October 5, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 23 How to express your style in the dining area Creating your dining area is a perfect opportunity to express your style. In many homes, the dining room serves many purposes, from a space for children to do tion. Be assured of selecting just the right dining room furnishings with all the skills a Decorating Den design professional can “bring to the table,” in the comfort of your own home. When selecting a dining room table, keep in mind that the material and style of the table will dominate the look of the room. When choosing, consider the architecture of the room and décor of the immediate surroundings. Darker woods such as mahogany and walnut can make a smaller dining room feel close and crowded, while lighter woods can make the room feel more spacious. For a large dining room, dark tones can feel warmer and more intimate. Glass and steel are often used in smaller bistro dining areas, especially outdoors, and glass tops are often seen on wood in the dining room. The size and shape of the dining room influences the table dimensions. A square table works well with small, intimate settings, but a rectangular table can seat more people. Round tables are conducive to dinner conversation and easy to move around without hard angles, but are not always space efficient. The average diner needs 22 to 24 inches of space and 14 inches of dining table depth. For the entryway or traffic side of the table, at least 48 inches should be provided between the edge of the homework to a setting for formal dinner parties. Combining these individual requirements in a design conscious, stylish, but functional manner can be a rewarding challenge. With so many things to consider, it is especially important for you to consider a professional on-site consulta- table and nearest wall or piece of furniture. For the side of the table without traffic, allow at least three feet between the table and the wall for diners to access their seating. Fact: In most cases, those seated at the head of the table are more careful of the dining room furnishings than those seated at the side. After all, they have a vested interest. This article was submitted by Decorating Den Interiors of Bergen County. Visit www.decoratingden.com or call (201) 236-6464.