henley dining table | @kelly.homestyle

Round and oval tables are the unsung heroes, naturally keeping everyone included with no corners to break up the flow. But that doesn’t mean you should overlook a square or rectangular option. A square table feels intimate for smaller groups, while a rectangular table, paired with the right chair or even a bench, can still create a relaxed, open setting where conversation comes easily.

What type of seating enhances comfort and visual appeal?

Oliver dining table set | @homebyvaida

Comfort is key and the best seating feels as good as it looks. Upholstered chairs make people want to linger and keep chatting, even after the plates are cleared. Mixing styles, such as plush chairs at the ends and sleek ones along the sides, can add personality and keep the look fresh without sacrificing comfort.

What about flexibility? How do you accommodate different group sizes?

Trento dining table | @zaida_design

Your dining table should flex the way life does. Extending tables are ideal for this, cosy enough for a simple weeknight dinner, yet ready to open up effortlessly when friends or family drop by. Benches bring the same versatility: they tuck neatly out of sight, but slide into place to offer extra seating exactly when it’s needed.

Can styling help make your dining space feel more social?

Oaklee dining table

Absolutely! Styling can make your dining space feel instantly more social. Keep the centre of the table low and open with candles, small vases, or a simple runner to add charm without blocking anyone’s view. Layer in soft lighting and natural textures through your tableware, and you’ll have a space that feels warm, welcoming, and conversation-friendly.

Any additional tips to promote dining interactions?

Durham dining table set | Durham dresser

Don’t underestimate the power of a room’s flow. Make sure people can move around the table easily, no one likes feeling boxed in.

A simple trick I love is placing a rug beneath your dining set as it visually pulls the space together and encourages everyone to gather a little closer, making conversation relaxed and natural.

With the right dining table and chairs combination and a few thoughtful styling choices, your dining area can be a place where every meal feels like an occasion and every seat invites a more social side.

Ready to create your own conversation-worthy dining space? Explore our dining set builder to find the perfect pieces for your home. For more styling inspiration and behind-the-scenes ideas, follow us on Instagram and TikTok.

The post How to create conversational seating in your dining space appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Sure, you might not be indulging in a Michelin-star meal or jetting off for a weekend escape, but with a little creativity and the right mindset, you can create an evening that celebrates what truly matters: the love you share with your partner.

Set the Scene

Dorset dining table | @acton.life.and.home

Valentine’s Day doesn’t just start at dinner – it’s a vibe you can create throughout the day. Add some romance to your space with warm, inviting touches: scented candles, wax melts, or a diffuser in your favourite fragrance. A vase of fresh red roses or pink tulips on your coffee table, console table or sideboard instantly sets the tone. Even a few pink or red accents around your home can bring a subtle, sophisticated romance.

Evie sofa | @barn_owls_and_butterflies

Breakfast in bed

@livingwith_laura_j

Start the day by spoiling your partner with a proper breakfast in bed. Forget the burnt toast cliché and go all out – smashed avocado on sourdough, smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, or indulgent French toast with bacon and syrup. Oh, and don’t shy away from a morning mimosa or Bloody Mary as it’s a celebration, after all!

Cook a meal together

Parquet dining table | @26our_mini_mansion

A candlelit dinner isn’t off the table just because you’re staying in. Cooking something you both love can be just as fun and even more fulfilling. Try making fresh pasta from scratch, or visit the fishmonger for fresh seafood. It’s all about teamwork, laughter, and creating something delicious together.

Order in your favourite meal

Dorset dining table | @zetaantoniou

If cooking feels more like a chore than a treat, why not order from your favourite restaurant? Support local businesses and enjoy the luxury of being served — without the chaos of crowded tables or overpriced wine. Set the dining table beautifully, pop open a bottle of something special, and enjoy the best of dining out from the comfort of home.

Have a living room picnic

Newton coffee table | @livingwith_sienna

Who says picnics are just for parks? Spread out a rug or blanket in your living room, pile on some cushions, and create a cosy indoor picnic on your coffee table. Add fairy lights, soft throws, and your favourite flowers for a touch of extra magic.

Host a tasting session

Parquet small bookcase | @casaoldcorn

Love wine, gin, or craft beer? Bring the tasting room to you! Many distilleries, wineries, and breweries offer at-home tasting kits, often with virtual expert-led sessions. It’s a unique and interactive way to celebrate, and you might just discover your new top tipple!

Learn a new skill

Credit: Anastasia Shuraeva

Pottery, sushi-making, ballroom dancing — these are just some of the classes now available online. Get stuck into something fun and new, and who knows? You might just find a hobby you’ll both love long after Valentine’s Day is over.

Get creative with arts and crafts

Credit: RDNE Stock project

Channel your inner Picasso with a painting session. Grab some easels, paints, and brushes, and try painting portraits of each other. Whether the results are museum-worthy or hilariously bad, it’s bound to be a memory you’ll both treasure.

Indulge in a home spa

St Ives sideboard | @our_surreyhome

Set the mood with scented candles, relaxing bath oils, and indulgent face masks: pamper your partner with a budget-friendly spa day at home. Unwind with a soak in a steaming tub filled with fragrant bath bombs. Elevate the experience with thoughtful extras: a homemade afternoon tea complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats, alongside chilled bubbly or fruit-infused water. Finish with chocolate-dipped strawberries and wrap yourselves in fluffy, freshly laundered towels for that final touch of spa-like bliss.

Play games together

Credit: SHVETS production

Whether you’re board game fanatics, trivia buffs, or just love a bit of Lego, games are a brilliant way to bond through some playful competition, and you’ve got an evening of laughs sorted. Just remember — no sore losers!

Relive your favourite memories

Romsey sideboard | @ourderbyshiredetached

Dig out the photo albums, wedding snaps and videos, or digital photo folders and take a trip down memory lane. You could even pick a few favourites to print and frame, or start a scrapbook of your journey together.

Take time to stargaze

Credit: Özgür Sürmeli

Escape the chaos of everyday life with a quiet moment outdoors. Wrap up warm, step into the garden, and enjoy the stars together. Add your ultimate slow song for a spontaneous dance or cosy up around a fire pit, toast marshmallows and dine out on s’mores under the night sky.

A virtual Valentine’s date

For couples who can’t be together in person, there are still ways to celebrate your relationship. Use video call backgrounds to transport yourselves to Paris or a tropical beach and theme your evening around the location. You can also take online classes, cook together via video call, or even paint each other’s portraits. It’s all about connection — even from afar.

From simple gestures to elaborate setups, what makes Valentine’s Day special is the thought behind it. No matter which idea you choose, your partner will appreciate the effort you’ve made to celebrate your love.

We’d love to see your Valentine’s creations! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram using #OakFurnitureland to show off your romantic setups.

The post Romantic at-home date ideas for Valentine’s Day appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Ghostly white and stylish

Stephanie Frey | Shutterstock.com

Embrace stylish white decor this Halloween when decorating your table. Lay the foundations with a white tablecloth and layer with white crockery, gold cutlery and decorate with mini white pumpkins and greenery for a simple but effective seasonal look.

Stephanie Frey | Shutterstock.com

Enchanted decor

Potapova Elizaveta

Dorset dining table | @our_claytoncorner_

Sideboard styling

Belgrave sideboard

If you want to keep your table free for the feast you’re serving up, consider giving your sideboard a haunted twist for the spooky season. A simple and affordable way to transform the space is to decorate with paper lanterns and some faux seasonal leaves, plus after Halloween you can simply remove the pumpkins and enjoy an autumnal display.

Spooktacular scenes

Rushmere dining table | @this_mum_makes

If you want to go all out and really embrace the Halloween spirit, give your dining table a spooky makeover. You can find pretty much everything with a Halloween twist, from crockery and placemats to table runners, and of course plenty of accessories such as fake cobwebs and skeletons. Plus, there are lots of elements that you can craft and make yourself, all you need is a little imagination and creativity.

What are you doing to celebrate Halloween? We’d love to see you spooky decorations, tag us at #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome on Instagram.

The post How to dress a dining table for Halloween appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Whether you have a dedicated dining room space or a kitchen/diner, the first thing to consider when choosing your table is how much space you have to play with and how many people you want to fit around it on a regular basis.

We offer a wide range of solid hardwood dining sets, with a choice of sizes, including useful extendable tables that are ideal for special occasions when you host extra guests.

Whatever your taste, we’ve got a table that’s right for you – from industrial-style designs and Scandi-inspired ranges to glass-topped contemporary and rustic farmhouse-inspired tables, with a choice of chairs and benches.

Read on for inspiration on how to style your table and the space around it – perfect for bookmarking when you’re ready to purchase the table of your dreams.

Luxe Living

Oliver Dining Set with 6 Chairs | Oliver large sideboard

Experience the epitome of dining luxury with our Oliver walnut-stained oak dining table. The statement plinth legs adorned with beautifully fluted panelling ensure every gathering is imbued with a little grandeur. Style with coloured glassware and accent upholstered chairs or dark wooden seating to create the perfect place to dine in style.

Industrial cool

Brooklyn dining set | @bellway_easton

Add a touch of industrial style to your home with the Brooklyn dining set, bringing together beautiful natural wood with galvanised metal details. The fusion of the two materials creates a perfect modern loft aesthetic teamed with exposed brick and contemporary green tones.

Scandi-style

Durham table and 4 chairs

Embrace the allure of Scandinavian-inspired dining with our Durham table, a masterpiece of understated elegance designed to enchant. Fashioned from solid oak, its smooth natural finish exudes an effortless charm that seamlessly harmonises with any interior decor. Durham epitomises minimalist sophistication, making it the perfect piece to work alongside other natural wooden accessories and neutral wall colours for a cosy and intimate dining space.

Match perfect

St. Ives dining set | St. Ives dresser | St. Ives console table | St. Ives sideboard

Create a cohesive dining room look by choosing coordinating pieces from the same range. The warm grey tones of our painted St. Ives range adds a touch of country style that works perfectly in modern homes and period properties alike.

Table for two

Dorset dining table | @home_of_roberts

Whether you’re enjoying mid-week dinners or dedicated date nights, make mealtimes an occasion by setting the table. Our natural oak tables are the ultimate blank canvas and lend themselves to all kinds of styling set-ups. Go for a retro, pared-back look with vintage-style crockery and natural accessories.

Family-friendly comfort

Romsey extendable dining table | Scroll Back dining chair | Romsey small dresser | Romsey tallboy

Our Romsey range, with its soft rounded corners and simple design, is the perfect choice for busy family homes. The understated modern range teams beautifully with bright coloured accessories and design details that complement the natural oak and add a fun and playful finish to the room.

Art deco design

Islington dining table with 6 chairs | Islington large sideboard

For those who love to host in style, look towards our Islington dining table, an enticing fusion of Italian Carrara marble and dark wire-brushed acacia. Its striking geometric legs and polished marble top will transform every meal into a sophisticated affair. Team this mixed material table with the elegant yet simple coordinating dining chairs and statement lighting to complete this inviting look.

Embrace natural light

Dorset dining table | @our_claytoncorner_

Place your dining table and chairs as close to natural light sources as possible to allow the sun’s rays to flow in all day long. Not only can you enjoy mealtimes in this light-filled space but it’s also a calming spot for afternoon cuppas, post-school snacks and homework hubs.

Bring the outdoors in

Highgate dining set | @mo_morshuis

Make your dining space an extension of your garden by adding a menagerie of houseplants. The inky blue and natural oak tones of our Highgate dining table look lovely paired with the different greens of indoor plants. Pick up tips and inspiration in our decorating with plants blog.

Orrick dining table | @thetraditionalhome

Beautiful blooms always create a striking and uplifting centrepiece for your dining table and are especially attractive teamed with our natural oak furniture.

Browse our selection of dining tables, chairs, and dining room furniture, plus you can also create the perfect set-up for your home with our dining set builder.

We’d love to see how you style your dining tables. Tag us at #OakFurnitureland and #GrowYourHome on Instagram to share your homes.

The post How to style your dining table appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of things to consider before making any purchases, to ensure that your dining area has the style, and functionality that it deserves…

Your dining room shape and measurements

Brompton larger dresser | Brompton dining set | Brompton nest of tables

Whether you’re making new additions or replacements to your existing dining room, or designing from scratch, you’ll first need to measure the room itself.

Not all dining rooms come in an easy rectangle. It’s recommended to map the room out to scale on paper, including walls, walkways, and other furniture so that you can visualise how best to style your furniture. Alternatively, using masking tape, or cardboard if the room is carpeted, is a great way to work out the placement of your dining room pieces, and really experience the feel of how they will sit within the room.

When drawing out the room, don’t simply measure the size of the structure and furniture, think about the functionality of the room. Have you left enough room for doorways and drawers to open? Can people push their chairs back to get out? Is there enough to pass behind the pushed out chairs? And what about doors? To ensure the best entrance to your dining area, we advise leaving 120m square from the doorway.

If you’re going for a whole new fresh look and are unsure of what furniture would work best in your dining room, take a look at what you should consider when buying dining room furniture.

Choosing the right size dining table

Hove dining set | Hove sideboard

When choosing your dining table, it’s important to think about how it will sit in relation to the rest of the room. There’s nothing worse than having to squeeze past furniture to get seated or to walk through the space, so make sure you leave enough room. Allow a minimum of 70cm space between the table edge and the wall or other furniture, or up to 90cm if you want to create a more spacious feel.

So how do you measure a dining table? The size of your table will ultimately depend on the space that you have. Simply measuring your room and subtracting the 70-90cm from each side will give you a guide to work with – but make sure to factor in other furniture such as dressers and sideboards. This will then help you to decide the number of place settings that your space will afford you.

For more on specific table sizes and how these will work in your space, find out how to choose the right size dining table.

How should your table look?

Brooklyn dining set | @bellway_easton

It’s not just the measurements you should think about. How do you want the space to feel? If you’re primarily using the room for intimate family meals, consider an extendable dining table to allow more space when entertaining, studying or even doing crafts.

If you’re working with a small space, bear in mind that your table should be no narrower than 90cm to allow for comfortable place settings. If you’re concerned that your space may not be adequate for this, it’s worth exploring a round dining table, or placing the table against a wall for the use of three sides.

You’ll of course also want to consider how the table looks and feels. A chunky rustic dining table may make a small room look overcrowded, in the same way that a large space may drown out a small square dining table. It’s also worth noting that bigger tables make intimate conversation far more difficult, so determine the feel you’re going for before you buy.

For more on the shape of your dining table, take a look at how to choose the right dining table and chairs for your home.

How to measure your dining room chairs

Romsey dining set | Romsey dresser | Romsey tallboy

When it comes to finding the right dining chairs for your space and dining table, there are a number of logistics to consider. If you choose a dining set, you can rest assured that the table to chair spacing has already been calculated for you. If you’re choosing your own, however, you’ll need to consider the depth and width of the dining chairs, as well as the space necessary for table settings.

Standard table heights are typically between 75 and 80cm. For the ideal seating experience, allow for between 26 to 30cm between the seat and the top of the dining table so that your guests can sit comfortably under the table. You may need to increase this distance, however, if you opt for an armchair style of seating, to accommodate the arm rest.

Finding the right chair spacing

Richmond dining set | Richmond dresser

So, how do you position your dining chairs? We recommend leaving between 60cm and 80cm per place setting, to allow for enough elbow room as well as shared space. Do also ensure that you leave at least 38cm of depth for each placement, as well as 13cm between this placement and the counterpart on the opposite side of the table. You want to make sure you have enough space for dishes, glasses and bottles when eating!

If you feel that you don’t have a big enough margin around your dining table to fit chairs, why not consider benches? They’re an ideal space-saving solution as they can simply be tucked away when not in use. But do ensure

Take a look at the Dining Table Size Guide to find out which Oak Furnitureland pieces would work best for your desired seating numbers and room space.

Adding accessories to your dining room

Islington dining set | Islington sideboard

A great dining room rug can really add texture and depth to your dining room. When placing it under your dining table, ensure that you leave at least 60cm each side of the table to allow for chairs to be pulled out seamlessly. It’s also recommended to match the shape of your rug to the room or the shape of the table, particularly if it’s round.

When measuring up your dining room, don’t forget about the lighting. If you’re looking to make a statement with a chandelier or pendant lighting above the table, ensure you’ve calculated the proportions. As a rule of thumb, leave between 75 and 85 cm between the table top and light feature, and ensure that the shape and diameter doesn’t overwhelm the size of the table.

How to get your furniture into the dining room

Knightsbridge dining table | @rachelducker

Now that you’ve worked out what furniture will fit in the room, you’ll have to work out how you’ll get it in there before making the purchase. Ensure that you measure both the hallways and doorways that need to be accessed to place the piece into the room.

If your desired space is not on the ground floor, ensure that you also measure any lifts or stairs for clearance height. Do note that most of our furniture is delivered fully assembled, so the full measurements of the piece will have to be taken into consideration when assessing the delivery of your furniture to your chosen room.

You should now be ready to get creative with the configuration and styling of your dining arena! Shop our wide range of dining room furniture to find the perfect piece for you and your home. Share your dreamy dining updates with us on Instagram and tag #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome in your posts.

The post Your dining room measurement guide appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Best dining tables for entertaining

Maine dining table set | @2flats1house

If entertaining is your thing, the right table can make all the difference — both functionally and as a statement piece. Looking to impress your guests with a showstopper? You can’t go wrong with a modern industrial look. With its galvanised legs and warm solid oak top, our Maine dining table is the perfect centrepiece for your dining space. Plus, it’s a flexible piece that offers the choice of having benches, chairs or a combination.

Bentley dining table set | Clouds rug

If, however, you don’t have the footprint for a 6ft. dining table, or you need more flexibility, extendable dining tables can stretch to accommodate up to 12 guests comfortably without taking up permanent space. The easy-to-use mechanism means that when the party ends, your table can shrink back to a smaller size and maximise space in your dining room once again. Benches are another smart space-saving choice — easy to pull out for guests, and just as easy to tuck away when you need the room back.

Best dining tables for small spaces

Venice dining table set | Maine console table | Maine sideboard | Clouds rug

Whether you live in the city or just love a minimalist setup, there are plenty of stylish dining tables designed to make the most of compact spaces. For a quick meal or a chat with friends, a small round table works beautifully with its sociable yet space-saving shape. Round tables typically have a smaller footprint than their rectangular counterparts, and the softer edges help create the illusion of more space.

Dorset dining table | @dzinia_design

If you need something a little more versatile, a slim-framed 4 seater extendable dining table is a smart choice. It keeps your space feeling open day to day, and easily expands to welcome a few extra guests.

Best dining tables for families

Parquet dining table | @hausfifteen

When choosing a family table, you’ll need to keep both function and form in mind. They go through their fair share of mess — but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. A solid oak table is a great solution as it’s built to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. Why not explore some of our rustic oak styles? The warm honey tones not only highlight the natural grain pattern but also help to hide everyday spills and messes. If you’ve got little ones, easy-to-clean seating is a must, so opt for natural oak chairs or leather chairs.

Dorset dining table | @our_radleigh_home

Whether it’s crafts with the kids or your own creative projects, a larger or extendable table gives you room to spread out. Benches can be a great choice too — easy to move or tuck away when you need to stand and work.

Ready to find the perfect dining table for your space? Browse our full collection of dining furniture to find your ideal shape, size, style, and seating. Don’t forget to share your setup on Instagram using #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome — and if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our guide to top dining room ideas.

The post How to choose the perfect dining table appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Contrast with textures

A lot of people are hesitant to mix and match texture, but it’s key to creating visual interest. We tend to gravitate towards spaces that give our eyes multiple elements to examine, which is what @171_hendy_house have done so beautifully. The mix of copper in the triple pendant, the industrial inspired Tosca Wall Clock, and the Rustic Oak of the Hercules Dining Table, layered with the jute placemats, complete this room. 

Cosy up

We love how @lovestartsathome has created a cosy and inviting dining area which kicks a super-stylish punch in their open plan kitchen diner. Texture is everything. Adding a huggable chunky blanket to our Arched Back Dining Chairs brings the contrast of warmth and opulence into this inspiring space.

Collectively coordinated

Pick a colour and accessorise, it’s that simple. @myarundelstory has taken inspiration from the rich light grey paint of the St. Ives range, using a table runner to coordinate their chosen theme. Finished off with touches of greenery on the sideboard and table instantly brings life to the room.

The dark side

When done right, dark walls can make a room look energising and full of life. @sandalwoodhome has created the perfect contrast with the dark wall paneling bringing depth and the white upper walls and accessories offering balance. The wood of our Dorset dining table complements the look flawlessly and is perfect for when you’re expecting extra guests as it extends. 

Have you incorporated Oak Furnitureland pieces into your home? Join our community on Instagram and share your decor and styling with us using #OakFurnitureland.

Lead image: @rachelducker

The post As styled by you: dining rooms appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.