Her Honest Space

A gentle guide for mums choosing a dining table that fits their real life — without compromising on style, space, or sanity.

Shopping for a dining setting sounds simple… until you’re actually doing it.

Between little hands grabbing things, food flung across the room, and trying to squeeze in a meal while the baby naps. Making a choice that feels both practical and beautiful can feel impossible.

You might be trying to make a small corner work. Or maybe you’re working with an open plan and want it to flow. Either way, this post will guide you gently through what matters most, when it comes to choosing a dining setting that works for real life. Especially with little ones around.

🏠 Start With Your Life, Not the Look

It’s easy to get pulled in by perfectly styled dining tables online — clean lines, candles, matching everything. But your space doesn’t just need to look good. It needs to hold real life.

Ask yourself:

Do I have a baby in a highchair? Are my toddlers moving constantly around the space? Do I need materials that can be wiped clean in seconds? Do I host, or is it just for our family?

Start here, and your choices become a lot clearer.

🪑 Let’s Talk Safety + Sturdiness

Always test the furniture before purchasing. Shake it. Lean on it. Put your full weight on it.

This isn’t about perfection — it’s about peace of mind. You want a table that holds steady when your toddler inevitably climbs it like a jungle gym.

When shopping for dining chairs, don’t feel stuck with stiff wood or cold metal. Materials like faux leather, polyester, nylon, and acrylic are known for being durable, wipeable, and resistant to stains and fading. Or go with removable chair slipcovers — if they get dirty (they will), just toss them in the wash. Low-stress, high reward.

👶 Our Setup Right Now

My baby is still in a highchair with a catchy tray attached underneath — because throwing food has become a full-blown sport. (It’s currently: how far can I fling it today?) The tray catches some of it… and honestly, that feels like a win.

If you’ve got older kids who can’t sit still at the table, I hear you — even if I’m not quite in that season yet. I’ve heard from other mums that using paper as a tablecloth can be a fun way to keep them seated: let them doodle, play a game, or draw while you finish your meal. If it works — amazing. If not, at least you tried. That counts, too.

📏 Make Space Work for You

Have a small corner?

Try bench seating or a banquette — it uses the corner well, and little one’s love climbing in and out of it. Plus, built-in storage underneath? Dream.

Want something flexible?

Some consoles fold out into full dining tables. During the day, it’s minimal. At dinnertime, it’s functional. That’s a win for small homes or open plan zones where you don’t want to crowd the space.

Worried about tripping over chair legs or bulky corners?

Opt for a round table with three legs — it’s more stable than a pedestal, has no sharp corners, and it’s easy to move around. Add armless chairs that tuck under easily — or even a slim bench. Less visual clutter, more room to breathe.

📏 Unsure? Try a Visual Mock-Up

Lay out the table size with masking tape or an old sheet. Walk around it. Live with it for a couple days. See how it feels when:

You’re carrying your toddler and a bowl of food, the highchair is nearby and the cat’s weaving underfoot. It’s morning chaos and everyone’s moving at once.

Circulation space (or toddler-chase room 😅) matters.

Allow minimum 900 mm around the table where possible — especially near doorways.

And for each chair, leave 500-600 mm so people (including you) can move freely without bumping.

To maximise space, consider:

Armless chairs Tuckable designs Bench seating

🧠 Use Technology to Lighten the Load

When your brain is juggling sleep schedules, meal planning, and feeding everyone, don’t make design decisions harder than they need to be.

✨ Many furniture websites now offer AR (augmented reality) — just use your phone to see what the dining set looks like in your space.

No second-guessing, just clear visuals.

✨ And yes — even ChatGPT can help.

Upload a photo of your dining area and ask for layout ideas, family-friendly table options, or space-saving suggestions. Think of it like a little interior stylist in your pocket.

My 3 S’s for a Calm Dining Space

Over the years, I’ve found three simple principles make the biggest difference to how a dining space feels and functions. Especially in a busy family home. I call them my 3 S’s: Space, Style, and Sustainability.

Space

• Aim for enough room to move comfortably, about 500-600 mm per person.
• Leave 900-1200 mm clearance from the table edge to walls or furniture for easy chair movement. For small tight spaces you can have a minimum of 800 mm clearance
• Pick a table size that fits your space, and consider built-in storage like buffets or banquet seating to keep toys, seasonal items, and everyday bits in order.

Style

• Create a cosy atmosphere with soft lighting and warm textures.
• Bring in natural touches — flowers, greenery, or plenty of daylight.
• Keep the table clear to make room for connection and conversation.

Sustainability

• Choose durable, easy-to-clean furniture so you’re not replacing it in a year.
• Use mirrors and slimline pieces to maximise space.
• Make sure your lighting can adapt to homework time, family meals, and quiet evening moments.

💬 Let’s Talk (Gently)

I’d love to hear how your dining space works for your family.

Which of the 3 S’s do you need most right now — Space, Style, or Sustainability. Share what’s helped, what’s been chaos, or the moment you thought, “Okay… this works for us.”

You can leave a comment or message me anytime — I truly love hearing from other mums creating homes that feel good for their families.

Free Printable Checklist for You

“Loved my 3 S’s for a Calm Dining Space? Download my Quick Guide to Choosing the Right Dining Table so you can keep these essentials with you while shopping.” Print it out or save it to your phone — your future self will thank you.