Stylish yet practical dining room tips for newlyweds

For newlyweds just starting their married life, a dining room can be their dream space — one that reflects the essence of the household they pictured together. It also encourages them to host dinners, share meals, and create memorable moments together.

If you want to embrace an elegant lifestyle, where your guests will compliment your regal choices of interior, while also keeping your family's functional needs in mind, here are some essential tips for refurnishing your dining room.

The first thing any self-respecting dining room needs is a dining table. The size of your dining table should be proportionate to the size of the room and your family's needs. If it's just the two of you, consider opting for a small, round table. However, if you have a larger family or you love hosting and entertaining guests, opt for a bigger table with at least six seats so everyone can dine comfortably.

For the material of the table, wood is an easy and timeless choice since it comes in so many different stains and colours. Opt for a table with a glass top if you want a setup that is easy to clean and maintain and helps bring light into the space. However, they are not exactly child-friendly since glass is fragile. You can also opt for a granite or marble table that will be both easy to clean and resistant to accidental spills or the falling of heavy objects.

While the choice of chairs truly depends on comfort, space, and your design preference, if you opt for armless ones, make sure they provide enough support and comfort to make up for the absence of armrests. If the dining chairs have armrests, consider choosing a set that can slide beneath the table so they do not take up extra space when not in use. When considering the materials for your dining chairs, remember that dinners come with all sorts of unwanted surprises or accidents, such as spills that can leave stains.

Choose cushioned chairs made of synthetic or leather fabrics that are soft yet practical, as you can just wipe off spills or stains with a damp cloth or give them a quick vacuum. But if you would rather reduce any kind of maintenance, simply choose chairs with solid wooden surfaces. The key is finding the right balance between comfort and functionality.

Lighting is very important in a dining space for two reasons. First, it can highlight and even augment the look of your dining space. Second, the proper warm lighting can even work up the appetite of your family members or guests, giving them a delightful perceived satisfaction when you serve the food. A statement lighting or chandelier centred over the dining table will elevate the look of your dining space. For longer tables, you can use two pendant lights or semi-flush mounts to spread light evenly.

For a dining set that exudes elegance, consider investing in a dinner set that matches your aesthetic —classic porcelain or sand beige dinnerware.

Lastly, opt for designer table mats and napkins for your dining table, as they enhance the décor of your table set while also protecting its surface from the heat of dishes, spills, and stains that could cause damage to the table.

Whether you are setting up your first dining space from scratch or just refurnishing it, getting a new dining table set may seem like a big investment, but it does not necessarily have to drain your savings. Simply, look for a furniture brand that offers Equated Monthly Instalments (EMI), which allows you to pay in manageable portions. This way, you can build your dream dining room set without putting too much pressure on your wallet.

Photo: Hatil