Advice & inspiration
#loveleekes
Advice & inspiration
#loveleekes
Dining furniture is an integral part of the decoration of your home. Design, colourful or more sober, matched or mismatched, the furniture is usually carefully selected to bring the final touch to the decoration of your dining room. The following guide will help you make the right choices!
Round table
Around a round table, no one is isolated at the end of the table. All guests are sitting next to each other and able to see each other. This type of table is a better choice if you have a smaller space but due to its shape it can also make the room appear bigger. These are a great option if you’re a couple or have a smaller family.
Rectangular table
A rectangular table will be best if you have a large family or if you organise great parties. Existing in all sizes, a rectangular table will take up the space you have. You can also create an original setting by pushing it against a wall outside meals and using it as a support for your decorative objects.
Square table
Square tables can offer many advantages such as they take up a minimum amount of space whilst still attracting the eye. Ideal for couples and depending on its size, it can accommodate at least four people if needed. Also, you could group two square tables together to create a larger rectangular seating arrangement.
Extending table
Small in size, it nevertheless has the ability to adapt to the number of guests by extending its size. From glass and metal to marble and wooden folding table designs suitable for any style home. So if you like a friendly atmosphere in your living room but have limited space, an extendible dining table is what you need.
When deciding the material for your dining table you should first ask yourself a few questions, do I want it for style or practicality? Do you want it to be durable? Who’s the dining table catering for? Of course, it’s important for it to be aesthetically pleasing but you also want it to be practical if you want your table to be durable and withstand a lot of bumps and scrapes we suggest metal or a strong wood table like oak or mahogany. However, if you want a more stylish table that isn’t quite as durable as wood or metal we suggest a ceramic or marble table for that added elegant touch to your dining area.
Wood
A wooden table is a timeless and classic option. This type of table is above all a guarantee of quality and toughness over time. At Leekes, we have a wide selection with many different finishes.
Ceramic
Ceramic is a raw and natural material which is resistant to scratches and heat. These tables are easy to maintain, aesthetic and practical for everyday use.
Glass
A sophisticated choice. It works well with many decor themes. It has a reflective surface and is an excellent choice for a space that might need to look a little lighter and brighter.
Marble
Small in size, it nevertheless has the ability to adapt to the number of guests by extending its size. From glass and metal to marble and wooden folding table designs suitable for any style home. So if you like a friendly atmosphere in your living room but have limited space, an extendible dining table is what you need.
Gone are the days when dining chairs were chosen randomly: now we give them all our attention, well aware that they will add value to the design of the dining room. They must combine look and comfort. At Leekes, we have a wide range of dining sets including chairs but if you are buying them separately, follow this guide!
High or Low Backrest?
The higher the backrest is, the more comfortable the chair is, but the high backrest also brings a more classic side to the decoration. On the opposite, chairs with a low backrest are less comfortable but more modern and contemporary: they give a more sophisticated style to the dining room. In a small room, if the backrest is too high, it will be the only thing we see and it is not visually attractive.
Fabric or Leather?
These can be very comfortable but if you have children and pets, we do not recommend those, as stains are very difficult to remove. To minimise maintenance, it is better to go for plastic, wooden or metal chairs. Faux leather chairs are pleasing, less expensive and easier to keep in good condition than leather chairs. Also think about microfibre chairs: they are ideal if you have children because they are very easy to clean.
Budget?
It is also a decisive element to take into account. Plastic or fabric chairs will be cheaper. For beautiful wooden or leather chairs, you must be ready to spend at least £150 per unit. Some of our best chairs will cost you between £200 and £400: a substantial budget, for a piece of furniture that will give a lot of character to the dining room, and that you will be able to keep for a very long time.
High or low sideboards?
The current trend is to have a low and wide sideboard but high sideboards can also be considered trendy. The advantage of a low sideboard is that you you will be able to easily access it. There’s no need to be carrying heavy plates from the top shelf. Having a couple of drawers too can be preferred to store cutlery away.
Cupboard doors
It’s advised to opt for a cupboard with doors to not leave your dishes visible and keep the dust away. In addition to aesthetics, doors are also a question hygiene, they help reduce cleaning by keeping dirt and such away. Doors are also great for safety as if you have children, doors can be ideal to avoid bumps and falls.
Wide or narrow sideboards?
Sideboards and cabinets come in all widths, but in general, they come in wide and narrow sizes with wide sideboards being the most popular choice. It can have up to 3 or 4 compartments in a row, depending on the models. The horizontal orientation of the furniture makes it possible to easily store anything below and offers a large surface to display objects, frames, flowers, etc.
Wood & other materials
Wood is perhaps the most commonly used material for our dining furniture at Leekes. Solid wood particularly looks beautiful as it ages and is a hardwearing and long-lasting material. Every piece of wooden furniture is unique, with different characteristics in colour, grain and durability. We have a wide range of wood options available ranging from oak to pine to MDF.
When choosing your dining furniture you should also consider accessories that you will purchase along side it. Tableware, lighting and decorative accessories such as flowers and candles will all be essential when decorating your dining room to give the space a proper homely feel. If you want to keep your dining space simple with a more contemporary style try to keep your colour palette to 2 or 3 colours and ensure your dining table fits the theme of your dining room as its the biggest object in the room. However, if you want a more colourful and chic dining room go crazy with your colours maybe throw in some paintings or mirrors just give the room that little pop!
Never put your sideboard or cabinet against a radiator or other heating device. Furniture can be faded by any heat and light (sun for example).
If the floor isn’t 100% level, the doors and/or drawers may not open or close properly. To solve this issue. use a cone or plastic block but never use cardboard or paper.
Baby powder is the most effective product to remove greasy stains. Cover the stain with the powder, let it dry, absorb the stain, and it will disappear in 12 hours.
For scraping, avoid chemicals that would damage the wood fibres. For light scraping, washing liquid is sometimes sufficient. For a thicker paint, use a suitable stripping chemical.