What Should You Look for When Choosing a Dining Room Set

Buying a dining room set is one of the longest-lasting furniture decisions made in a home. The table, chairs, buffet, or display cabinet look simple when considered one by one. But when they all come together in the same room, things change. A table that doesn't fit the dimensions, chairs that aren't comfortable to sit in, or a style that doesn't speak to the living room at all will quickly start to bother your eye. And besides, this furniture isn't just where meals are eaten. Holiday feasts, guest evenings, and ordinary Tuesdays when the kids do their homework often take place around that table too.

In this guide, we start the work with the pieces: what a set includes, and how they come together in harmony. Then we move on to the actual selection criteria. How to choose table size and shape based on room dimensions and number of people — rectangular, oval, or round — and who an extendable table is useful for, we'll discuss. We'll also compare table-top materials: solid wood, veneer, marble, porcelain, and glass. Each behaves differently in daily use.

Chair comfort and upholstery fabric are at least as important as the table. Because when a meal drags on, an uncomfortable chair is the first thing to give itself away. We also don't skip stylistic harmony with the living room and the other furniture — modern, classic, or neo-classic. Whether a ready-made set or custom-sized production makes more sense, what to look at in the showroom, and why working with an interior architect makes a difference are also covered in the rest of the article. Finally, we'll briefly touch on simple care tips to keep your set looking good for years. The aim is to help you see the difference between a set bought because the display impressed you and a set that genuinely fits your home.

What Is a Dining Room Set, and Why Should It Be Thought of as a Separate Investment?

A dining room set is the presentation, as a whole, of furniture designed to be used together in the dining room. Its core is made up of the table and chairs. A console or buffet, a display cabinet, and a mirror are added on top. Because they all come from the same line, the color, material, and detail language match up. When collecting pieces one by one, it's quite hard to achieve this.

The Pieces That Make Up the Set

• Dining table: The center of the room. Its size and shape determine everything else.
• Chairs: They carry the main burden of comfort, and visually they're the piece that stands out the most next to the table.
• Console or buffet: Provides serving and storage space. Plates, glasses, and tablecloths live here.
• Display cabinet: Used to showcase your special serving sets and the objects you love.
• Mirror: Makes the room look larger and brighter, and is generally placed above the console.

Why Think of It as an Investment?

Most people don't change a dining room set often. You eat at the same table for years, so the first decision matters. Buying cheap and renewing a few years later generally costs more than choosing right from the start. Also, this set is one of the places that set the home's tone at first glance. When guests arrive, this is the part in plain view.

Buying pieces one by one may sound appealing, but getting the harmony right takes serious effort. This is exactly where a brand's collection logic helps. In STARMOBI's collections, the table, chairs, and supporting pieces come together in the same design language. There's an established history on the manufacturing side too: a manufacturing journey that began in 1981, a first showroom opened in 1990, and work continued under the MEP umbrella after the move to Masko in 1998 show that the brand has been doing this for a long time.

In short, buying a set is less about completing a furniture list and more about building the room's identity. That's why it's worth dedicating both budget and time to this decision.

If you'd like to look at dining room sets, you can browse the table models and visit the Masko showroom to see the pieces in person. For your questions, simply reach the team through the contact page.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Dining Room Set

Asking yourself a few questions before heading to the showroom protects both your time and your budget. Most people first pick the model they like and then think "will it fit our room?" Reversing the order is healthier.

The Room and the Number of People

A dining room set is made up of pieces like the table, chairs, console or buffet, display cabinet, and mirror. First look at the room's dimensions. How many people sit in daily life, and how often do guests come? As a general guide, you need to leave space around the table to pull out a chair and get up. In narrow rooms, round or oval shapes are comfortable; in long, wide rooms, a rectangular table looks more natural. If your guest count varies, extendable table models can be a sensible solution.

Table-Top Material and Use

Solid wood looks warm but can pick up marks over time. Veneer is a more balanced option. Marble looks elegant but is a material that needs care; the marble table guide gives detailed information on this. Porcelain offers a surface that's easygoing against scratches and stains; for details, you can look at the porcelain table guide. A glass top gives an airy look, but fingerprints show up faster. If there are children at home, make this decision accordingly.

Chair Comfort

The table can be beautiful, but if you can't sit comfortably throughout the meal, the real problem is the chair. Look at the back support, the seat height, and the firmness of the foam. Italian fabric or leather upholstery is both stylish and durable; choosing one that's easy to clean in daily use will make things easier for you.

Stylistic Harmony

If your living room is modern, a simple-lined set will fit; if it's classic or neo-classic, models with carved details and curves will harmonize. STARMOBI's collections include models close to all of these styles; you can browse the collections to get an idea.

Ready-Made Set, or Custom Production?

A ready-made set is quick, and the pieces are already cohesive with one another. If your room is non-standard, or you want a specific dimension, custom-sized production can be considered. Deciding from a photo is hard; a showroom visit is very useful for feeling the fabric with your hand and sitting in the chair. Choosing together with an interior architect also makes it easier to see the proportions and color balance.

STARMOBI rests on a manufacturing history that began in 1981 and its operation under the Masko umbrella since 1998; from the first showroom opened in 1990 to today, it works with an MEP-certified structure. On care, a simple rule is enough: wipe the surface with a damp, soft cloth, and don't place hot dishes directly on it.

If anything is on your mind, you can contact us, browse dining room sets in STARMOBI's collections, or visit the Masko showroom to see the models up close.

The Pieces That Make Up a Dining Room Set and How They Work Together

When a dining room set comes up, most people think of the table and chairs. Yet a full set generally consists of a dining table, chairs, a console or buffet, a display cabinet, and a mirror. You don't have to buy all of them. But the way the pieces complement each other determines the whole look of the room.

The Main Pieces of the Set

• Dining table: The center of the room. All other choices take shape around it.
• Chairs: The piece that demands the most attention, in terms of both comfort and appearance.
• Console or buffet: Stores serving items and adds depth to the room.
• Display cabinet: Used to showcase special pieces like porcelain and crystal.
• Mirror: Makes the room look more spacious than it is and spreads the light.

Table Size and Shape

First look at the room's dimensions and how many people eat at home. As a general guide, there should be enough space around the table for the chairs to be pulled out comfortably. Buying a large table and shrinking the room is one of the common mistakes. A rectangular table works well in long rooms. An oval shape softens the corners and makes movement easier in narrow spaces. A round table makes conversation easier but isn't really suited to large crowds. If you host guests, an extendable table is a sensible solution. This type of model is also found in STARMOBI's table category.

Table-Top Materials

Solid wood looks warm and can be repaired over the years. Veneer offers a more balanced price-to-performance ratio. Marble is eye-catching, but it needs some care against stains and impact; you can look at the marble table guide for details. Porcelain is comfortable in daily use thanks to its resistance to scratches and heat, and the porcelain table guide will be useful to you on that. Glass gives a light look, but showing fingerprints increases how often it needs cleaning.

Chair Comfort and Upholstery

Remember that you'll be sitting in the chair for a long time. The back angle, seat depth, and the firmness of the foam matter. Italian fabrics stand out with their texture and color variety, while leather is preferred in homes with children because it's easy to wipe.

Stylistic Harmony

Whether you choose modern, classic, or neo-classic, make sure it speaks the same language as the furniture in the living room. The pieces don't have to be exactly the same, but the color tone and the lines should stay close to each other.

Ready-Made Set, or Custom Production?

A ready-made set is quick, and the pieces already come cohesive. Custom-sized is more suitable if your room has an unusual plan or you're imagining a specific design. Be sure to see the furniture at the showroom and sit in the chair. If possible, deciding together with an interior architect prevents dimensional and color mistakes from the start.

Experience matters on this front too. In the structure behind STARMOBI, manufacturing began in 1981, the first showroom opened in 1990, and in 1998 it moved to Masko and continued operating under the MEP umbrella. Masko is the showroom; the manufacturing side is done at the Modoko facility.

Care for a Long Life

Wipe wooden surfaces with a damp, soft cloth, and stay away from harsh chemicals. Protect the table from direct sun and hot dishes. Brush the upholstery regularly, and dry spilled liquid right away.

To see the models you like, you can browse STARMOBI's collections, and for your questions, you can reach us and visit the Masko showroom.

The Dining Table and Chairs: The Center of the Set

In a dining room set, the display cabinet matters, the console matters, the mirror matters. But at the end of the day, everyone gathers around the table. That's why, when choosing a dining room set, it makes sense to start with the table and chairs. Completing the remaining pieces around them becomes much easier.

Table Size and Shape

First think about your room and how many people sit at the table. As a general guide, there needs to be a gap around the table where you can pull the chairs out and stand up. Buying a large table and narrowing the room is one of the common mistakes.

• Rectangular table: A practical choice for large families and long rooms.
• Oval table: With no corners, it's easier to move around in narrow spaces, and the table feels more intimate.
• Round table: Nice for conversation, but as the number of people grows, reaching the middle becomes harder.
• Extendable table: A good solution for those who want to use it small on regular days and wide when guests come.

Table-Top Material

Solid wood looks warm, and though it may get scratched over time, it can be repaired. Veneer tops offer a more balanced price and a neat appearance. Marble is elegant and heavy, but demands attention against stains; for details, you can look at the marble table guide. Porcelain tops are resistant to scratches and heat, so they're comfortable under heavy use; the porcelain table guide will be useful to you for that. Glass gives an airy effect, it just shows fingerprints more.

If you'd like to see different top and shape options, you can look at the table models. It's possible to find most of these materials in STARMOBI's collections.

Comfort and Upholstery in the Chair

Even if the table is beautiful, if the chair isn't comfortable, nobody wants to stay at the table — or on the contrary, everybody wants to get up right away. The seat height, back angle, and cushion softness make a difference over the length of the meal. In fabric, Italian fabrics stand out with their texture, while leather is preferred in homes with children because it's easy to wipe. When choosing the color, it's worth thinking of it next to the table top.

Don't Decide Without Trying

Buying a chair from a photo is risky. You need to sit and stand up, move toward the table, and check the knee clearance. That's why going to the showroom and, if possible, deciding together with an interior architect makes things easier. The Masko showroom is a suitable address in this respect for seeing the products in person; the firm has operated under the Masko umbrella, within MEP, since 1998, and you can read about MEP certification here as well.

If the models you have in mind are clear, you can browse STARMOBI's collections or reach us through the contact page to plan a showroom visit.

Console, Buffet, Display Cabinet, and Mirror: The Complementary Pieces

The table and chairs are the dining room's main stage, but the side pieces often set the room's mood. When the wall is left empty, the room feels half-finished. The console, buffet, display cabinet, and mirror fill this gap in a way that's both useful and good-looking.

Console and Buffet: Storage and Serving Space

A buffet keeps the things you use often — plates, cutlery, and tablecloths — within reach. Its top also works as a serving counter; you can set hot dishes or desserts there before moving them to the table. A console is thinner and lighter. It works well in narrow rooms or on walls close to the entrance. As a general guide, when choosing a buffet, think about the room needed to pull out the chairs; the doors or drawers shouldn't catch on the table as they open.

Display Cabinet: For Showcasing

Porcelain sets, crystal glasses, or objects that carry meaning for you are both protected and visible in the display cabinet. Models with interior lighting add a warm air to the room in the evenings. If glass shelves will carry heavy serving sets, be sure to ask about shelf strength.

Mirror: Light and Depth

A mirror makes the room look larger than it is and spreads the light coming from the window. When you place it above the console or buffet, it both completes the proportion and reflects the chandelier on the opposite wall. It's enough to match the frame color and ornamentation with the table legs or the chair details; they don't have to be exactly the same.

Why Is Buying as a Set a Relief?

When collecting pieces one by one, differences in tone and wood grain quickly catch the eye. Choosing from the same collection solves this problem from the start. In STARMOBI's collections, you can see the table, console, and display cabinet together in a way that complements one another. At the Masko showroom of the brand — whose manufacturing history reaches back to 1981 and which has operated under the MEP umbrella since 1998 — it's also possible to see the pieces side by side and try the dimensions in person. If your room's dimensions aren't standard, it's worth asking about custom-sized options too.

Before you start looking at dining room sets, you can contact us and visit the Masko showroom to evaluate the pieces with your own eyes.

Choosing a Dining Table by Room Size and Number of People

When buying a dining room set, starting with the table is the most sensible. The chairs, buffet, and display cabinet take shape according to the table; if the table is chosen wrong, everything else is left hanging. First you need to look at the room's dimensions, then at how many people eat at home.

Measure the Room First

There needs to be space around the table to pull out a chair, sit, and stand up comfortably. As a general guide, leaving about a meter of space between the table's edge and the wall or buffet works well. If, in a narrow room, you choose a table big enough to eat up this gap, there won't be room left for the rest of the set either. Putting together a rough layout plan that accounts for the console, buffet, and display cabinet reduces surprises later.

Number of People and Table Shape

• Rectangular table: A natural solution in long, narrow rooms. Also the most flexible shape for crowded tables.
• Oval table: With no corners, there's more comfortable room to move. In mid-sized rooms, it both looks elegant and doesn't disrupt the flow.
• Round table: Makes face-to-face conversation easier, and gives good results in four-to-six-person arrangements and rooms close to square.
• Extendable table: Makes sense if you need four to six people day to day and eight to ten when guests come. Pay attention to the mechanism being sturdy and easy to use.

As a rule, about 60 cm of table width is allowed per person; but this is only a guide too — whether the chair has armrests changes the calculation. If you'd like to examine tables, you can look at the dining table models; STARMOBI's collections include options in different shapes and sizes.

The Table-Top Material Is Also Linked to Size

On a large table, the top's weight and appearance stand out. Marble tops give a strong presence, and for details, you can refer to the marble table guide. For those looking for a more durable surface for daily use, the porcelain table guide is helpful. Solid wood, veneer, and glass options should be assessed according to the family's habits of use.

When you're not sure, seeing the table at the showroom and sitting around it to try says a lot. The measurement on paper and the feel in the room sometimes don't match; that's why looking together with an interior architect helps too.

Rectangular, Oval, and Round Dining Table: Which Is Suited to Which Room?

When choosing a dining room set, the first decision is often the table's shape. A table that looks good is useless if it doesn't fit the room or makes it hard to move around. That's why you first need to look at the room's dimensions, then at how many people you eat with.

Rectangular Table

This is the most common shape. In long and relatively narrow rooms, it sits comfortably along the wall, and it also makes room at crowded tables. Because it has corners, it may need attention in homes with small children. It adapts easily to both modern and classic styles. Since it runs along the same line as the console and buffet, building the set's cohesion is easy too.

Oval Table

Because it has no corners, it gives a softer look and makes moving around the room more comfortable. It gives good results in mid-sized rooms close to square. As a general guide, make sure there's enough space around the table to pull out the chairs and sit. In neo-classic sets, the oval shape is frequently preferred. When looking at dining table models, you can see this shape's different leg and top options.

Round Table

We can call it the most suitable shape for conversation, because everyone can see each other. It works well in small, square rooms. It's comfortable for four-to-six-person use. But as the number of people increases, the diameter grows and reaching the dishes in the middle gets harder. If you host crowds, an extendable model or an oval shape might make more sense.

Which Should You Choose?

• Long, narrow room: rectangular
• Medium-sized, balanced room: oval
• Small, near-square room: round
• If guests are hosted often: extendable-top options

Before deciding, marking out the table's dimensions on the floor with tape is useful. In STARMOBI's collections, you can find all three of these shapes. Seeing the tables in person at the Masko showroom conveys a sense of the dimensions much better than paper. Choosing with an interior architect is also helpful for factoring in the room's light and passageways.

The Extendable Table: Flexibility for Daily Use and Guest Days

If four people eat at home every day but you set a crowded table once a month, a fixed, large table often narrows the room unnecessarily. This is exactly where an extendable table comes in handy. On normal days it stays compact, and when guests arrive, it extends with additional leaves.

Which Extension System Suits You?

On the market, you generally see two types. In the first, the extra leaf is stored under or in the middle of the table, and drops into place when you pull the handle. In the second, the top opens by sliding from both sides, and an extra piece is placed in the gap in between. Whichever you choose, open and close the mechanism yourself at the showroom. You need to look at whether it works smoothly and quietly, and whether the leaves sit flush with one another. Also think from the start about where you'll store the extra pieces, or they'll end up forgotten in a corner.

Comfortable Both Open and Closed

As the table extends, the number of chairs increases too. As a general guide, when open, there should be enough space around the table to pull the chairs back. When measuring your room, write down not just the closed dimension but the open dimension on paper too. Also pay attention to leg placement; if the legs in the middle or at the corners line up with the seated person's knees, a good-looking table becomes impractical.

The table-top material should also be compatible with the extendable system. On heavy surfaces like marble and porcelain, the mechanism and frame structure are built more sturdily. If you're curious about these surfaces, you can look at the marble table guide and the porcelain table guide. For extendable models, STARMOBI's table category offers different shape and top options.

Conclusion

Choosing a dining room set is more than liking a single beautiful table and bringing it home. First you need to think about your room and the number of people sitting at your table, and decide on the table's shape. Rectangular, oval, round, or extendable; each one differs in the space it takes up in the room and the comfort it provides. Then comes the top material. Solid wood gives warmth, veneer can be more practical, and marble and porcelain are eye-catching, but you should check whether they suit your usage habits. Glass is also an option for those who want a light look.

Don't neglect the chairs. In a long meal, the comfort of the place you sit for hours, and how the fabric or leather is used and cleaned, are at least as important as the table. Pieces like the console, buffet, display cabinet, and mirror complete the set, but the real point is that they all speak the same language as each other and your living room. Whichever line you choose — modern, classic, or neo-classic — it shouldn't clash with the rest of the home.

A ready-made set is quick and makes it easier to decide by seeing. If your room has unusual dimensions or you have a clear design in mind, custom-sized production may make more sense. Whichever you choose, seeing the product at the showroom, sitting, trying the table, and if possible deciding together with an interior architect reduces the chance of regret later. After purchase, regular, gentle care is enough to keep the set looking good for years.

STARMOBI's roots go back to manufacturing that began in 1981. The first showroom opened in 1990, and in 1998 it moved to Masko and continued operating under the MEP umbrella. This accumulation offers a reassuring foundation for those who want to see the products up close.

Now it's your turn: take your measurements, make your list of needs, and look at dining room sets in STARMOBI's collections. If you have questions or would like to visit the Masko showroom, you can reach us through the contact page.