Dining

When choosing dining furniture, consider the room's size and shape of the room, how many people you typically seat, and how you use the space day to day. Table size and shape, comfortable seating, durable materials, and easy movement around the room all help create a dining area that works well for everyday meals and larger gatherings.

Start by measuring the available space and leaving enough room around the table for chairs to pull out and for people to move comfortably. Consider how many people you regularly seat, as and how often you entertain. Product dimensions and recommended seating capacities can help you choose the table size that works best for your room.

A dining table should have enough clearance on all sides for chairs to move comfortably and for people to walk behind them when seated. The amount of space needed depends on the room layout, chair size, and nearby walls or furniture, so it helps to measure the entire dining area rather than just the table alone.

Both shapes have advantages. Round tables encourage conversation and can work especially well in square or more compact rooms, while rectangular tables are often a natural fit for longer spaces and can accommodate larger groups. The best choice depends on the room’s proportions, seating needs, and how you prefer to gather.

Seating capacity depends on the table’s size, shape, base design, and the width of the chairs being used. A table with fewer perimeter legs may offer greater flexibility in chair placement. BDI product pages include recommended seating capacities and dimensions to help identify the right fit.

A pedestal base eliminates traditional corner legs, offering more flexibility in chair placement and extra legroom around the table. Pedestal designs can also create a cleaner visual profile, particularly in spaces where maintaining an open feel is important.

Dining chairs should balance comfort, support, durability, and proper scale for the table. Consider seat height and depth, back support, upholstery or surface materials, and the chair’s overall width. Chairs should also be easy to move while remaining stable and comfortable enough for longer meals and conversations.

Compare the chair’s seat height, overall width, and arm height, (if applicable) with the table dimensions and underside clearance. Ensure enough space for comfortable seating and legroom so the chair doesn't feel crowded under the tabletop. Each chair's width will also affect how many can comfortably fit around the table.

Yes, particularly when the upholstery is designed for frequent use. Performance fabrics and other durable upholstery materials can provide the softness and comfort of an upholstered chair while making everyday care easier. When selecting dining chairs, consider stain resistance, cleanability, and long-term durability, along with comfort.

Depending on the design, BDI dining furniture may incorporate hardwoods and hardwood veneers, steel, tempered glass, sintered stone, and performance upholstery. Materials are selected not only for their appearance, but also for durability, comfort, and suitability for everyday use.

Different tabletop materials offer different benefits. Natural wood adds warmth and character; tempered glass creates a lighter visual presence and is easy to maintain, while engineered surfaces like sintered stone offer exceptional durability for heavy use. The best material depends on your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance needs.

Yes. A dining table can often serve as a comfortable place to work, study, meet, or do other activities when it offers enough surface area, legroom, and a durable work surface. If the table will frequently serve multiple purposes, features that help keep supplies organized or make it easy to switch between activities can be especially useful.

In smaller dining areas, choose furniture that offers comfortable seating without adding unnecessary visual or physical bulk. Round tables, pedestal bases, slimmer profiles, and chairs with lighter silhouettes can help maximize usable space and keep the room feeling open.

Care depends on the table's materials. In general, clean spills promptly with a soft cloth, and avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners unless the surface specifically recommends them. Refer to the product’s care instructions for guidance on cleaning wood, glass, stone, metal, or other materials.

Floor glides or protective pads beneath table and chair legs can help reduce scratches and make furniture easier to move. Some BDI dining designs include integrated or adjustable floor glides. Check these periodically for wear, especially on chairs that are moved frequently.

BDI approaches dining furniture with both the gathering experience and everyday functionality in mind. Depending on the design, thoughtful details may include comfortable support, durable surfaces, flexible chair placement, softened edges, floor-friendly glides, or discreet storage. The goal is furniture that feels inviting around the table while working naturally with the way dining spaces are used throughout the day.