Dining Tables
Case study: furnishing an old building with modern furniture
Fuji teppan yaki bar - Quadrato bar stools
Danetti products were used to bring an old building screeching into the 21st century to create the gorgeous interior of Fuji restaurant in Stratford Upon Avon. We caught up with the Managing Director Marcella Conner, to see how she achieved the look…
DANETTI: What look were you trying to achieve at Fuji?
Marcella: We wanted to highlight the traditional features of the 17th century building and incorporate a contemporary element, creating an aesthetically pleasing design yet keeping it practical.
D: What pieces did you choose?
M: The Elma bar stool and Quadrato bar stool.
Fuji sushi bar - the Elma bar stool
D: Why did you opt for Danetti furniture?
M: The first piece that we chose fitted perfectly within the design of Fuji and the second piece contributed to it. We used a lot of reflective surfaces and masculine lines to introduce the contemporary and elegant element of the design within the traditional building. The Elma introduced the feminine curves that we were looking for and the Quarato was in keeping with the masculine lines of that particular area within the restaurant.
D: What do you think of the finished look?
M: We are very pleased with the finished look and moreover extremely pleased with the response from our customers.
D: Did you find Danetti a good company to deal with?
M: I found Danetti extremely helpful, Daniel [the owner and founder of Danetti] in particular. We had an extremely tight deadline and he pulled all the stops out to get our furniture to us on time.
D: What has the customer response been?
M: The customer response of the overall design has been phenomenal, we are the first within our area to attempt a contemporary design within a traditional building.
Fuji food
If you want to see the furniture at Fuji, pay them a visit (we can recommend the Chef Special Cherry Blossom Sushi while you’re there!).
Fuji Restaurant, 27 Rother Street, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV 37 6NE. Tel: 01789 267916
We wanted to highlight the traditional features of the 17th century building and incorporate a contemporary element, creating an aesthetically pleasing design yet practical.
The first piece that we chose fitted perfectly within the design of Fuji and the second piece contributed to it. We used a lot of reflective surfaces and masculine lines to introduce the contemporary and elegant element of the design within the traditional building. The Elma introduced the feminine curves that we were looking for and the quarato was in keeping with the masculine lines of that particular area within the restaurant.
The Elma bar stool and Quarato bar stool.
I found Danetti extremely helpful, Daniel in particular. We had an extremely tight deadline at he pulled all the stops out to get our furniture to us on time.
> Q: What do you think of the finished look?
We are very pleased with the finished look and moreover extremely pleased with the reponse from our customers.
> Q: Do you have a favourite product?
No.
> Q: What has the customer response been?
The customer response of the overall design has been phenomenal, we are the first within our area to attempt a contemporary design within a traditional building.
Interiors trends update: zone your rooms
The latest trend to emerge in the world of interiors is furniture zoning – it’s a great way to create useful and cosy areas within even the largest of rooms
Create distinct zones for dining, relaxing and watcxhing TV. Pictured: modello dining chair
Over the last few months we’ve started to see a shift in people’s furniture buying habits. There’s increasingly a trend away from sprawling open-plan spaces with all the furniture part of one large scheme. The new trend is for arranging furniture into ‘zones’ and using smaller pieces of furniture and flexible items such as modular sofas, coffee tables and bar stools to create intimate and useful living areas.
For example within one open plan living dining room, you may want to create a ‘reading area’ with two high backed arm chairs arranged near a book case and a reading lamp. Separate from this you may want a couple of small sofas or modular seating that can be arranged as you like, plus a coffee table and your TV and entertainment units. On the other side of the room you could place a dining table and chairs, a sideboard and lamps. In this way, a large space is broken up into three distinct ‘zones’ that make your home a nice place to live.
If the area you’re breaking up is a kitchen diner instead, then you might want to create a casual dining zone with a breakfast bar and bar stools, a formal dining area with dining table and chairs, and perhaps an area with floor cushions or low stools arranged around a TV and games console – so the family can be entertained while somebody cooks.
At Danetti we’re one step ahead of the trend – we have available a range of items that can easily be reconfigured, such as coffee tables that turn into dining tables, simple stools that can be used as casual seating and also as coffee tables, and modular sofas that you can organise according to what you need.
Call us if you would like advice on designing your space – we’ll be only too happy to help.
A perfect pink modern home office
Modern home office furniture
Work in style…
Office spaces needn’t be boring and corporate-seeming. With the use of bright colours and a little imagination, they can be places you’ll actually want to be.
We’ve styled this pink, white and black home office with Danetti furniture, and a few plants and accessories to show you how to get a modern look – whether you want to create an office for your home, or for a more formal, commercial environment.
HOW WE GOT THE LOOK:
DESK: The Fern white desk, available from Danetti. BUY
CHAIR: Pink and white Sweet office chair, available from Danetti. BUY.
POSTER AND CLOCK: The flower clock and ‘Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff’ poster, both available from Hunky Dory Home
PLANT: Available to hire or buy from Interior Plant Scapes.
SIDEBOARD: The Santino 3-door sideboard with gloss finish black doors. BUY
Furniture ideas for small spaces
When you have lots of space to play with, you hardly have to give a thought to your furniture choices, but furnishing a small home can be a lot trickier. You’ll have to measure every dimension and find pieces that will fit the most awkward of gaps. At the same time, you have to bear in mind that it’s important to have some floor space free so your home doesn’t become too cramped.
At Danetti we’re used to helping people furnish their homes – both big and small, and we love the challenge of sourcing items that will help to make your living space a much nicer place to be.
We thought we’d draw your attention to a few of our pieces that are either so neat in proportion that they look good even in tiny flats, and also to a couple of our multi-functional products that save space because they can be used for different purposes.
Bodil sofa with metal arms
COMPACT SEATING
First up, we wanted to show you the Bodil sofa – it’s fantastic for small living rooms because it doesn’t have the enormous padded arms that you find on many sofas, which can take up a metre of your valuable space if you’re not careful – instead it has neat metal arms. The seat and back rest is just as comfortable as a regular sofa though.
Emery contemporary nest of tables
OCCASIONAL TABLES
Next, a modern nest of tables – the Emery set – which are very useful in small homes. While you may think of nests of tables as something your grandmother used to have for putting bowls of peanuts around the living room at Christmas time, they’ve moved on, and are still actually a useful thing to have if you need extra surfaces when you have people over, but want them out of the way the rest of the time. The Emery nest of tables is fantastic value for money and has three tables, each with a chrome frame and glass top.
The stackable Silvi plastic bar stool
STACKABLE STOOLS
If it’s seating that you need, then consider bar stools – these Silvi plastic bar stools are cool, contemporary and great value for money, plus they’re stackable so they’re a great temporary seating solution if you have a party or friends over, but can be compactly stored when not in use.Generally, bar stools can be a very good idea if you have a small home. When teamed with a wall-mounted slim-line bar table, they can provide you with somewhere to sit for meals without taking up much floor space.
The versatile Somen coffee table - use as a table, for storage or as a stool
THREE-IN-ONE
Next, take a look at this tri-purpose product – it’s a stool, table and storage unit all in one! The Somen coffee table can be opened to store magazines, toys, blankets, or whatever you like, and it can be flipped over to make a comfy padded stool. It’s ideal for modern homes, and it’s a very popular option for our commercial clients as well, as it’s ideal for bars and clubs.
The Pollock multi-form extending table - closed
SHAPE SHIFTER
Flexibility is important in a small home – sometimes you’ll need a large dining table, but probably not all the time, and when you don’t need one, you don’t want it dominating your room. A great option is to go for an extending table. The Pollock Multiform table is amazing because it can be used as a coffee table, extended to make a formal dining table , or even just half extended, so you have two separate surfaces – great for parties!
The Pollock multi-form extending table - open
Choosing a round dining table
Regina round dining table
Whether it’s just you and the kids for dinner every night, or whether you like to entertain in your home, there’s no doubt that one of the main purposes of eating together is to have a good chat.
If you want to encourage conversation at home, then a round dining table is the best choice. Guests can all see each other and can talk easily to those next to them as well as those across the other side, and it’s a much more relaxed setting – when did you ever go to a job interview and sit at a round table?
Round dining tables can look really attractive too. Since most rooms are square or rectangular, a circular table can help to soften the lines in the space and make it more interesting. They are easy to decorate – place mats layered up with different sizes of plates can look very effective, as can small arrangements of flowers or candles in the centre of the table, although you have to make sure that you’re not blocking people’s view of the other diners.
Most of our circular dining tables are ideal for four people – if you want a table that you can fit more people on, then you might like to consider getting a table with a central support, rather than legs so that people can position themselves anywhere around the table.
In terms of space, a table of 1300mm diameter will easily fit four people, six if there’s a central base. We’d advise leaving a metre all the way around your table to allow for chairs and space for people to walk around the table.
At Danetti we’ve got a great selection, from solid wood dining tables to glass-topped tables and lots of man-made options, including laminated plywood and plastic. You can use our dining table selector tool to find the table that fits all of your requirements.
Trend watch: modern country house glamour
Potenza dining table from Danetti
We’ve all done it; been on a weekend break to some posh country house, filled with luxurious modern furniture like velvet sofas, quilted chairs and glamorous glass coffee tables; and come back deciding we’d actually like to recreate the look in our own home.
This year, the modern country house look is actually one of the key interiors trends, so we thought we’d try to help you get it just right with the use of Danetti products.
Romford dining chair from Danetti
Firstly, it’s important to invest in the basics – everything should be solid and well made. You want to give the impression that these pieces of furniture are modern classics, not fads. Opt for chairs with solid wood legs, sofas with quality upholstery that will last, and large tables that are suitable for a grand family dinner.
Selection of red cushions, from Marks & Spencer
Secondly, light, airy, slightly faded colours can work very well, as can rich red tones, so opt for duck egg blue, lemon, plum, grey and cream in some rooms and a sophisticated red, grey and black colour palette in other rooms. Add sparkle and grandeur with metallic accessories, modern chandeliers and glass tables.
Blankets from Melin Tregwynt
Thirdly, dress the space well – use lots of plump cushions in living spaces and crisp white bed linen layered up with blankets in the bedrooms. You should also adorn the walls with individual pieces of interesting art and sculpture that look like they have taken a lifetime to collect.
Soho Modular sofa from Danetti
Lastly, don’t be afraid to mix classic period features like ornate bannisters and fireplaces with simple, clean, modern furniture – that way you won’t feel like you’re living in a museum, but rather a wonderful, modern and dynamic home that’s perfect for the 21st century – that is really the essence of the modern country house look.
Keto TV table, from Danetti
Outdoor furniture that’s perfect for commercial spaces
Silvi stools for outdoor use
After a bitter winter, the UK is finally experiencing some beautiful weather, and we have started getting lots of enquiries from interior designers and business owners who are looking to furnish outdoor commercial spaces such as restaurant terraces, pavement cafes, beer gardens and hotel grounds.
They’re always delighted with the range we have to offer – from the simple and elegant, to the quirky and bright, we’ve got something for all locations and budgets.
We thought we’d select a few of our favourite pieces, and showcase them here in the blog, but if you want to see the whole range of outdoor seating or outdoor tables, just click through!
Bora cafe table for outdoor use
BEST CHAIR FOR STACKING
The silvi low stool (above) is simple and doesn’t take up too much space, yet it’s very design-led and funky looking. It comes in a great range of bright colours too, making it one of our favourites.
BEST TABLE
The Bora Cafe table is designed by Miki Astori and actually created primarily for cafes and restaurants. Because it’s made from a hard-wearing polyethylene, it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Podo multi-coloured plastic dining chairs
BEST FOR ADDING BOLD COLOUR
The Podo plastic dining chair is made from Polypropylene, which is suitable for outdoor use, and it comes in many colours including white, black, red, orange, yellow, green and blue. We love the idea of an outdoor space using a rainbow of colours – it would be a real talking point and make your outdoor space a lively, fun place to be.
BEST FOR DESIGN STATEMENT
The loop armchair (below) is one of our priciest pieces of outdoor furniture, but it’s so worth it. Your customers will instantly recognise the quality of this piece, and it will reflect very well on your business. It’s designed by Ron Arad, and certainly doesn’t abide by the typical rules of chair design – and that’s what makes it so attention-grabbing.
Loop designer armchair
Buy the dining table that’s right for your lifestyle
We all go through different stages in life, and different pieces of furniture will be more appropriate at different times. Take a little celebrity inspiration to decide which style table is best for you right now …
1. The single girl
Role model: Carrie Bradshaw
The brief: You’re living on your own, but you like to have the girls over for cocktails and dinner parties. You want a dining table that’s fashionable, modern and fits in with your feminine apartment. It can’t be too big because you’re short on space.
The solution: The Naro round white table is very feminine, just right for about four of you to have drinks and dinner around, and the relatively small size and the light colouring means it doesn’t take up too much room or make the space look cluttered – and it can be pushed into a corner and used as a lamp table when you’re home alone.
Naro round white table
2. The single guy
Role model: Robert Patterson
The brief: You’ve got the ultimate bachelor’s pad – lots of dark colours and wood. You sometimes have your mates round for pizza and like to be able to turn on the charm occasionally and cook a romantic dinner for a lady you’re trying to impress.
The solution: Essen dark wood dining table (below). This dining table’s simple, sophisticated and modern, with chrome legs and a choice of table tops. For your bachelor pad we’d recommend the chocolate wood veneer.
Essen dark wood dining table
3. The couple without kids
Role models: Katy Perry and Russell Brand
The brief: It’s your first place together and you’re very keen on high end design and glossy contemporary furniture. You want a dining table that’s big enough for all your friends, and your family at Christmas time. You’re splitting the cost of the furniture so you’ve got a decent budget and want an investment piece.
The solution: The Gant large extending glass table. This glossy dining table is the epitome of chic, and will look great in your grown-ups-only home. It’s easily big enough to seat 10, so you’ll be the pair throwing all the dinner parties in your social circle.
Gant large extending glass dining table
4. The young parents
Role models: Charlotte Church and Gavin Henson
The brief: The little ones come first now, so you need a dining table that’s suitable for using with a high chair, and that won’t get ruined when food and drink is spilt on it (which it will be). The table should also look good in your home, which is young, bright and contemporary.
The solution: The Fern white gloss dining table in white. It’s simple, serviceable and solid – plus it’s laminated so spills can just be wiped clean.
Fern white gloss dining table
5. The extended family
Role models: The Geldofs
The brief: Some of the kids are still living at home, others have homes of their own, but regularly descend on your place expecting to be fed – often with their own children in tow. You want something family-friendly but elegant, and something that will match your home – which is a mix of contemporary and more traditional styles.
The solution: The Potenza dining table. This one’s available with a black or white lacquer frame with a glass top, which is just so elegant – the prefect celebration table, and the grown up kids will be envious of their trendy parents.
Potenza glass and lacquer dining table
6. The retirement years
Role models: Helen Mirren and husband
The brief: Your time is your own these days, the children all have their own places and only tend to come over at Christmas time. Ideally you’d like something flexible, that’s perfect for just the two of you to have an evening meal together, but that can be extended if you have friends or family to eat with you. You home is conservative but modern, with lots of light wood.
The solution: The Galaxy extending wooden table. It’s contemporary yet not too minimalist, and the light wood will look great in your home. When you have guests, extend it to the max, when it’s just the two of you, fold it up. Simple and practical.
Galaxy extending dining table
Bring nature into your home with wooden furniture
Beautiful wood, oak bar stool
As the weather warms up and we throw open our windows and back doors, it seems a shame to keep our living space and the outdoors totally spearate.
By introducing some natural wood furniture into your home, you’ll feel like you have a little piece of the outdoors around you at all times.
Here at Danetti we’re kind of obsessive about quality wood furniture, from huge solid wood dining tables to compact bar stools, we’ve got the very best for sale on our site. If you want items that are easy to maintain then we have wood veneer chairs which are laquered, while other pieces are solid wood and if they are treated with care can become the heirlooms of the future.
Other tips for bringing the outdoors in include floral and leaf prints, tones of green and lemon, and large plants. In combination with natural wood furniture, you will even feel like it’s summer all year round.
Compton Oak coffee table, solid and sturdy
Clio wooden dining chair
Space-saving contemporary furniture for modern living
Increasingly in the UK, especially in busy urban areas, we’re living in flats and modern houses that just aren’t designed for the three-piece suite and enormous hunks of wooden furniture. The way we live now demands furniture that doesn’t take up too much space and is multi-functional whenever possible.
We’ve got seven secrets which are well worth considering if you’re short on space but want to be tall on style.
Keep your backdrop neutral with use of white or cream or block colours on walls and furniture
1. Keep it plain and neutral.
It’s tempting to use fancy wallpaper and bright colours when decorating, but once you introduce your furniture and the inevitable clutter of every day life, your small rooms will start to look tiny. The best option is to use white or ivory paint and furniture in block colours to create a blank canvas, then hang interesting art and introduce pattern on soft furnishings.
2. Use a rug.
Although you may not have much floor space, a neutral, light rug can actually help to open up a room and create the optical illusion of space, especially if you choose one that fits easily within the centre of the room. You can use it to ‘anchor’ your furniture, which is helpful if you’re pushing it all to the walls to create space.
Armless sofas, like the Delta modular seating collection, can save space
3. Go armless.
It may not seem like something that would make a huge difference, but it our experience choosing armless furniture can help to create an airy, uncluttered look, and give the illusion of more space. At Danetti, we’ve got chairs and sofas without arms, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
4. Create distinct areas.
If you have a studio flat or a room that you have to use as a living and dining space, it can help if you mark off the different areas with use of furniture as a ‘barrier’. For example, by letting your sofa ‘float’ in the middle of the room, with its back to the dining or bedroom space is a good way to fence off the living room.
Sideboards and console tables, like this Santino 2-door sideboard, can be used behind sofas to make use of all your available space
5. Use furniture cleverly.
‘Floating’ sofas may be good for defining your space, but they leave a wide expanse of boring sofa-back exposed, which is wasted space. Use this by positioning a console table or wide cabinet behind the sofa. It’ll be good for lamps and other home accessories, provide useful storage and can be used as a buffet table if you have guests.
6. Use your walls.
If floor space is sparse, look upwards for inspiration with wall-mounted cupboards and bookshelves. Just make sure they are always neat and tidy of you’ll be creating an eye-sore.
7. Keep clutter at bay.
Sometimes there’s just not room for everything, so you’re going to have to be ruthless and throw away the things you really don’t need. For everything else, make sure you have a place for it to go. Dig out all the piles of paperwork and newspapers you’ve been keeping around the place and have a thorough sort out, then file away what you’re keeping in a cabinet.