We know that when it comes to designing your interior space – an influx of questions come to mind. So that’s why we have started the Ask the Expert Series. In this series, you will get insider advice on all things interiors, which will hopefully guide you into making the best choices for designing your own space.

We've asked our in-house Interior Designer here at CA Design, Emma Rossiter, for her expert advice on dining chairs & tables. There are many things to consider such as sizing, table shapes, surface materials, can you mix and match? and space planning. Read below to read more about Emma's tips to answer any questions you may have.

1. Do you tend to stick to a certain shape dining table?

Every space is different. I often find myself choosing a round table to soften a square or rectangle shape space.

I usually recommend an oval table with a pedestal base to my clients if they opt for a larger table, Round or oval tables can be great for parties and conversation because there’s no head of the table. The Saarinen table is a great example of this.

I find a lot of my clients look for flexibility. An extendable dining table is a great option. Especially for a small space.

2. When recommending a table for a certain client, do you have any advice to give them?

Firstly I would think about your lifestyle, situation and size of the space.

Lifestyle: Consider options like extendable dining tables. These let you customise the table for different entertainment needs and party sizes

Situation: Do you have young children and pets? If so, I would recommend a marble or laminate dining table top over a hardwood oiled table top. The marble and laminate tables are much easier to keep clean.

Size: Your dining table has to fit your dining area! But a dining table is a deceptively large piece of furniture, and you need to account for space around it, too.

Secondly be wary of giving into trends! A good table should last at least five to 10 years. Opt for a clean line simple table with good quality materials.

3. What materials do you look for in a dining table?

I usually look for a hardwood dining table such as oak. Hardwood tables are very good quality and attractive. Although, hardwood dining tables are expensive, they will be more long lasting.

4. When pairing dining chairs? What do you look for?

Your table and chairs do not have to match. Your chairs do need to suit the style and scale of you table.

Comfort is key. The respective scales of your dining table and chairs must be compatible. Look at the seat height to table height distance, you should find this comfortable. A good tip is to test a mix of dining chair seat heights with your table.

5. What type of dining chairs do you tend to go for?

I usually tend to go for timber dining chairs such as the CH24 chair or more commonly know as the Wishbone dining chair. I love the craftsmanship involved in this design. Its a really comfortable piece.

I also love an upholstered dining chair. Although sometimes these chairs can be hard to keep. It is a great way of adding colour and comfort to your space. The 366 Concept 190-200 dining chair is a great example that I often recommend to my clients.

6. Do your prefer to keep the dining chairs all the same, or do you prefer to mix & match?

It depends on the clients space. I usually keep all the dining chairs the same as this makes the design seamless, clean and paired back. However, personally I love mixing and matching different chair designs once these are similar in style “all mid- century dining chairs”. However this is not everyone's cup of tea. A great example of this is in Amanda Bone's work. She did a project recently with our two styles of Wishbone Chairs & it worked out so well.

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Ask the Expert: Lets Talk About Dining