*We aim to update cost articles twice per year to ensure that the costs listed reflect the current market. This article was last updated in March 2022.
The dining room is a special room in the home, reserved for sharing meals and memories with loved ones.
Enjoyed daily or on special occasions, the way you furnish your dining room is important as it sets the scene for the gathering of family and friends.
Although we’ve been the world’s leading manufacturer of reclining chairs for over 90 years, La-Z-Boy is passionate about bringing comfort and quality to every room in the house, including the dining room. Through partnerships with manufacturers such as American Drew, Kincaid, Hammary, and lastly, Canadel Custom Dining, showcased in our Kanata store, we offer a comprehensive selection of high-quality dining room furniture.
Many of our clients ask for our advice on furnishing a dining room from start to finish, especially regarding cost!
This article will guide you in creating a dining room furniture budget with a detailed breakdown in dining furniture costs. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of what you should expect to spend on furnishing a dining room.
The first step of creating a budget is to know what you are budgeting for.
When it comes to furnishing a dining room, start by considering the size of the dining room, its intended functionality, and the number of people that will use it.
Questions to ask yourself:
Do you have a large family? Will children be using the dining space? Do you frequently host friends and extended family? Or will this dining room be used only by a couple of people?
With this in mind, make a detailed list of the furniture you will need to fill the space and comfortably host your family and friends. Do you already have a few pieces that you love? Perhaps some old favourites can be incorporated into your new design and save you money in the process.
For example, you can breathe new life into your old dining room chairs with reupholstery. Check out the Cost to Reupholster a Chair: Dining, Living Room, & Leather Chairs. Further, if you intend on combining old dining furniture with new dining furniture, you may benefit from reading How to Mix & Match Wood Furniture.
Although there are many items and details that contribute to making a dining room a comfortable space for enjoying meals, the following budget is solely based on dining furnishing essentials. Put your needs before your desires in this preliminary furnishing budget.
Take a look at the chart below to get a better idea of what we will consider dining room furnishings for the purpose of this article:
|
A Furnishing Budget SHOULD Include ... |
A Furnishing Budget Should NOT Include ... |
|
|
Once you have made a complete and detailed shopping list, it is time to make another crucial budget decision … save or splurge? Whether this dining room is something you want to invest in is entirely up to you.
If you are settling into your forever home and furnishing your dream dining room, you may want to pull out all the stops. Alternatively, if you are furnishing a dining room in a temporary apartment, you may consider saving some pennies.
It is a good idea to analyze your shopping list, item-by-item, and decide which items are worth splurging on and which items you can bargain for.
First and foremost, a dining room is defined by the dining table. The table is the anchor piece, surrounded by all the other furniture in the room.
Further, the size and shape of the dining table will determine the necessary number of chairs. The style of the chairs, and other decorative dining furniture, will also be determined by the style of the dining room table.
Below is a chart outlining the average cost ranges of typical dining room furniture. Once again, these costs may vary depending on the size, shape, style, and quality of the furniture you choose to invest in.
*Take note that the symbol ~ means approximately.
|
Furniture |
Average Cost Range |
|
Dining Table |
~ $150 - $4,000 + |
|
Dining Seating |
~ $100 - $2,000 + / per seat |
|
Buffet/Sideboard |
~ $100 - $30,000 + |
|
Bar Cart |
~ $50 - $5,000 + |
|
Decor/Accessories |
~ $500 - $10,000 + |
|
Total Cost to Furnish a Dining Room |
~ $1,400 - $61,000 + |
Now continue reading for a more detailed breakdown of dining furniture costs, piece by piece.
You will notice throughout the article that the cost of most dining furniture depends on the materials used and construction methods. More specifically, given that most dining furniture is made of wood, the cost of this furniture is directly related to the quality of wood used in the making of the furniture.
As previously mentioned, the dining room table sets the tone for the rest of the dining table. Moreover, the dining table is often the most expensive piece of furniture in the room.
The cost of a dining table is dependent on the considerations mentioned above, such as the size, shape, style, and quality of materials and craftsmanship.
Generally speaking, a dining table can cost anywhere from $150 to $4,000 or more. Dining tables made of the finest materials can cost upwards of $30,000.
|
On a Budget |
$150 to $1,500 |
As a least costly option, you may be able to find a lightly used dining room table.
Upwards of $150, you are likely to find smaller dining room tables at about 48” and under. These tables will likely be mass-produced and of lower quality. It is likely that a dining room table in this price range will have to be replaced within a few years. |
|
Mid-Range |
$1,500 to $4,000 |
A table at this price point is often good-quality, well-sized, and made of solid wood. They are also usually up-to-date with current home decor trends. Further, dining room tables in the mid-price range are often customizable in design. Although these tables are well-crafted and of good quality, it may eventually require some repair or restoration depending on how long you intend on keeping it. |
|
High-End |
$4,000 and up |
High-end dining room tables are made with the utmost quality and the finest materials.
Dining room tables in this price bracket are considered ‘designer’, made with solid and luxurious woods. These tables are typically hand-made and are often locally crafted. Sometimes these tables are even antique.
High-end tables are one-of-a-kind, and with this, they are usually customizable in wood finish, colour, base option, custom sizing, and materials..
If you decide to invest in a high-end table, it will last you through generations. These tables typically become a family heirloom. |
The next step in furnishing a dining room is selecting dining seating to frame your dining table.
Generally speaking, the cost of dining seating is also determined by the size, shape, style, and quality of materials and craftsmanship. Further, whether or not the dining seating is upholstered impacts the cost.
Given that dining seating is sold individually, the overall cost of a dining seating arrangement is impacted by the number of chairs your dining table requires.
The cost is also dependent on the type of dining seating that you choose. Depending on the style of your dining table, you may choose dining chairs, dining benches, and dining stools, or a combination.
Given the factors mentioned above, the cost of a dining chair ranges from $20 to $2,000 or more.
|
On a Budget |
$20 to $300 |
Dining chairs in this price range are typically lower quality. When it comes to style, chairs in this price range are very simple and minimalist.
As a lowest price option, you may find either used dining chairs or dining chairs made from inexpensive materials that you will likely have to assemble yourself.
Upwards of $100, you are likely to find basic dining chairs made of softwoods, plastic, rattan, or metal.
Chairs in this price range may be a great option if you intend on replacing the chairs within a few years. They may also be a great choice if you expect damage from children or pets. |
|
Mid-Range |
$300 to $600 |
Chairs within this price range are generally good-quality, sturdy, and made of solid hardwoods. They are more stylish and up-to-date with current home decor trends. This may include cushions and upholstery.
Although dining chairs in this price range are well-crafted and of good quality, they may require some repair, restoration, or reupholstery depending on how long you intend on keeping them. |
|
High-End |
$600 to $2,000 & Up |
Dining chairs in this price bracket are considered ‘designer’, made with solid woods, often upholstered, and extremely stylish. Further, the design of dining chairs in this price range may be customizable in order to match your current home decor. This can include wood finish and colour which could differ between seat and the rest of the chair, a variety of fabric and leather cover options and nailhead trim.
Chairs upwards of $1,000 are typically hand-made and locally crafted. If you decide to invest in high-end dining chairs, they will likely last you through generations. |
Incorporating a dining bench into a dining seating arrangement is a great way to create contrast and save space. They are also a great option for accommodating children!
The cost of a dining bench ranges from $150 to $10,000 and up.
Ultimately, the cost of a dining bench is determined by the same factors as a dining table and dining chairs.
If you have a high-top dining table, or your dining room has a home bar, stools are a casual, versatile, and stylish seating option.
The cost of a dining stool ranges from about $160 to $1,300 and up. In comparison to dining chairs and benches, dining stools can be a more affordable option.
If you are shopping for stools, check out the Top 7 Best Stores to Buy Bar Stools in Ottawa. Further, you may find helpful tips from the Guide to Choosing the Right Stool Height.
Keep in mind that purchasing a dining set can be a convenient and affordable way to furnish a dining room.
Dining sets are typically sold in packages including the dining table, dining seating, and sometimes, a buffet or sideboard. Instead of putting together a dining room one piece at a time, purchasing a dining set offers a seamless look. Not to mention, it saves you a lot of time in the shopping process.
Depending on the furniture retailer, a dining furniture set costs anywhere from $200 to $10,000 or more. The cost is determined by the quality of furniture, the style, the number of items included in the set, and whether or not the dining set is customizable.
A buffet, also referred to as a sideboard, is a long, low piece of furniture that is usually placed in a dining room to store and display items. It can also be used as an extra surface for serving food.
In turn, a buffet is both a decorative and practical addition to a dining room.
A buffet costs between $100 to $30,000 depending on the size, shape, style, and quality of the materials and craftsmanship.
After furnishing your dining room with the essentials, a dining table, and dining seating, access your budget to determine the amount you have left to spend on a dining buffet.
Similar to a dining buffet, a bar cart is a decorative and functional piece for storing and displaying bar tools, glassware, and liquor.
A bar cart is not the most practical or necessary piece of dining furniture, but it can be a very fun addition if your budget and space allow for it.
The cost of a bar cart can range drastically. Many homeowners get crafty by creating an affordable, DIY bar cart and spend next to nothing. On the contrary, it is possible to splurge on a bar cart that is elaborately designed and made from luxurious materials.
In turn, a bar cart can cost anywhere from $50 to $5,000. Be sure to also factor in the cost of accessories, such as bar tools, liquor, glassware, and other accessories to fill the cart.
Incorporating decor and accessories is a great way to enhance your dining room and complete the design.
In order to create a beautifully decorated dining room, integrate an area rug, lighting fixtures, window coverings, and artwork.
The amount you spend on dining room decor and accessories is entirely up to you. If you have spent most of your budget on the dining room essentials, decorating may be something that you do overtime as you can afford it.
In general, you can spend anywhere from $500 to $10,000 and beyond on dining room decor, depending on your tastes and remaining budget.
An area rug is a great way to define your dining space, although it is not essential to incorporate an area rug into your dining room design. In fact, whether or not an area rug belongs in a dining room is a heated debate in the world of home design.
Consider your lifestyle, space, budget, and style when deciding on placing an area rug in your dining room. If an area rug suits your preferences, it is important to select the perfect area rug for your room.
The cost of an area rug drastically varies depending on its size, materials used, how it is made, style, and overall quality. After accessing your remaining budget, you can spend anywhere between $20 to over $4,000 on an area rug.
At La-Z-Boy, we offer Surya area rugs. Surya rugs come in all shapes, sizes, colours, patterns, and textures. The cost of Surya rugs falls within the mid to high-end price bracket, ranging from $300 to $5,000 and more.
Check out the Review of Surya Rugs to learn more.
Dining room lighting is essential. You have to be able to see the food you are eating after all!
The cost of dining room lighting can greatly vary depending on your selection.
A dining room chandelier can cost anywhere from $50 and up. The size and materials used to make the chandelier play a significant role in determining the overall cost. A small chandelier might cost around $150 while an extra-large, extravagant chandelier would cost around $230. With that being said, elaborate and detailed chandelier lighting could cost up to $700 or more.
Wall-mounted lights, such as cove lighting or accent scones, cost between $90 to $230.
Further, the cost of a lamp can vary depending on the quality of materials used. You may find a table lamp for as little as $30 going up to $150 or more. Floor lamps tend to be slightly more expensive, starting at around $50 and going up to about $200 or more.
If your dining room has windows, window coverings can be used to enhance the colours and textures in your dining room design. Practically speaking, window coverings also block harsh light and create a sense of privacy.
The cost of window coverings depends on a variety of factors:
On average, dining room window coverings cost about $700. On the low end, single-window installations can cost $50. Alternatively, a dining room with about eight large windows could cost up to $3,500 in window coverings.
The artwork and wall decor in your dining room is the final touch. With a clear understanding of your wall measurements, fill this space with decor that reflects what you love.
It is difficult to place a price range on artwork and wall decor given that everyone has different tastes. While one homeowner may appreciate a simple and affordable collage of family photographs, another may desire an expensive piece of artwork or detailed sculpture.
On the low end, dining room artwork, wall decor, and accessories may cost around $1,500. On the high-end, you can spend about $6,500 or more.
La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston also offers a range of dining room furniture from other manufacturers.
American Drew, Kincaid, and Hammary are sub-divisions of La-Z-Boy incorporated offering high-quality, unique case-good products for a complete home furnishings selection. This includes a wide selection of stylish, heirloom-quality dining furniture.
Further, La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston works closely with Canadel Custom Dining. In fact, a Canadel showroom is connected to the La-Z-Boy Kanata showroom.
Canadel, a family-owned company based in Quebec, Canada, specializes in manufacturing high-quality, and customized dining room furniture. All Canadel products are handcrafted and manufactured in North America and distributed throughout Canada and the United States.
With a sole focus on dining room furniture with over 9 million options, Canadel is a one-stop-shop for dining furnishings designed to many customer styles, tastes, and preferences.
For more detailed information about Canadel Custom Dining, take a look at the Review of the Canadel Collection.
Dining furniture offered at La-Z-Boy and Canadel Custom Dining falls within the mid to high-end price range on the market.
To get a better understanding of dining room furniture costs at La-Z-Boy and Canadel, take a look at the chart below ...
|
La-Z-Boy (American Drew, Kincaid, Hammary) |
Canadel Custom Dining |
|
|
Dining Table |
$1,500 - $6,000 + |
$1,050 - $6,999 + |
|
Dining Chair |
$600 - $2,000 + / per chair |
$379 - $1,300 + / per chair |
|
Dining Stool |
~ $300 - $1,000 + / per stool |
$369 - $999 + / per stool |
|
Dining Bench |
~ $900 - $9,000 + |
$499 - $1,000 + |
|
Buffet/Sideboard |
~ $3,800 - $8,000 + |
$1,999 - $6,800 + |
*All La-Z-Boy prices listed in this article are subject to change. We aim to update all cost-related articles twice per year. This article was last updated in May 24th, 2023. Contact your local Ottawa or Kingston location by phone or in person for up-to-date pricing.
So there you have it! Furnishing a dining room can cost anywhere between $1,400 - $61,000 or more.
With this budget in mind, you are ready to start shopping!
We understand that furnishing a dining room from scratch can be a daunting task, especially if you struggle with home design. That is why we have created the Ultimate Dining Room Buyers Guide.
Further, we offer complimentary design services at La-Z-Boy. Our team of talented interior designers would be happy to help you select a dining furniture arrangement that coordinates and complements the interior of your home.
Visit us at a local Ottawa or Kingston location, or if you prefer to plan ahead, schedule a visit online.
We look forward to helping you create a delicious dining furniture arrangement. Bon appetit!
How Much Does it Cost to Furnish a House?