This week's question comes from Kate, she is struggling with her open concept
living/dining/kitchen area.
We recently purchased a renovated semi-detached home in Toronto. Our main floor is open concept living/dining/kitchen. However, I am really struggling with what to do with the dining area in particular. As you can see from the pics we have a sideboard that doesn't really fit with the style of our new home, and I'm not sure that the table works either. My specific question is what kind of dining room table we should get (round?? size in proportion to lighting fixture, colour etc.). We have a toddler running around so any material that is safer than our current glass one is also a priority.
As you can see from the photos,Kate's style is contemporary. When choosing a dining room table choose a style fits with the rest of your furniture.
The clean lines of the dining table above would work well with the rest of the decor found in Kate's home.
When choosing a dining room table for your space, it is important to consider the following:
1. What style would work in best my space (contemporary, traditional, flea market)? Look around your home for insight into your style.
2. What shape is your dining room? Is it square or rectangular?
3. How many do you plan to seat at one time?
4. Would you like your space to be informal or formal?
When it is time to choose a shape for your dining room table, consider these...
Square tables make a space feel casual. They are also great space savers. However, you can only fit 2-4 people comfortably.
Rectangular tables give a linear feel to the space and can seat many people at one time. However, they tend to look out of place in a square dining room.
Round tables make a space feel intimate, and are great for creating eye-contact and conversation. They are also a good choice for families with small children because they have no corners. The negative with a round table is that it takes up more space than a square or rectangular table.
Oblong tables create an informal atmosphere, however they are not suitable for small rooms.
In Kate's case, I would choose a dining room table that has clean, simple lines like the rest of her furniture.
If Kate would like to keep her side buffet, I would use either a square or round table.
If she were to take the buffet away, she could use a rectangular table as long as it does not stick out past the kitchen island.
Her glass table gets lost in the background behind the chairs in the living room. To remedy this I would choose a table similar in color to one of the inspiration photos above, this will add weight to the table and make it stand out.
The first inspiration photo adds a modern, contemporary feel to the space. The second inspiration, while still modern, adds a glam feel to the space.
How do you feel about the space? Do you think a square, rectangular, or round dining table would work best? How did you decide on a dining room table?
If you have a design dilemma, please email me at themustardceiling@gmail.com.
I think a cool tulip table would look great in Kate's space. She has the modern look in her space to pull it off. The buffet table could always be painted in a high gloss white or black and add pretty hardware for little $$. Great tips Elizabeth, this is a great post:)
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! I love the round table if she keeps the buffet or the rectangle if she doesn't.
ReplyDeleteThis was SO helpful! I am building a home and will have this exact situation to deal with (open plan). I have been trying to decide on a table shape myself for my new space!
ReplyDeleteI love Amy R.'s idea of painting the buffet table in a high gloss white or black!
I would say to ditch the console table (which doesn't seem to fit her style anyway) and go with a rectangular table. I think that slightly-longer-than-square will draw the eye along the length of her room layout and give a more cohesive feel.
ReplyDeleteFor us, since we need to be really space-sensitive, my husband will be building a custom 'roll out of the island' DR table. I sure hope it works!! ha ha
http://ourslohouse.blogspot.com/2011/02/in-lieu-of-dining-room-roll-out-table.html
I vote for round with chairs similar to the first image.. LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI think a round table would look classic and modern at the same time. That is my vote!
ReplyDeleteI instantly thought of a round table when I saw the space. I would look for a Saarinen table. Classic and modern would work so well in this beautiful space. I miss Toronto and the architecture.
ReplyDeleteI say if you have the space for it, go round!
ReplyDeleteI think round would add a nice contrast to what looks like a fairly recangular space. The downside, like you said, is that it will probably seat fewer people than a rectangle. Is there also a kitchen table in the house or is the DR the only eating spot? Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! I love the round tables!
ReplyDeleteI agree, good advice! Loving that round table with the x base you chose. We have a round table and love it. Don't think you could go wrong with round.
ReplyDeleteYou have a beautiful home! A round table would be great in there!
ReplyDeleteI agree that a round table would look great in here. They can be hard to pull off but it would be a good juxtaposition to the rectangular floor plan.
ReplyDeleteI would also suggest moving some things around in the living room to create more definition. I would swap the chairs and the sofa, so the sofa back is to the dining room. A console table or serving table/buffet could be put behind the sofa to define the two different spaces - dining and living.
Would love to see the after!