Where to Place the Dining Table in Your House? (11 Tips to Decide)
When you have a home, you have to decide where to put certain things. The stress and anxiety can be both exciting and overwhelming. I totally understand your worries. Nothing is set in stone, meaning a TV doesn’t necessarily have to be in a living room. An office desk doesn’t necessarily need to be in the study room. You might not even have a living room.
The point of deciding where furniture belongs is so that those items you place there can be used for something else. A dining table is a multi-purpose tool.
What’s the best room to place your dining table? In a survey with over 1300 participants, I found that 58% of my poll participants chose the dining room, 33% picked the kitchen, and only 7% chose the living room. The rest had an almost even 1% each for the study room and the bedroom.
There are so many reasons why you might not want to have a dining table in your dining room. I’d like to give you an idea of what you can do and all the possibilities of where you can place your dining table set.
Where to place the dining table in the house
The dining table should be placed in a room that is adjacent to the kitchen. This allows for easy access and flow of food from the kitchen to the dining area. Additionally, it is also ideal to place the dining table in a room that has good natural lighting and ventilation.
Placing the dining table in a room that is adjacent to the kitchen is practical because it allows for easy access to the food and dishes, making meal prep and cleaning up more efficient. This can save time and energy during meal times, especially for families who tend to eat meals together.
Having a room with good natural lighting and ventilation can create a more pleasant and comfortable dining experience, and can also help to reduce the risk of mold and mildew buildup in the room. Factors such as the size of the room and the number of people in the household can also be taken into consideration when deciding where to place the dining table.
11 tips on where to place your dining table in your house
- Adjacent to the kitchen: Placing the dining table in a room that is adjacent to the kitchen is practical and allows for easy access to the food and dishes.
- Natural light: Look for a room that has good natural lighting, as it can create a more pleasant and comfortable dining experience.
- Ventilation: A room with good ventilation can help to reduce the risk of mold and mildew buildup and keep the air fresh.
- Room size: Consider the size of the room and the number of people in the household when deciding where to place the dining table.
- Traffic flow: Avoid placing the dining table in a high-traffic area, as it can create a sense of chaos during meal times.
- Privacy: If possible, choose a room that offers some level of privacy, as it can make for a more intimate dining experience.
- Decor: Take into consideration the existing decor and style of the room, as the dining table should complement the overall aesthetic.
- Furniture placement: Arrange the other furniture in the room in a way that allows for easy movement around the dining table.
- Noise level: Consider the noise level of the room, as a quiet space can be more conducive to conversation and relaxation during meals.
- Outdoor dining: If you have a suitable outdoor area, consider placing the dining table outside, as it can provide a unique dining experience.
- Accessibility: Make sure the dining table is easily accessible for everyone in the household, including those with mobility issues.
Pros and cons of putting a dining table in different rooms
1. The dining room is the most popular place to fit your dining table
A dining room can be considered somewhat of a sacred place for the family. It’s the room where everyone under one roof comes together to spend time with each other. Traditionally, this would be the room where most families would place their dining table.
Let’s make one thing clear though, there are 3 main categories of spaces in a home. One is the type of space where a person spends most of his or her time alone. The other is a room dedicated to groups of people gathering together to socialize. This social category is right here in the dining room. The last one is just for storage.
It’s the space where an entire family can spend time together. It’s a place to relax, learn from one another, and share meals together.
It is without a doubt the best place to put a dining table for most households.
But what makes the dining room the best place to put a dining table? The answer to that is bonding. Aside from the descriptive name that comes along with a “dining” table, there’s a lot more to it than that.
Dining tables hold a lot of meaning for a lot of people. You can study many different cultures around the world, and many of them have dining tables or a version of the dining table for the same reason. A dining table isn’t just a place where a family can eat together, it’s a tool dedicated to family bonding.
I found that tables with bench seats add extra seating room for more people. This is especially beneficial for large families of 6 people.
With that said, a dining table for a dining room needs to be large enough to carry an entire family’s meal. It needs to be able to hold not only the food but also the elbow room needed for comfortable morning, lunch, or evening dining.
2. The versatility of the kitchen makes it a great room for a dining table
The next runner-up was, of course, the kitchen. The kitchen is a wonderful place to set up a dining table. It has all the right ingredients and all the right settings for placing a dining table.
The kitchen is yet another area in a home dedicated to groups and members of a family spending time together. So by placing a dining table here, it wouldn’t be something out of the ordinary.
In fact, this was the setup when I was a child in the house I grew up in.
Now, this worked really well for us. Not only was this table the place to eat, but it was also the place I used to study as well. Our dining table was a multipurpose tool. My mom or dad would be in the kitchen beside me cooking, and I’d be sitting there in front of her or him finishing up school work or even just watching TV.
It was a great combination of tools for functional space and I highly recommend this approach.
Remember, a dining table is first and foremost a place where families and individuals can have meals. My family and I had used it much more than that. But what better place to have a meal than where the food is prepared right next to you?
Aside from that, this allowed me to spend more time with my family. Whether it be my dad or mom cooking up a storm in the kitchen, I was there.
With the kitchen being a space solely for cooking and preparing meals, it can get a little cramped depending on the shape and size. Dining tables positioned in this space need to use space efficiently and it never hurts to have extra shelving under those kitchen dining tables for extra storage.
3. A living room with a dining table is a great match in coherence
The living room is also a popular place to put a dining table. Dining tables have always been the citadel for sharing ideas and laughter and even serious talks amongst each other.
Being that this is the living room, it is already a place to share time together as a family. There shouldn’t be any surprise that this is the third choice in line.
Living rooms may be one place where most families spend most of their time together. There’s usually a TV, board games, video games, or some sort of entertainment system in this room.
Why is the living room a popular place to put a dining table? Having a dining table in the living room just adds to the positive vibes of the room’s setting. Not only can you eat together on a dining table in the living room in front of the main TV, but you can also play games together in the living room, on a dining table. You can work on projects, teach, and learn together at a dining table.
The fact of the matter is, the living room is already a place dedicated to bonding. A dining table is a tool that’s also dedicated to bonding. It just makes sense that these 2 areas should come together eventually.
The best thing about having a dining table in a living room is that chances are, everyone’s already in the room at some point in the evening.
Given that we’re talking about a living room, chances are that this room will be small. Your mission will be to find space away from the sofa, a distance away from the TV, and whatever counters and coffee tables you may have. At this point, if you so choose to have your dining table in the living room too, you have a limited choice. You’re going to need a dining table set that is minimalistic. It has to be able to open up to the whole family while at the same time being tucked away out of sight, and out of the way.
4. The study room fitted with a dining table can be a powerful setup for productivity
There’s not much love for the study room, and it disappointingly got the second-to-last vote on the list. This is understandable. The study room is usually a small room that looks like an office. It is different from the top three rooms we talked about before.
Unlike the dining, kitchen, and living rooms, the study room is categorized as a room to be alone in. It’s a room dedicated to being quiet and a place to be alone with your own thoughts.
But dining tables can be beneficial in a room like this. If you don’t have a work desk, a dining table can strongly take the place of one. Perhaps you are cramping for an exam or need to finish up something without distractions. This is the room for that and a dining table can help.
Dining tables can have a sort of advantage if placed in this type of room. Dining tables are usually large and can fit several people on them. But in the case of placing it inside your study room, you can place a lot of your work on a dining table.
When I was in college, I gravitated toward larger tables when I studied. I would walk to the library looking for a large, vacant table to set down my books, my notes, and all my folders. Having all my notes and paperwork scattered and sorted around the table was helpful to me.
So based on my personal experiences alone, the advantages of having a dining table inside a study room would be that you are left alone and able to read, work, and finish up projects while having a lot of personal space to put all your work on.
If by some odd chance, you are looking to get a dining table here for your study room, I would recommend looking into something similar to what you would get for the living room. It has to be minimalistic due to space constraints.
5. A bedroom with a dining table in it can be distracting
Now, this is a difficult one. I can’t really come up with an idea as to why there would be a dining table inside of a bedroom unless you like to sleep, work, and eat all in one room. The bedroom is not a social room.
The bedroom is usually a room for you to relax and recuperate. It’s a room dedicated to silence and rest.
Unsurprisingly according to the poll, it’s the worst room to put a dining table in.
The most important things to consider when placing a dining table in your house
Size
The size of the dining table is important to consider because it needs to accommodate the number of people in your household, as well as leave enough room for people to move around comfortably. A table that is too small can feel cramped, while a table that is too large can feel overwhelming in a small room.
Shape
The shape of the dining table is important to consider because it can affect the flow and functionality of the room. A rectangular table is great for a long, narrow room, while a round or square table is better suited for a square-shaped room.
Positioning
The positioning of the dining table is important to consider because it can affect the flow and functionality of the room. Ideally, the dining table should be placed in a room that is adjacent to the kitchen and has good natural lighting.
Lighting
Lighting is important to consider because it can affect the ambiance of the room. Natural light is ideal, but if that is not possible, consider adding a chandelier or pendant light above the table for a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Color
The color of the dining table is important to consider because it can affect the overall aesthetic of the room. A neutral color such as wood or white can be versatile and match different decor styles.
Decorations
Decorations are important to consider because they can add personality and charm to the room. They can be used to complement the existing decor, but be careful not to overdecorate and make the space feel cluttered.
Flooring
Flooring is important to consider because it can affect the overall aesthetic of the room. A hard surface such as hardwood or tile is easy to clean and maintain, while a soft surface like carpet can be comfortable but harder to keep clean.
What is this dining table going to be used for?
It’s important to consider what the dining table will be used for, as it can affect the size, shape, positioning, lighting, color, decorations, and flooring of the table.
For example, if the dining table will primarily be used for formal occasions such as dinner parties, a larger table with a more formal aesthetic may be appropriate. If the table will primarily be used for casual family meals, a smaller table with a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere may be more suitable.
The number of people using the table, the type of meals served, the layout of the room and the storage space should be taken into consideration when determining the features of the table.
What type of dining chairs should I use to complement my dining table?
The type of dining chairs that should be used to complement a dining table can depend on a variety of factors, including the style and design of the table, the overall aesthetic of the room, and personal preference. Here are a few options to consider:
- Wooden Chairs: Wooden chairs are a classic and versatile option that can complement a variety of dining table styles, such as traditional, rustic, or modern. They can come in different styles such as ladder-back, spindle-back, and captain chairs.
- Upholstered Chairs: Upholstered chairs can add a touch of comfort and elegance to a dining room. They can come in different fabrics such as leather, velvet, or linen, and can be tailored to match the style of the room. They can also come with or without armrests.
- Metal Chairs: Metal chairs can add a modern and industrial touch to a dining room. They can be made of metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, or iron and can come in different styles.
- Wicker or Rattan Chairs: Wicker or rattan chairs can add a natural and casual feel to a dining room. They are lightweight and easy to move around and can be paired with a variety of table styles, such as traditional, rustic, or coastal.
Should the table be in the center room?
Whether or not a dining table should be placed in the center of a room can depend on various factors such as the size and shape of the room, the layout of the furniture, and personal preference.
Placing the table in the center of the room can be a great option if the room is large enough, it can create an open and inviting feel, and it can also make it easy for everyone to access the table. Additionally, it can also be a good option if the room has high ceilings and natural light as it will emphasize the space.
On the other hand, if the room is small, placing the table in the center of the room can make the space feel cramped and cluttered. Additionally, it can also make it difficult to move around the room, which can be a problem if the room is used for other purposes besides dining.
It is also important to consider the traffic flow in the room and the placement of other furniture such as sofas, chairs, and other storage pieces. It is best to have a clear walkway around the table and make sure that the table is accessible from all sides, this way it can be used comfortably and easily.
In summary, whether or not a dining table should be placed in the center of a room can depend on the size and shape of the room, the layout of the furniture, and personal preference, it’s important to consider the factors mentioned above make the best decision for your space.
How big of a dining room table do I need?
The size of the dining table you need can depend on a variety of factors such as the size of your dining room, the number of people in your household, and how you plan to use the table.
- Size of the room: The size of the room is an important factor to consider when choosing a dining table, as the table should be proportionate to the room. A large table in a small room can make the space feel cramped, while a small table in a large room can look out of place.
- Number of people in the household: Consider the number of people in your household when choosing a dining table, as you will need enough seating for everyone. A good rule of thumb is to allow for at least 24 inches of table space per person.
- How you plan to use the table: Consider how you plan to use the table when choosing the size. If you plan to entertain guests regularly, a larger table can be a good option to accommodate more people. If the table is primarily for family meals, a smaller table may be more suitable.
- Table shape: The shape of the table can also affect its size, a round table tends to take less space than a rectangular or square table.
- Space for walkway: Make sure to allow for a walkway of at least 36 inches around the table, this way you can move around the table comfortably.
- Space for storage: Consider if you have enough space to store the table when not in use, this way you can use the space for other purposes.
