Danetti Guides
What Size Round Dining Table Should I Go For?
The most important factor in buying a new round dining table has to be the size. After all when you think about it, the dining table is the largest single piece of furniture in most homes.
The Dining Room:
Whether you have a traditional dining room that is a separate room of its own dedicated to entertaining or you plan to put your round dining table in a kitchen or open plan kitchen/ breakfast room it is crucial that you measure the room and place a dining table in there that is in proportion to the rest of the room.
The problem lies not so much in buying a table that is relatively small for the space- It is your own personal taste and circumstances that will decide this. Rather the problem instead lies with buying a round dining table that is too large for the room. If this happens people will struggle to move around the room and table comfortably and will feel enclosed.
The widely accepted rule is that there should be a 900mm minimum gap between the edge of your table and the wall, not only to stop people feeling like sardines but also so that when the dining chairs are pulled out by diners, the chairs do not brush up against the walls.
The Dining Table Itself: Large Vs Small
The general consensus is that at a round dining table 762mm should be allowed per person, this is because the shape of the table means that a person’s allotted space will narrow nearer the centre of the table.
The size of the table you require will vary according to how many people you plan to seat at it. If you want six people to be able to sit at the table then go for a table that has a 1524mm diameter. Really this is the smallest you can opt for as far as six diners are concerned, any smaller and people will start to feel cramped and there maybe some elbow overlap when it comes to eating!
A round table that is 1016mm in diameter is about the right size for a party of four. Some designers concede that at a squeeze you can fit six at a table of this size but only if there is no alternative.
The Effect:
Allowing different amounts of space per person can even allow you to create different dining experiences. For example, the Regina round dining table is big enough to seat six to eight people but if it is used to seat four and placed in a room where there is ample space for its 1300mm diameter a luxurious, spacious and slightly regal feel will be created.
Alternatively if you want an intimate, casual and friendly atmosphere for a group of six then allowing a large amount of space for each diner won’t work. You’ll need to get something like the Cross Round Extending Dining Table which is 1200mm in diameter and can be extended to fit eight people around it.
Social and Commercial Dining - The Rules
You’ve found the perfect dining table and chairs, the dining room table looks every inch an extract from one of those good home magazines, and the candles add the final touch, creating the right mood for your dinner party. Guests arrive and are met by a canapé and wine reception, when everyone is gathered; you guide your guests to the dining table…..from then on in it all goes horribly wrong. There is not enough space around the table for guests to pull out and get under it, eventually they manage but your guests now resemble sardines rather then the magazine extract you had planned. This could have been avoided if we had just followed the “Rules of Dining”.
Now obviously these are not strict guidelines, they bare room for a little flexibility, for instance to squeeze in that extra person who didn’t RSVP, so you had no idea they were coming, but they are guidelines all the same, to help you achieve the most from your dining experience.
Choosing the Right table: - The table should be 750mm in height, allowing room from the slightest to the most robust guest. So chairs should be around 450mm high at the seat.
Choose Numbers: - Each diner requires 600 mm to eat comfortably, whilst leaving 100mm between each person to avoid any stray elbows landing in soups.
For four persons dining, a square/circular dining table is ideal for creating the right level of dining intimacy and gives enough room for all. For six plus , you should look at rectangular tables, the standard length of these dining tables is 1200 mm, many come with folding leaves so are easily extending to fit all guests comfortably. We suggest the Innocence Dining Table for four diners and the Lenda Classic Dining Table for six diners or more.
Choose the Area: - You will need to keep at least 600mm free space around your dining room table to allow easy access in and out. So for a square dining table measuring 1200mm x 1200mm, a space of 3600 mm sq is required.
Commercial Dining
Every restaurateur knows the importance of a restaurant layout and you only get one chance to get it right. There are many important factors to consider but top of the list is - layout. It is crucial to get the right spacing, leaving enough room for your waitress to manoeuvre comfortably for both them and diners, around the dining tables and to and from the kitchen.
The space needed around the tables is slightly more than standard dining, this is to allow for the flow of traffic between the tables and give each tables its own level of privacy. The distance around each table should be 900mm for comfortable dining.
Which Table to serve what? : - Dependant on which cuisine style your restaurant is serving, will be a deciding factor on the different level of space required by individual diners, a diner in a coffee shop requires less room than someone in a restaurant having a three course meal.
| Dining Space per person (mm) | Table size for Two Persons | Table size for Four persons | Table size for Six Persons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee, Tea and Pastries | 250 | 800mm(circular) | 800mm(circular) | 1000mm(circular) |
| Appetisers, finger foods | 300 | 800mm(circular) | 1000mm(circular) | 800 x 1200 |
| Salads, Sandwiches and café - foods | 350 | 800mm(circular) | 1000mm(circular) | 900 x 1700 |
| Traditional Full Meals | 400 | 1000mm(circular) | 850 x 1350mm | 900 x 1800mm |
| Pizza, Indian, Chinese, Shared Meals | 450 | 1000mm(circular) | 900 x 1400mm | 1000 x 2200mm |
Danetti’s Guide to the Correct Sitting Posture
1. Ensure that your buttocks are touching the back of the dining chair, or any other chair you have, and you are sitting up with your back straight and your shoulders back.
2. Whilst sitting on the dining chair make sure you distribute your weight evenly on both hips.
3. When seated bend your knees at a right angle making sure they are higher than hip level.
4. Make sure you have 2 to 3 inches of space between the back of your knee and the edge of your dining chair seat.
5. Ensure that you keep your feet flat on the floor, use a footrest if this is not possible or if on a bar stool, put the middle part of your soles on the footrest.
6. Try not to remain in the same position for more than half an hour.
7. When sitting in a chair up against a table insure that your arms are at an 90 degree angle and your shoulders are relaxed.
8. When sitting on a bar stool or dining chair that swivels, do not move the chair without moving your body with it.
9. Opt for a dining chair with good lower back (lumbar) support for the normal curve in your back. Additional support can be created using a lumbar roll, even a small pillow, or rolled up towel will have a similar effect.
10. When leaving the stool or chair, move to the front of the chair so you can bend your knees to leave the seat.
5 Tips for Choosing the Right Product for the Space
Before buying a product it is important to consider not only the style and colour of the product itself but the environment it is going into. Thinking about how the product will be used and where to put it in the space is fundamental when choosing the right product.
Draw A Floor Plan
Before you start arranging the furniture, a floor plan normally helps to plan where you are going to put large pieces of furniture. Remember to include key features in the room such as windows, doors and fire places. Always read the measurements box on our products pages to ensure that it can fit into the space selected. This is useful with a multi functional room, you can easily see what can go where.
Use Focal Points As A Guide
Think next as to how the space is going to be used and who will use it. Identify the focal point in the room whether it be a fireplace, view, television, etc and orient the furniture facing this accordingly. If you plan to watch television in the room, the ideal distance between the set and the seating is three times the size of the screen.
Try To Create Space
When you are arranging your furniture always ensure the path between doorways are clear. Don’t place any large pieces of furniture in that path if you can avoid it, and allow 30-48 inches of width for major traffic routes, and a minimum of 24 inches of width for minor ones. In bedrooms, allow at least 24 inches between the side of the bed and a wall, and at least 36 inches between the bed and a swinging door. In a dining room, make sure there’s at least 48 inches between each edge of the table and the nearest wall or piece of furniture.
Regal Chair
Oko Coffee Table
Use Contrast To Achieve A Casual Look
Combine straight and curved lines to create a casual look. If the furniture is modern and linear, contrast with a round table. If the furniture is curved, contrast with an angular piece. For example you could choose our Oko Coffee Table and our Regal Chair to create this look.
Nova Table
Kalka Chair
Use Symmetry To Create A Formal Look
If you want to create a more formal atmosphere symmetrical pieces work best. Try to use products that are of a similar design and style . For example to create a formal look with our Nova Table and Kalka Chair.
Using Feng Shui to Improve Sleep
If you have problems sleeping why not use the ancient tradition of Feng Shui. Sleep is an important part of our lives that can have a beneficial or detrimental affect on all other aspects of our life. By following the brief guidelines and making some small changes you can help improve your chances of getting a good night sleep.
- avoid sleeping with your head towards the door, or your feet directly in front of the opening.
- avoid sleeping under a window, as it is believed that any bad chi that may enter via the window will go straight into you, and have a negative effect. A way of combating this would be to hang a curtain to stop the bad chi from entering.
-it is recommended that pictures of water are not hung in the bedroom, as it is believed that it will attract bad luck and promote insomnia.
- make sure there are no sharp points, pointing towards the bed, these can be room corners, sharp edges to furniture etc. You can neutralise these by covering them or placing a plant in front of them.
- blue is a relaxing and peaceful colour that will promote a restful ambience.
- avoid creating a work space in your bedroom, as this can alter the energy of the room making it more active and less peaceful. If you need to put a desk in the space make sure you cannot see it from the bed.
Creating a Minimalistic Home
Taken from the art form minimalism, the Japanese highly influenced the creation of minimalist design through their traditional style and architecture. The design is simple - reduce everything down to its necessary elements.
I wonder how many homes have unnecessary elements? With our hectic lives, I’m sure many of us have objects in the home that we just don’t need. But can you imagine the satisfaction and fulfilment if the only things on our kitchen work top where the bare essentials such as a kettle and toaster? How calm and relaxed would you feel knowing that everything was in it’s rightful place and the area looked clean, clear and spacious?
Well we can help. From the kitchen to the bedroom, in this guide we tell you all you need to know to help you create a minimalistic home. So you can feel less stressed and take pride in your home.
Start with Furniture
Always start planning your room with the key furniture items. Remember that less is more, so always try to see the functionality of the item. If it has no purpose and is never used then ask yourself is it truly essential. I would advise people to go for a few choice pieces of plain and simple furniture with subdued colours, decorative items beyond the essential can always be added later on. See the images below for achievable ideas to incorporate in your kitchen, dining room and living room.
Clear the Space
This means floors, surfaces and walls - make sure that all clutter is out of sight. Nothing should be stored on the floor or stacked. Try to buy furniture that has maximum storage. Surfaces should be removed of all items apart from one or two decorative accessories. Remember that when choosing wall art, it is important to only have one or two simple pieces as lots of pieces can make the space feel smaller. Always try and leave some walls bare.
Keep the Decor Plain
White is the classic minimalistic colour but other subdued earth colours can work too, such as blues, greens and browns. Avoid big and bold patterns such as flowers and checks as these can create visual clutter!
Add Simple Decorations for Interest
Style Glass Tealights
Block Vase
Trinity Tea Light Holders
Liven up any plain colours with simple decorations. A vase of flowers or a selection of candles can add interest without adding clutter.
And Finally….. Keep it up!
It is important you find a place for all clutter and remember where that place is. Every so often have a look at the space and see what items are unnecessary. Remember a minimalistic home is a less stressful one!
Colour Theory
Complementary Colours
Complementary colours are colours found on opposite side of the colour wheel. The Primary colours complementary colour is a combination of the other two Primary’s mixed together, for example:
Complementary Colours
Red complements Green - which is created through mixing blue and yellow
Blue complements Orange - which is created through mixing red and yellow
Yellow complements Purple - which is created through mixing blue and red
Complementary colours are important to recognise because if they are placed in a room next door to each other they will make the other seem brighter, creating the most contrast.
This can be exploited in your rooms, if you feel confident enough, or it can be a useful tip to know in order to avoid problems
Monochrome
Monochrome meaning one colour. However, you can include different tones of the same colour to stop the scheme seeming to monotonous. For example; should you choose the colour black, any of the different tones desaturating all the way up to white can be used, so this would include the whole grey tonal range (as long as it was exempt of all other colour).
Another way to add interest to a room when using a monochromatic theme is to introduce a variety of textures in that colour.
Analogous Colours
Analogous Colours are a collection of colours found adjacent to each other in the colour wheel, one of which is normally a primary colour (red, yellow or blue).
Analogous Colours
When using an analogous range of colours, one is normally dominant while the others can be varied in intensity to create a myriad of different variations.
Tip : If you are having problems putting colours together, look to nature. Everything in nature has perfect harmony and balance, you will never go to wrong if you use that as a basis for choosing your colours.
Split Complementary
Split Complementary is a variation of the complementary colours, except this uses one of the complementary colours and the two colours adjacent to the opposite complementary.
Split Complementary Colours
For example : yellow and purple blue and purple red (as above)
This provides similar colour contrast to the standard complementary colours but without the tension.
This could be a more viable option in comparison with the complementary colours as you can still achieve a high contrast, but with a smaller chance of creating major issues. Its always worth remembering that these colours should not be used in equal measure and to their full saturation. To get the best effect one should be most dominant and they should range in saturation/brightness.
Triadic Colours
Triadic Colours are three that are equal distance around the 12 segment colour wheel.
Triadic Colours
For example : yellow orange and blue green and red purple (as seen above)
With this scheme one colour is normally used as a dominant, whilst the other two are accent colours. These trios of colour are considered to be more harmonious and balanced than the complementary colours and are a popular choice amongst artists.
Again once the main colour is chosen it should feature the most in the room with the other two colours used sparsely, like on cushions, a vase, a rug etc.
Tip : By using accessories to display the accent colours it also means should you want to update later on, you can easily replace them to give the room a whole new feel, providing not only a cheap option but a quick one to.
Colour Basics
The Colour Wheel
To be able to make an informed decision about the right colours to put together you need to have a basic understanding of colour principle. A good place to start is the colour wheel.
The most basic colour wheel contains three segments, each containing one Primary colour; red, blue or yellow.
Primary Colour Wheel
Divide the wheel down to six segments. The three Primary colours are positioned an equal distance apart and in the segments in-between a colour is made from both the combination of both surrounding colours. These are the Secondary colours; purple, green and orange.
Secondary Colour Wheel
Divide the wheel down even further to 12 segments. As before all six colours (Primary and Secondary) are positioned equal distance apart, and in the segments between, a new set of colours are made from a combination of the two surrounding it. These are the Tertiary colours.
Tertiary Colour Wheel
Click Here to see some Unusual Colour Wheels in Life and Art
Colour: An Introduction
Colour is the result of the light spectrum, and the different wavelengths that are reflected and absorbed by an object. When light hits an entity some wavelengths are absorbed and some are reflected, our perception of the object’s colour come from the wavelengths that are reflected. This information is initially received by receptors in the retina of the human eye and then translated by the brain, to create the various different colours that we as humans can recognise.
An understanding of colour is very important when it comes to anything creative, interior design is no exception. Understanding the theory behind which colours will work and which won’t, can often make or break a room. Colour should always be a thoughtful addition to any the room, because not only is it aesthetically pleasing but it is powerful enough to influence the emotions of those surrounded by it.
We have put together a variety of informative pages that should help to increase understanding of this subject and hopefully aid you in developing your interior design ideas.
Choosing the Right Colour Scheme
I know what you are going to say “where do I start?”. When the time comes to decorate we all know the daunting feeling we get when we see that blank canvas. Deciding on the right colour scheme for your room can be as important as choosing the right furniture. Colour stimulates the mind as well as our emotions, so here’s our guide to help make that perfect choice!
Cool Colours
Cool colours are said to be the hues from blue green through blue violet. These colours are best used when you want to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere.
Blue
Blue is favourite for creating calmness, peace and tranquillity. It is a popular colour for many rooms due to the fact it can go with both traditional and modern styles. Vintage styles can be created using blue with white a floral prints. Contemporary styles can be created using varied tone of blue with fresh whites and pale woods. Shades of blue work well with pastel colours especially soft apple greens. Blue with Yellow is a great combination for creating a sunny Mediterranean style.
Green
Green is the colour used to symbolize nature, balance, harmony and positivity. It creates a relaxing atmosphere when used in various tones. Team with pastels and neutrals to create a contemporary look in a living room or with cream for a country cottage look in a kitchen/breakfast room. Adding black and white to green can create an Art Deco look or why not be bold and try a retro theme with lime green for something a little different.
Purple
Most popularly used in bedrooms, purple is ideal for creating tranquility and best in the home when balanced with whites and pastels. It