Posted by Pascale Ursem
on April 1, 2026
The dining room today is much more than just a place to eat. It’s a space where you gather, work, enjoy drinks, play games, and spend long evenings with friends and family. But how do you design this space in a smart and stylish way?
Whether you have a small dining room, an awkward corner, or a spacious open-plan kitchen, the right layout helps you truly make the most of your space. In this blog, we share practical and inspiring tips to help you design your dining area to its full potential.
Start with the basics: how do you use the space?
Before choosing furniture, it’s important to consider how you use your dining room on a daily basis. Is it purely a place to eat, or also somewhere you work, have drinks, play games, or gather with friends and family?
By clarifying this in advance, you can make choices that truly suit your lifestyle. Think about the size of your dining table, the type of dining chairs, and additional elements such as storage space or a dining bench.
Smart use of space: how to create calm and balance
A well-designed dining room feels spacious and balanced. Therefore, ensure at least 70 to 90 cm of walking space around the dining table so that chairs can be easily pulled out and the space remains comfortable to use. This creates a room that feels both practical and inviting.
- Also keep the following points in mind:
- Place furniture with enough space between pieces and consider walking paths.
- Use light colors and natural materials to create a sense of openness.
- Use lighting to highlight the dining area.
- Keep it calm and uncluttered: less is more.
Depending on the size of your space:
- In a larger dining room, you can opt for more robust furniture.
- In a smaller space, light and airy furniture with slim frames works better.
- Consider a dining bench against the wall, such as the Mojo or the Jacob, to save space and create additional seating.
Choosing a table: round, rectangular, or organic?
The dining table forms the heart of your dining area and has a major influence on the layout of the space. It’s the place where everything comes together: from quiet morning breakfasts to long, cozy evenings at the table. The shape of your dining table not only defines the look of your interior, but also how practical and comfortable your dining room is. Therefore, choose a dining table that fits both your available space and your lifestyle.
- Rectangular dining table
The rectangular dining table is a popular choice and is perfect for elongated spaces. Thanks to its straight lines, you make optimal use of the available space and can easily create ample seating. This shape works well with a clean and functional layout. Consider, for example, the Tablo or Kean dining table. - Round dining table
A round dining table creates a playful and inviting atmosphere. Because it has no corners, the space appears larger and feels more accessible. It’s ideal for smaller living spaces or when you want to encourage more connection at the table. Good examples include the Rhonda or Blanco dining table. - Organic dining table
An organic dining table is perfect for those who want to create a unique interior. With soft, flowing shapes, you break up straight lines and add dynamism to the space. This shape fits well within a modern or Scandinavian interior style. For example, consider the Tablo or Fiore dining table. - Extendable dining table
An extendable dining table is ideal for a flexible layout. In daily use, the table remains compact, but when hosting dinners, you can easily extend it to create additional seating. This way, you combine practical convenience with a stylish appearance. Consider the Arros, Janne, or Lange Jan dining table.
Dining chairs: combining comfort and style
Chairs are essential in the dining area. They not only define the look of your interior, but also play a key role in seating comfort during long dinners, coffee moments, and cozy evenings with friends and family. Choosing the right chairs is therefore all about finding the perfect balance between comfort, functionality, and design.
When making your choice, it’s wise to consider a few key factors:
- Seating comfort and seat depth, so you can remain comfortable even during long evenings
- The correct height in relation to your table for proper seating posture
- Material choice, tailored to your lifestyle and ease of maintenance
- Whether or not to include armrests, depending on the space and desired look
- Additional features such as swivel or adjustable models for extra flexibility
Want to create more character and a personal touch? Then mixing different chairs is a popular interior trend. Combine various models, while maintaining cohesion by choosing a single color, fabric, or material. This way, you create a playful yet stylish composition that perfectly suits your interior.
Discover our collection and find the chairs that seamlessly match your interior style.
Dining bench: smart or not?
A dining bench is a smart and stylish addition to your interior. Especially in smaller spaces, a bench helps you make the most of the available area without compromising on comfort or appearance. In addition, a bench instantly creates a warm and modern atmosphere at the dining table.
The advantages of a dining bench at a glance:
- Space-saving, as you can place the bench neatly against the wall
- More seating, without making the space feel crowded or cluttered
- A cozy and informal atmosphere, perfect for long dinners and relaxed moments
A dining bench often works best when combined with chairs on the other side of the table. This creates a playful and balanced layout, where comfort and flexibility come together effortlessly.
Looking for a bench that perfectly fits your space? Choose a modular model, such as the Mojo series, which allows you to easily create a custom setup. Or opt for a modern look, like the Cluster dining bench from the vtwonen collection.
Extra seating? Consider a bar or kitchen island
Do you have a living kitchen or a kitchen island? Then this is the perfect way to create extra seating without making the space feel crowded. With stylish bar stools, you turn your kitchen into an informal spot for breakfast, enjoying a cup of coffee, or sitting together while cooking. This way, your kitchen becomes a practical and cozy extension of the rest of your interior. For example, explore the Vogue bar stools in various fabrics and colors, or choose the modern Udar or Noble bar stool.
When choosing bar stools, pay attention to the following points:
- Seat height: match the height to your bar or kitchen island
- Legroom: ensure sufficient height and depth for comfortable seating
- Backrest: choose with or without, depending on how long you plan to sit
- Materials and colors: coordinate with the rest of your interior for a calm, cohesive look
- Space-saving: in a smaller kitchen, slim and airy bar stools work best
Finally: make your dining room personal
There is no perfect dining room layout that works for everyone. Ultimately, it’s about what suits your way of living. By using your space thoughtfully, choosing furniture that matches your style, and thinking in terms of functionality, you create a space that feels right in both use and appearance.
Get inspired by different possibilities, dare to combine, and turn your dining room into a place where you love to gather—day in, day out.
