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.

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.

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!

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