A dedicated dining room needs to justify its existence by being genuinely more functional than an eat-in kitchen.
The Right Table Size
For a family of four eating most meals together, a 42-by-60-inch rectangular table or 48-inch round table is usually the right size. Allow 24 inches of table width per person and at least 36 inches of clearance between the table edge and the nearest wall for pulled-out chairs.
Lighting
A dining table needs dedicated overhead lighting that is warm, centered over the table, and hung at 30 to 36 inches above the table surface. Dimmers are essential.