When deciding on your dining room furniture, there are so many directions you can go. You can have a casual look, modern formal, or just something completely and uniquely you.

To start, gather as many inspirational pictures as possible. Look online and in magazines. I love using Pinterest to collect and organize inspirational images. A dining room set is generally a long-term investment, so you want to be sure about your choice. Cut out the pieces that appeal to you and keep in mind the style of the rest of your home. An ultra-modern dining set in a country-style home might look a little out of place.

If you choose a dining table made of wood, go with a wood that is similar with some of your other wooden furniture in your home. Or maybe you prefer a glass table top which is less susceptible to scratches and stains, but remember it shows fingerprints more easily, so upkeep may be more work. We currently have a glass dining table and our toddler loves to grab the rim so you can see his little fingerprints everywhere.

What size table you choose will depend on the size of your room. Don't overcrowd a small room with a large table. You will want a few feet of space behind each chair. Also, if you want to add a hutch or a sideboard, you'll need to consider spacing for those items. If you have a smaller space but like to host plenty of people for dinner, you can choose a table with expandable leaves.

If you're wondering if you should get a rectangular or round table, consider this. A rectangular table can accommodate more people without taking up too much floor space. While a round table offers a more intimate atmosphere for a smaller group of people. If you plan to frequently have more than 10 diners, a rectangular table is probably the choice for you.

When you think you've found a table that you like, make sure there is enough room for the suggested seating. You should have 2 - 2 1/2 feet of space per person seated at the table.

Make sure the table is sturdy and don't be afraid to lean on it and ensure it can withstand weight and pressure. Make sure the legs don't get in the way of easily placing the chairs around the table.

The finish you choose for your table will depend on the wear and tear you expect your table to endure. Enamel tables with a gloss or semi-gloss stain, for example, hide the colour of the paint, but makes the furniture easy-to-clean and scratch resistant.

Have some fun with the process, you don’t have to get matching table and chairs. Maybe you want to put a bench on one side and chairs on the other, or maybe you want different chairs at the heads of the table. Think outside the box and show your personality through your dining room.