When the dining table set is the focal point of where you eat, design and function matter—a lot! Whether you host formal dinners, run an eat-in kitchen, or juggle between a living room dining room combo furniture layout, the set you choose will impact how your space feels and functions every single day.
The challenge? Every home is different. Floor plans, room shapes, and family needs vary, so what works in one home might feel cramped or awkward in another. That’s why the smartest way to shop is by thinking about your dining room layout first, then picking the table set that naturally fits the space.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common dining room layout ideas, from open concepts to small square spaces, and recommend our favorite furniture sets for each. We’ll also share expert dining room design ideas to help you avoid mistakes, create flow, and pick a set you’ll love for years.
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Shop Dining Room Sets6 Dining Table Furniture Sets for Popular Layouts
Every home has its quirks, but these six layouts are the most common. Here’s how to choose the right dining table furniture set for each, and some examples of furniture sets we suggest to go along with each.
Learn More: 7 Best Extendable Dining Tables for Every Home
Open Concept Dining Room Layout
Pass through dining rooms are increasingly more common in today’s home designs. They’re inviting and practical, but the biggest issue is creating a cohesive look from living spaces into the dining area. In most cases, keeping furniture neutral—particularly in wood—is a safe way to keep things harmonic.
The good news is that open concept dining room and living room layouts typically offer plenty of room to work with, and that means you can go big with your dining table furniture set. Here’s a great example from Signature Design by Ashley.
Signature Design by Ashley Langwest 6-Piece Cherry Brown Dining Room Set
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This set is built with open layouts in mind. Its rectangular table is long enough to seat a family or group of guests but doesn’t overwhelm the space. A rich cherry brown finish adds warmth to dining spaces, while the clean silhouette keeps it from feeling too heavy alongside kitchen cabinetry or living room furniture.
The six-piece arrangement includes four chairs, a bench, and the table itself. That bench is the real game-changer for open spaces—it slides neatly under the table to free up walking room when you’re not eating. The upholstered seating makes casual meals just as comfortable as sit-down dinners, striking a balance between function and style. In an open concept dining room, you need furniture that blends seamlessly with your living area, and the Langwest does exactly that.
Formal Dining Room Layout
Nothing says special occasion like a traditionally decorated dining room. While it can seem precious, designing a formal dining room really comes down to a few essential elements. Focus on wood, especially tables and chairs with carved details and filigrees. Clean lines always play nice in formal settings, but don’t forget about gentle curves such as scrolling motifs.
As far as furniture goes, the bigger the better. You really want to make a statement (but there are definitely ways to do that on smaller scale). Rectangular tables are a popular choice, and upholstered chairs are formal dining 101. Here’s a pick to get you inspired.
Liberty Furniture Abbey Park 7-Piece Antique White Trestle Table Set
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If you’re working with a dedicated dining room, this is the kind of set that makes it worth showing off. The Abbey Park collection features a long trestle-style table with carved details and a lightly distressed antique white finish. It strikes the perfect balance between elegance and approachability; you get that formal look without it feeling too fussy.
The chairs are upholstered with padded backs and seats, designed for long dinners, family gatherings, or holiday parties. The neutral palette plays well with both traditional and modern décor, so it adapts easily if you redecorate later. In larger or formal dining room furniture sets, scale matters, and this table fills the room with presence, while the trestle base keeps the design open and inviting.
Eat-In Dining Room Layout
Apartment tenants and condo owners know the certain quirks about a shared dining room and kitchen layout. Space is a commodity, which is why space-friendly pieces, such as round tables or square table designs, are great options for the area. Pay attention to chair design too. We love dining chairs that neatly tuck in or under the table, creating a clear walkway when dinner isn’t in session.
Of course, a counter-height dining table set with stools are a convenient option. Check out these stylish models from Liberty Furniture, and see how its space-saving design helps keep an eat-in dining room layout neat, tidy, and practical.
Liberty Furniture Brook Creek 5-Piece Navy Counter Table Set
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Eat-in kitchens benefit from versatile pieces that look polished without taking up too much space. The Brook Creek set checks those boxes with its compact counter-height table and four matching stools. The navy finish is bold but not overpowering, adding a splash of character that livens up a smaller area.
The counter height makes the table feel casual and multifunctional: It’s just as useful for morning coffee as it is for evening meal prep. The straight lines and compact footprint allow it to tuck into a breakfast nook or corner without leaving the space feeling too crammed. If you’ve been searching for eat-in-kitchen furniture that doesn’t look like a compromise, Brook Creek is a stylish solution.
Liberty Furniture Carolina Crossing 3-Piece Antique Honey White Drop Leaf Dining Set
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This is one of the most space-conscious designs for small dining room sets, and it’s perfect for apartments, condos, or compact kitchens. The secret to its success is its round drop-leaf table that expands to seat four when needed, then folds down to save space during everyday use.
Two complementary chairs are sturdy and finished in a honey-and-white two-tone design that brightens up a smaller room. The look is classic farmhouse style, but the scale keeps it modern and adaptable. If you need a dual purpose dining room setup, say, a space that doubles as a work-from-home zone—this drop-leaf design makes transitions easy.
Rectangular Dining Room Layout
This is the classic dining room layout. It’s straight-forward, versatile, and depending on the size, homeowners can really go big with a full-size dining set. There aren’t many limits with this dining room style, but we recommend sticking to straight lines over curves. Round dining tables work perfectly fine in the space, but the symmetry of a rectangular dining room is more cohesive when paired with a rectangular, square, or even the oblong profile of an oval dining room table.
Here's a prime example of the type of dining room set that works with a rectangular dining room layout.
Liberty Furniture Americana Farmhouse 6-Piece Dusty Taupe Table Set
Shop This Liberty Furniture Rectangular Dining Set
Rectangular spaces pair beautifully with long, versatile tables, and the Americana Farmhouse perfectly fits the description. Finished in a soft, dusty taupe, this set mixes farmhouse charm with streamlined lines for a modern touch. It’s substantial enough to anchor a pass through dining room, where you want furniture that feels grounded but not so bulky that it blocks sightlines.
This six-piece set includes four chairs, a bench, and the table itself. The bench is especially practical for families. It accommodates kids easily and can be tucked under the table when you need to clear space. The chairs bring comfort with upholstered seats, and the overall neutral palette works with just about any wall color or flooring. This set is flexible enough to dress up for formal occasions but casual enough for everyday dinners.
Square Dining Room Layout
Square-shaped dining rooms have one major advantage: They’re easy to make cozy. The close walls naturally bring everything in, creating intimate dining settings that are easy for dinnertime conversations or just enough room for a small-size family.
As you might’ve figured, square tables are the go-to choice for the layout. Paired with high-back chairs, you have yourself the perfect, cozy dining room setup that doesn’t hog the space. See for yourself below.
Signature Design by Ashley Coviar 5-Piece Brown Counter Height Dining Set
Shop This Signature Design by Ashley Square Dining Set
Square rooms can be tricky. If you choose the wrong set, the proportions feel off. That’s why a square counter-height set like this one from the Coviar collection works so well. Its compact size keeps the balance right, while the raised height gives it a casual, modern edge.
The four upholstered chairs offer comfort without taking up excess floor space, and the darker brown finish anchors the room without overwhelming it. This is a smart choice if you want the feel of an L shaped dining room set in a square room, since it naturally creates symmetry and flow. It’s also perfect for casual dining or small family meals, making the most of limited space without sacrificing style.
Learn More: 7 Ashley Furniture Dining Room Sets by Design Style
Shared Dining Room Layout
Like open concept dining rooms, shared dining spaces can quickly feel busy when not properly planned. Whereas pass-through dining rooms are more open, shared spaces require homeowners to take note of important details, such as:
🟢Natural architecture (is there a fireplace or a beam that obstructs the space?)
🟢Function (where do you want the dining space to start and stop?)
🟢Is this a busy area (if so, position a table to create a natural workflow)
Compact dining room sets are your best friend here. From drop-down leaves to tuckable bar stools, convertible dining sets provide the most bang for the buck. Liberty Furniture masters the concept with this dining room set.
Liberty Furniture Allyson Park 4-Piece Wire Brushed White Console Bar Table Set
Shop This Liberty Furniture Bar Console Dining Set
If you’re working with a living room dining room layout that shares one open space, a traditional dining table can feel oversized. The Allyson Park console bar set is designed to solve that problem. Instead of a bulky table, you get a sleek console-height table with three coordinating stools that tuck neatly underneath.
The wire-brushed white finish adds a casual coastal vibe, making it a stylish addition behind a sofa, along a wall, or as a subtle room divider. It’s especially effective in a living room dining room combo furniture layout, where the goal is to keep everything functional without cluttering the flow. Whether you’re eating, working on a laptop, or entertaining friends, this set adapts to multiple uses while keeping the look clean and airy.
How to Design a Successful Dining Room
No matter your dining room furniture layout, success comes down to a few universal rules. This is what our interior designers say you should keep in mind when creating a dining room setup (CLICK THE ➕TO LEARN MORE).
➕Space Matters—A Lot!
Measure your room dining room before shopping. Compare those dimensions with the specs of any dining room furniture sets you’re considering. A good rule of thumb: Leave at least 36 inches of clearance around the table so people can move comfortably.
➕Consider Natural Architecture
Windows, fireplaces, or angled walls may feel like obstacles, but they can work in your favor. For example, a round dining room furniture set looks lovely in front of a bay window, while a trestle table anchors a wall with a fireplace.
➕Don’t Forget About Workflow
Avoid blocking walkways, especially in open concept dining rooms or pass through dining rooms. Keep high-traffic paths clear so the space feels effortless, not cramped.
➕Cohesion Makes All the Difference
If your dining area connects to other rooms, aim for cohesion. Match wood tones or pull in accent colors for natural flow. This is especially important in a dual purpose dining room or open concept kitchen and dining room, where consistency ties everything together.
More About Dining Room Furniture Sets
Not all sets are created equal. Here’s a quick summary of different types and where they work best:
🔵Rectangle Dining Room Furniture Sets: Best for large dining room layouts and rectangular spaces. These sets are not suitable for small or square rooms, as they tend to dominate the space.
🔵Square Dining Room Furniture Sets: Perfect for square spaces or small dining room sets. Not great in long, narrow rooms.
🔵Round Dining Room Furniture Sets: Encourage conversation and fit perfectly in tight or awkward spaces. Round dining sets typically don’t work as well in very long rooms.
🔵Extendable Dining Room Furniture Sets: Great for flexibility—expand when hosting, shrink for everyday use. Especially useful in dual purpose dining rooms.
🔵Dining Room Furniture Sets with a Bench: Casual, space-saving, and kid-friendly, these sets are excellent in open concept dining rooms, less ideal in formal spaces.
Learn More: 7 Stylish Dining Table with Bench Combinations
The dining room might not have the same reputation as the living room or even the bedroom, but it’s still an important part of everyday living. When designed properly, it makes all the difference, turning a place to enjoy meals into a space where memories are made over dinner.
Feeling inspired? Explore our top picks and more at Liddiard Home Furnishings, where Tooele furniture shoppers can browse and compare the best and latest dining room tables,dining room seating, and dining room collections from leading brands on the market!
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For over 65 years, Liddiard Home Furnishings has been providing Utah with premium home furnishings. This family-owned business has worked to deliver a better kind of shopping experience to the greater Salt Lake City area. Whether it’s the carefully laid out showroom or the outstanding customer service, when you shop at Liddiard’s, you’ll feel like family. The team at Liddiard has crafted a catalog full of incredible products made by brands with reputations for quality. Shop online or visit our showroom to discover what makes Liddiard Home Furnishings so unique.
Shop Dining Room Furniture at Liddiard Home Furnishings
For the home furnishings you need, visit Liddiard Home Furnishings in Tooele, UT. You’ll find the best prices when you shop dining room furniture online. Check out Liddiard reviews, and if you have questions, our friendly product experts are always happy to help you explore dining room furniture sets for your layout — whether you call us at 435-882-0964 or use our online chat feature. Visit our Tooele showroom today!
Learn More: How to Style a Round Dining Table