
How To Choose The Perfect Oak Dining Table & Chairs
, by Sebastian Makowski, 4 min reading time

, by Sebastian Makowski, 4 min reading time
The kitchen table is at the heart of your home, the place where you enjoy everyday meals, family celebrations and create moments which last a lifetime. It’s not just a table, it’s much more than that. So, when it comes to choosing one you need it to be right, something that enhances your lifestyle, complements your décor and stands the test of time. With a little thought you oak dining table and chairs can become a wonderful centre piece for years to come.
The kitchen table is at the heart of your home, the place where you enjoy everyday meals, family celebrations and create moments which last a lifetime. It’s not just a table, it’s much more than that. So, when it comes to choosing one you need it to be right, something that enhances your lifestyle, complements your décor and stands the test of time. With a little thought you oak dining table and chairs can become a wonderful centre piece for years to come.
Here's how to pick the perfect set for you:
Before you fall in love with a particular table and chairs, start by understanding your room. Measure the space carefully, noting not only the area where the table will sit but also the room needed for chairs to move comfortably.
A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 90cm of clearance around the table. This ensures people can sit, stand and walk behind chairs without feeling restricted. If your dining area is compact or multifunctional, a round or oval table may help soften corners and improve flow. For more defined rooms or open-plan spaces, a rectangular oak dining table with chairs creates a strong, elegant focal point with plenty of surface area.
Always consider how many chairs you want to accommodate. While a six-seater is standard for many households, you may require more for social gatherings or larger families. Be sure to factor in the width of the chairs themselves and how table leg positions affect the ability to tuck chairs in neatly.
Oak is admired for its warm, natural grain and timeless presence but as far as dining sets are concerned they come in many styles. Choosing the right one ensures your dining space feels cohesive and welcoming.
For contemporary interiors, look for clean lines, slim silhouettes, and minimal detailing. These designs offer a refined simplicity that lets the beauty of the timber speak for itself. If your home is more traditional or rustic, consider sets with chunkier legs, soft edges or handcrafted details.
Think about the wider room too. Do you want your dining set to blend into your décor or stand out as an eye-catching feature? Oak, with its versatility, can do either. Pale finishes complement Scandinavian-inspired spaces, while rich, deeper tones provide warmth and definition in darker or more dramatic schemes.
When choosing an oak dining table with chairs, focus on comfort just as much as aesthetics. Make sure to consider:
Seat height (ideally leaving 25–30cm between the seat and tabletop)
Backrest angle and support
Seat shape and depth, ensuring that longer meals remain comfortable
Chairs don’t need to match the table exactly, but they should complement it. Upholstered seats offer added comfort and softness, while solid oak chairs maintain a clean, cohesive look with excellent durability.
If your dining area is compact, choosing armless chairs maximises seating without crowding the table. In larger rooms, mixing styles, such as pairing a bench on one side with chairs on the other, can introduce character without sacrificing practicality.
Solid oak is naturally strong, resistant to daily wear and designed to age gracefully. Look for tables that highlight the authentic grain, use strong joinery and offer the reassuring weight and stability you expect from a well-made piece.
Handcrafted touches like subtly rounded edges, dovetailed joints or hand-finished surfaces demonstrate the care and expertise that goes into each piece. These details not only enhance beauty but also ensure you buy a set built to last.
Modern dining spaces often need to adapt to different occasions whether that’s everyday family meals, festive gatherings with a slew of relatives or even work from home spaces. This is where extendable oak dining tables offer the necessary versatility. With concealed panels or smooth extension mechanisms, you can enjoy a compact footprint day-to-day while having the flexibility to host more guests when needed.
Some dining sets also offer custom choices in length and width, leg style, finish or stain and chair designs. Customisable options allow you to build a set that fits your exact space, taste and lifestyle. Tailored furniture feels intentional, considered and personal, and it elevates your dining environment as a whole.
Oak furniture is renowned for lasting generations. By choosing solid wood and a design that you’ll love long into the future, you’re investing in quality that outperforms fast-furnish alternatives. An oak dining table and chairs bring natural beauty to your home, making them a wise choice for everyday living as well as special occasions. Discover your perfect dining table and chairs with Clar Furniture by clicking here.