7 September 2026
The dining space shapes how people experience a property. In modern developments it is rarely just for eating: the same table is used for working and for having people over.
For developers, landlords and hospitality operators, that makes the dining area a chance to improve how a property works, how it flows and how well it sells or lets. This guide covers how to design and furnish dining spaces that are durable enough for commercial use, comfortable and consistent, while keeping buying and compliance simple.
What this guide covers
Nine steps, from working out what the space is for to placing the order.
1
Understand the role of the space
Dining areas range from open-plan corners in apartments to formal hospitality rooms. Match the design and the materials to what the space is for and you get both the look and the practicality.
| Project type | Priorities | Recommended approach |
|---|---|---|
| Residential developments / show homes | An aspirational lifestyle image | Use matching furniture sets, statement lighting and finishes that tie in with the kitchen and living areas. |
| Serviced apartments & hospitality | Comfort, easy cleaning, longevity | Choose contract-grade furniture with easy-wipe finishes and chairs that can be replaced individually. |
| Landlord & rental properties | Value, space efficiency, low maintenance | Compact, stackable furniture and scratch-resistant finishes. |
| Holiday lodges & leisure units | Flexibility, family use, durability | Modular tables and seating that adapt to different group sizes and clean quickly between stays. |
Pro tip
Use the same finishes and materials across the living and dining spaces so open-plan layouts feel consistent.
2
Tables: the focal point
The table sets the size, the shape and the feel of the whole space.
Shape & size
Rectangular tables
Ideal for open-plan layouts and show homes, with flexible seating and a traditional feel.
Round or oval tables
Great for compact rooms, hospitality lounges and cafés, where they help people move around and talk.
Extendable or modular tables
Useful in serviced apartments and holiday lodges, where the number of guests changes.
Materials
Laminate & MDF
Cost-effective, scratch-resistant and easy to replace, which suits rental and high-turnover units.
Solid wood
A timeless, premium look for show homes and luxury developments.
Metal or glass
Durable and sleek, best for hospitality interiors and modern apartments.
Composite materials
Increasingly popular for sustainability and easy cleaning.
3
Chairs & seating
Seating has to be comfortable and compliant, and it should look like it belongs with the rest of the room.
Contract-grade seating
Essential for hospitality, and it should meet Crib 5 or BS 7176 standards for flame retardancy.
Stackable & folding chairs
Flexible layouts in small spaces and seasonal venues.
Upholstered seating
Adds comfort and warmth. In commercial settings, choose stain-resistant or antimicrobial fabrics.
Benches
A practical, space-saving option for family dining and lodges.
Durability
Look for metal or reinforced wooden frames rated for commercial use.
4
Storage & display
Good storage makes a dining space look more professional and easier to use.
Sideboards & buffets
Hidden storage for dining essentials, linens and décor.
Display units & open shelving
Room for branding or decorative styling in show units and hospitality spaces.
Integrated cabinetry
A streamlined look in open-plan apartments and developments.
5
Lighting
Lighting sets the mood and marks out the dining zone, which matters most in open-plan spaces.
Pendant lighting
Marks out the dining zone. Adjustable or grouped pendants give you flexibility.
Wall lights & sconces
Softer ambient light for hospitality settings.
Dimmers
Let the room change from day to night.
Energy-efficient LEDs
Support sustainability goals and cut running costs.
Smart controls
Ideal for serviced apartments and communal spaces that need low-maintenance automation.
6
Design by layout type
| Layout type | Key considerations | Recommended products |
|---|---|---|
| Open-plan living-dining spaces | Keep finishes consistent across the kitchen and living zones so the space reads as one. | Modular dining sets, pendant lighting |
| Compact apartments | Prioritise extendable tables and stackable chairs to save space. | Foldaway furniture, small dining sets |
| Formal dining rooms | Bring in statement lighting and premium materials for impact. | Solid wood tables, designer upholstery |
| Hospitality & communal dining | Specify contract-grade furniture and flexible modular layouts. | Crib 5 chairs, commercial dining ranges |
7
Styling & finishing touches
The finishing touches are what make a dining space photograph well and feel lived in.
Colour schemes
Neutral foundations stay flexible and appeal to the widest audience.
Textures
Mix wood grain, glass and metal for depth.
Accessories
Mirrors, rugs and artwork add warmth and character.
Visual marketing
Keep show units and hospitality settings consistent so they photograph the same across campaigns.
8
Safety & maintenance
Fire safety
In hospitality and commercial settings, specify seating that meets Crib 5 or BS 7176.
Easy cleaning
Easy-wipe finishes and stain-resistant fabrics keep turnaround quick.
Replaceable parts
Chairs that can be replaced individually keep a set looking complete.
Running costs
Energy-efficient LED lighting supports sustainability goals and reduces bills.
9
Procurement & operational efficiency
Buying well keeps the look consistent and the costs under control across multiple properties or sites.
Pre-approved dining packs
Make repeat orders across developments and accommodation portfolios simple.
Trade pricing
Use the cross-brand discounts through Buyit for large furnishing projects.
Delivery coordination
Centralised supply means less downtime and less congestion on site.
Replacement planning
Keep a stock of parts and replacements so maintenance is quick.
Furnishing dining spaces at scale?
Talk to our dedicated B2B account managers about dining packages and trade quotes.
Contact our B2B team