Family Reunion

Mealtimes are great for catching up with busy family members. Make your dining spot conducive for conversations with a setup that gives off equal amounts of mood and function

- Fidz Azmin

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Not every apartment may be able to afford the square footage for a full-sized standalone table, but you can open up your options to include extendable tables or even kitchen islands and countertop extensions as a surface for enjoying meals and one another’s company. Seats that are comfortable stay warmer longer. Padded armchairs are cushy for the derriere, but they take up a tad more footprint and thus go hand in hand with roomier tables. Stools are easy to fit around islands; plus, they can be tucked in under these worktops to reduce visual clutter.

THE LIGHT ANGLE

The key to illuminating the dining room is to brighten while avoiding unwanted glare. Pendant lights are best for dining tables and counters because they garner attention to the part of home typically not demarcated by walls. The material that the light fixture is crafted from also plays a role in affecting luminosity. Generally, transparent glass gives off an even glow, while opaque metal beams a more downward focused illumination. But take note, lamp-totable proportions matter too. A mini pendant won’t be able to properly illuminate a large surface and appears out of sorts – install two or more for a balanced look.

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