While it may be considered vintage, thankfully the days of the matching dining room and chair ensemble are over. Today the rules for designing one of the most important rooms in the house are come down to one word – transitional.
Elements of a Transitional Dining Space
Transitional is a style that is based on the traditional design but with tendencies towards the more contemporary looks — think modern meets traditional. The base of the transitional decor is a classic foundation that gets updated with new finishes, colors, and materials.
And when it comes to adding transitional style into your dining room, it is all about the mix, meaning it is okay to place a set of mismatched chairs with your dining table! So, if your dining room is in need of an update, here is a quick primer on selecting two of the most essential pieces in your home:
The Transitional Dining Table
Choosing a dining table that is transitional in style should be your first and most important part of your selection. A few things to keep in mind when selecting your dining table is the size of the room be your guide in determining the size of the table and hence, how many guests you can seat. First, decide on which shape you prefer which pretty much translates into oval, round, rectangular or square. Roundtables are a perennial favorite these days as they are great for conversation and quite cozy. Oval takes up less space and rectangular tables are favorable when the room shape is similar.
The base of the Kendleton Dining Table is an alternative to the standard pedestal base and looks quite chic. Adding the organic texture of the Ashley dining chair and the Asher dining chair brings a transitional appeal to this dining room space.
When determining the size, be sure to leave 3 feet in between furniture pieces such as sideboards, chests, and armoires. The rule of thumb is a 36-inch round table will seat four and a 36- inch by 72-inch table seats eight. Also, feet and legs are another consideration – do you want a pedestal or trestle base (easy for chair placement) or legs at the four corners of the table?
Style naturally comes into play when selecting a dining table. Choosing both a table and set of chairs translates into investment pieces, so choose wisely. Your design aesthetic along with design trends may change, so look to transitional dining pieces that can go with a multitude of styles and you can’t go wrong. And select a finish that is pleasing, easy to coordinate and one you will not get tired of.
The Transitional Dining Chair
As for dining chairs, mix it up! No law that says all chairs must match.
From left to right: Morrison Chair | Lansing Chair | Coralee Chair | Ellen Chair
In terms of size, note the height of the chairs. Make sure the backs of the chairs are higher than the top of the table otherwise the scale will be off (two inches is the minimum and taller is better). Chairs are generally 18 inches from the floor to the seat and allow 12 inches from the chair seat to the table top. The last thing you want is the chairs to not fit under the table, so be sure to leave 7 inches between the chair arm and the apron of the table.
And lastly, pick a chair that is comfortable. You never know how long a dinner party can last!
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