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Design & Style How To Guides Buy A Dining Set

1. Naomi Cleaver

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1. Naomi Cleaver (Image 1 of 7)

Eating in front the of telly with a tray on your knees is great, but for a good meal with family or friends nothing but a proper dining table will do. So we've found you seven of the smartest dining tables and chairs that money can buy. Plus Naomi Cleaver gives you her top tips for finding one that's just right for you.

Naomi Cleaver's fail-safe ways to buy the best dining table set:

The only way to be sure you're choosing the right set is to test it out in store. Are the chairs comfy? Is the table a good height? Also, if you're not buying a matching set, take measurements - high-seated chairs and a low table means you'll barely get your knees under!

So you've measured up where the table will sit, but it's a bit tight. Round or oval tables, as opposed to square or rectangular ones, will save space, and you can squeeze more people round them. Best of all, they're more sociable.

As with most things in life, flexible is best, because even if your dining space is too small now, an extendable table will be put to good use if you move to a bigger house in the future. Ask the sales assistant to demonstrate how the extension mechanism works - on cheaper tables, they're sometimes more trouble than they're worth.

Picking from a choice of chairs? Ideally, they should match your table, but contrasting chairs can work if you're going for an eclectic look. If you choose upholstered chairs, check the fabric is fade-resistant, durable and sponge cleanable - or opt for long-lasting leather.