how to style a modern dining area

Your entertaining space is the hub of the home and an important area to get right when relaxing and enjoying time with friends and family. Here we share our top 5 tips and shopping edit to help you create a Scandinavian-inspired dining room which is stylish and modern but also functional for everyday living.

Go for the largest dining table you can fit and afford 

You'll never regret having a large table, not only does it help encourage eating at the table (who else is guilty of eating on the sofa in front of the tv?) it can also be a flexible space for working from home, activities and creative play with the kids.  Plus a great way of bringing people together for conversation and games!

Above: Muuto | 70/70 table and Muuto | Linear Wood Table  

Invest in comfortable, quality dining chairs

Choose quality seating that supports your weight and build. Consider chairs with arms or a curved seat and back to help maximise your comfort.

Clockwise: Muuto | Fiber Armchair Wood Base, Muuto | Cover Armchair, Ferm Living Herman Dining Chair and Muuto | Visu Chair | Wood Base

Stools and benches offer useful additional seating

Stools which are stackable or work as a side table when not in use are a great solution to pull out when you need extra seating.  A bench is a great space-saving option too, it works well under a window (as it's low and doesn't block the view) plus you can squeeze on more bottoms as and when required! 

Opt for a central light pendant that produces a soft glow

It will help to bring an ambient atmosphere as well as creating a statement silhouette to your dining area. We'd recommend choosing a dome or a 'diner' style shape to help enclose and characterise the space.

Above: Muuto | Fluid Pendant Lamp and Muuto | Strand Pendant Open

Choose a large rug to help define your dining space 

When considering the size of a rug underneath your dining table, make sure it extends beyond the full length of your dining table and chairs (even when they are pulled out) to help zone the area (particularly on open-plan living spaces). A dining room rug is also a great way to add texture and warmth, just make sure it is durable (i.e wool) that is easy to clean and preserve.

Above: Muuto | Pebble Rug | Pale Rose and Muuto | Pebble Rug | Burnt Orange    

For more inspiration and product ideas head over to our dining room furniture collection.