The Biggest Mistake People Make When Designing Their Dining Room

The most common mistake in dining room design isn’t the table style or colour—it’s getting the size and spacing wrong.

Many people choose a dining table based on how it looks in a showroom, without considering how it fits in their actual space. The result? A room that feels cramped, difficult to move around, and uncomfortable to use or a dining table that's too small for the space.

A good dining area needs proper circulation space. As a rule of thumb, you should allow at least 70cm between the table and walls or other furniture. This ensures there’s enough room to pull out chairs and walk around comfortably—even when the table is in use.

Oversized tables are the biggest culprit. While it’s tempting to maximise seating, squeezing in a table that’s too large can make the entire room feel tight and impractical. On the other hand, a slightly smaller table with better spacing often feels more open and inviting.

It’s also important to consider chair movement, not just table dimensions. Chairs need space to slide back without hitting walls or cabinets.

A well-designed dining room isn’t about fitting the most furniture—it’s about creating a space where people can move, sit, and gather comfortably. Getting the proportions right makes all the difference.