A retro dining room can be used as a formal space, reserved solely for feasting and entertaining. Singaporeans tend to spend more effort and money on their living room compared to the dining room, but that doesn't mean this space should be neglected. The dining table is the cornerstone of this room, and should therefore be your biggest investment. Dining chairs, decor and storage should then compliment this focal point.

How do I choose a dining table?

As you browse dining table options, consider your retro dining room size and layout; how many people you have to cater to; and how you intend to use the space. Your dining room should be able to seat all people in your household, and have room for additional guests. To ensure people have room to move, there should be no less than 1 metre from the dining table to the wall or any additional furniture item. Round tables tend to work best in tight spaces, while rectangular tables are ideal for long, narrow rooms. A square dining table, on the hand, can be a dramatic addition to any dining room, but only if you have the space. An extendable dining table, or one with a leaf, will allow you to accommodate varying numbers of guests. This is especially useful in a typically space-starved Singaporean apartment.

How do I choose dining chairs?

Look for retro dining chairs that share a common design element with your dining table. Curved or tapered legs, for example, can be mimicked in your chair design. Next, consider dimensions. The height of your dining chairs should allow at least 30 centimetres between the top of the seat and the top of the table. You can mix and match chairs to personalise the space, but this does require some finesse. Again, look for design elements that can be shared, such as colour, upholstery or material.



Whether you want inspiration for planning a retro dining room renovation or are building a designer dining room from scratch, Houzz has 2,758 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including A.D.C.I. and Kelder Architects. Look through dining room photos in different colours and styles and when you find a retro dining room design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful retro dining room ideas photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.