Practical Tips for Furnishing a Functional Dining Room

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The dining room is a special space for gathering with friends and family, sharing meals, celebrating milestones, and creating memories. At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston, we offer a variety of dining room furniture, including reputable brands like American Drew, Hammary, and Canadel Custom Dining. Whether you shop with us or explore other options, this guide will help you on your dining furniture journey.

Key Takeaways

• La-Z-Boy has a variety of dining styles, with Canadel having 5 main collections to choose from. American Drew and Hammary also have many collections to choose from as well.
• Canadel is unique within our dining selection and features exclusively custom dining furniture.
• There are many types of dining furniture to choose from, including dining tables, chairs, benches, stools, and even dining sets that fit one style.
• La-Z-Boy dining furniture can be customized with various finishes, materials, and accessories.
• The starting price for a dining table is around $1,300. This does not take into account larger dining tables with added features and custom options. 
• Be sure to measure your space when adding any new furniture to your home.

In This Article...

1. What Should You Consider When Planning Your Dining Room?
2. What Dining Table Should You Choose?
3. What Seating Options are Best for Your Dining Room?
4. Should You Buy a Dining Set?
5. What About Buffets and Bar Carts?
6. How Can You Enhance Your Dining Room with Decor and Accessories?
7. What Dining Furniture Does Canadel Offer?
8. What Dining Furniture Does La-Z-Boy Offer?

1. What Should You Consider When Planning Your Dining Room?

When furnishing a dining room, you’ll want to take note of certain aspects before making a purchase. Here are a few things to consider…

What Furniture Goes in a Dining Room?

Traditionally, a dining room has a dining table, dining chairs, and sometimes a dining bench. Larger dining rooms also have a buffet or side table for extra storage. When it comes to accessories, homeowners often incorporate a bar cart, window coverings, artwork and sometimes area rugs into their dining room furniture arrangement.

What Can I Fit in My Dining Space?

Before you even begin looking for dining room furniture, first consider your space and room layout. Measure your room accurately, considering the size and shape, and account for any windows, doorways, and outlets. This will help ensure you introduce dining furniture with the proper scale and size to create the right room balance.

To learn more about How to Measure Your Space, read this article.

Dining Room Functionality

Consider functionality. The way you intend to use your dining room will impact the style, size, and quality of furniture you buy. Some dining rooms are used daily for all meals and may be furnished more casually. 

Alternatively, a dining room reserved for hosting special occasions may be more formal, calling for elegant, decorative, and expensive dining furniture. Consider who will be using the dining room, how many people will use it regularly, and whether you have children or pets.

Dining Design Style

The design style of your dining room is where your personality can shine through. Determining your preferred dining style will help you focus your search as you shop for dining furniture. Consider different styles such as farmhouse, modern, rustic, industrial, traditional, and contemporary. Ensure that your chosen dining style matches or complements your kitchen style.

La-Z-Boy’s Canadel dining furniture offers a lot of the styles mentioned above… more on them later.

Dining Furniture Budget

Dining room furniture is sold at a wide range of price points. The cost of dining furniture can significantly vary depending on the quality of materials, craftsmanship, size, shape, and design. Determine a budget for dining room furniture based on what you can afford before you begin shopping.

When shopping at La-Z-Boy, you’ll need to take into account the higher price range for furniture, which includes dining room furniture. To learn more about the Quality of our Dining Furniture, take a look at this article.

2. What Dining Table Should You Choose?

There are many dining table sizes, shapes and styles to choose from. Here are some considerations before making your decision.

Size of Dining Table

Decide on the size of the dining table you require. Reflect on the size of your dining space and the number of people in your household. Some dining tables are expandable, making them a versatile option.

Shape of Dining Table

Consider what kind of table shape you desire. The shape of the table should coordinate well with the size and shape of your dining room. Round tables can look fantastic in square rooms, while rectangular tables fit well in rectangular rooms. The base of a dining table also varies and can impact the available space for dining chairs and legroom.

Dining Table Style

The style of your dining room table sets the tone for the rest of the room. The style is typically determined by the materials used. Wooden tables with detailed carvings portray a traditional style, while marble or glass tables appear more contemporary or modern.

Quality of Dining Table

The quality of a dining room table is determined by the quality of materials used to make it, the level of skill in craftsmanship, and where it is made. These factors directly impact the overall look of the table, how long it will last, and the cost.

Cost of a Dining Table

The cost of a dining table depends on size, shape, style, and quality. Generally, a dining table can cost anywhere from $150 to $4,000 or more. High-end tables made of the finest materials can cost upwards of $30,000. This is, however, in extreme cases.

At La-Z-Boy, our dining tables can cost anywhere from $1,300 to $7,000. This is taking into account all of the factors mentioned above, as well as the custom options and craftsmanship at Canadel, Hammary and American Drew.

3. What Seating Options Are the Best For Your Dining Room?

A dining room isn’t just bound to dining chairs. You can also have benches and stools as well. However, which seating option is right for your arrangement?

Dining Room Chairs

Dining room chairs are the most traditional and common seating choice. Consider the size, number, style, and whether you prefer upholstered or non-upholstered chairs. Upholstered chairs offer comfort and style, while non-upholstered chairs are more durable and easy to clean.

Dining Benches

Incorporating a dining bench into your seating arrangement can create contrast and save space. Benches are great for casual dining spaces and can accommodate more people. Choose a bench height and length that coordinates with your dining table.

Dining Stools

Dining stools are ideal for high-top dining tables or home bars. Ensure the height of the stool matches the table height and allows for comfortable seating. Consider the number of stools and their style, whether casual or more formal with backrests and upholstery.

Cost of Dining Seating

The cost of dining seating varies based on size, shape, style, and quality. Dining chairs can range from $20 to $2,000 or more, benches from $150 to $10,000, and stools from $160 to $1,300.

At La-Z-Boy, dining chairs can individually cost at around $150-$200 on average, with benches costing about $500 and stools around the same as chairs. 

4. Should You Buy a Dining Set?

If the thought of coordinating multiple pieces feels overwhelming, consider purchasing a pre-selected dining room furniture set. This offers convenience, a cohesive style, and often cost savings. However, dining sets are usually not customizable.

Cost of Dining Sets

The cost of a dining furniture set ranges from $250 to $10,000 or more, depending on quality, style, number of items, and customization options. In La-Z-Boy's case, the price can start on average at  $3,000 for a custom dining set and can go upwards significantly, depending on the size of the table and the number of chairs, benches or stools you choose. 

5. What About Buffets and Bar Carts?

Buffets and bar carts are a great secondary dining room furniture option for those looking to fill up empty rooms. But you might be wondering, why get one?

Buffet / Sideboards

A buffet or sideboard is a long, low piece of furniture for storage and display, often used as an extra serving surface. Buffets are decorative and practical, providing extra storage and enhancing your dining room's design, making them ideal for both functionality and style. They are perfect for organizing dinnerware and creating a focal point in your dining space.

Bar Carts

A bar cart is a stylish and functional piece for storing and displaying bar tools, glassware, and liquor. They add a touch of elegance and convenience, making entertaining guests more enjoyable and organized if your budget and space allow for it. A bar cart is perfect for hosting parties and easily transporting beverages to different areas of your home.

Cost of Buffets & Bar Carts

The cost of a buffet ranges from $100 to $30,000, while bar carts can cost from $50 to $5,000. In La-Z-Boy's case, buffets start at $1,000 whereas bar carts can be around $500. 

6. How Can You Enhance Your Dining Room with Decor and Accessories?

Adding furniture to any room is just the beginning. What starts to make your room truly your own is the decor and accessories. Here are some things you can add to your dining room.

Area Rugs

An area rug defines your dining space and adds comfort and style. Choose easy-to-clean materials and avoid light-coloured rugs prone to showing dirt and spills.

To learn more about if Adding an Area Rug to Your Dining is a Great Idea, take a look at this article.

Lighting

Dining room lighting is essential for visibility and ambiance. Consider a chandelier as a focal point and add dimmer switches for adjustable lighting.

To learn more about Dining Room Lighting, take a look at this article.

Window Coverings

Window coverings enhance colours and textures in your dining room and provide privacy and light control. Choose drapes or blinds that coordinate with your decor.

Artwork & Wall Decor

Fill wall space with decor that reflects your style. Options include large paintings, gallery walls, mirrors, patterned wallpaper, and family photographs.

Cost of Decor & Accessories

The cost varies widely based on personal tastes and quality. Area rugs range from $50 to over $4,000, lighting from $50 and up, window coverings from $50 to $700, and artwork from $1,500 to $6,500 or more.

7. What Dining Furniture Does Canadel Offer?

Canadel dining furniture is available at La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston with Canadel Custom Dining Store in Kanata. Canadel specializes in high-quality, customizable dining room furniture. All Canadel products are handcrafted and manufactured in North America.

Canadel Dining Selection

Canadel offers a wide range of customizable dining products, collections, and styles. This includes dining tables, chairs, benches, stools, and buffets in a variety of styles:

Canadel Collection: Canadel’s flagship collection with four different styles associated with it (Core, Classic, Farmhouse and Modern).

Gourmet Collection: Simple, designs that are inspired by European dining furniture.

Downtown Collection: an ultra-modern collection that offers dynamic and angular pieces.

Champlain Collection: a rustic collection that takes inspiration from distressed wood and cottagecore styles.

Loft Collection: the modern industrial collection that features mainly dark wood and metallic pieces.

Canadel Furniture Customization

As mentioned before, Canadel offers an extensive custom dining collection that can uniquely become your creation. 

Because of the millions of combinations you can choose from, you can create a dining room set that’s not like anyone else’s Customize anything from the tabletop finish colour, to ornate detailing like nailhead trim on your chairs. 

To learn more about Canadel’s Customization Options, take a look at this article.

8. What Dining Furniture Does La-Z-Boy Offer?

Aside from Canadel Custom Dining, La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston also offer a range of dining room furniture from other manufacturers. Kincaid, American Drew, and Hammary are sub-divisions of La-Z-Boy incorporated offering high-quality, unique case-good products for a complete home furnishings selection. 

Kincaid is an industry-leading manufacturer specializing in solid wood furniture deriving from its most natural form. The dining selection includes dining tables, dining chairs, upholstered dining furniture, dining storage, and stools, all of heirloom quality. 

American Drew is a leading manufacturer of bedroom, dining room, and living room furniture that creates timeless pieces re-imagined for today’s fashions. When it comes to American Drew’s dining furniture selection, they offer dining tables, dining chairs, dining storage, and stools. 

Hammary offers a variety of styles in living room tables, chairside tables, home office furniture, and home entertainment furnishings. Among this selection is a variety of dining room furniture. Hammary also offers a unique Hidden Treasures® collection, an assortment of one-of-a-kind accent pieces inspired by incredible furniture designs from around the world.

What's Next?

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of what to consider when furnishing your dining room, you are well-equipped to make informed decisions. Whether you choose to shop at Canadel Custom Dining or La-Z-Boy, our sales consultants are ready to help you find the perfect dining furniture arrangement that fits your size, style, quality, and budget needs.

If you’d like to browse our furniture selection in person visit one of our La-Z Boy Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston stores today or schedule a visit online before coming in. 

Our sales consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Not only are they trained in knowing the large variety of furniture offered at La-Z-Boy, but they are also experts in furniture fitting and design.

You can also take advantage of our complimentary interior design services to see how our living room furniture could fit in your home.

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