Marble dining tables are undeniably stunning. That distinctive veining, the cool surface, the instant elegance they bring to any room. But are they practical for everyday family life? Here is an honest look at the pros and cons of marble dining tables, plus essential care tips if you decide to take the plunge.

The Appeal of Marble

There is a reason marble has been prized for thousands of years:

• Unique beauty – No two marble slabs are identical
• Natural elegance – Instantly elevates any dining space
• Cool surface – Perfect for pastry making and serving chilled dishes
• Timeless style – Never goes out of fashion
• Investment piece – Quality marble tables last generations

Types of Marble Tables

Natural Marble

Genuine stone quarried from the earth. Each piece has unique veining and colouring. The most expensive option but offers unmatched authenticity.

Cultured/Engineered Marble

Crushed marble mixed with resins. More uniform appearance and often more resistant to staining than natural marble.

Marble Effect

Printed designs on other materials that mimic marble appearance. Most affordable and practical, with realistic modern printing technology.

Sintered Stone

Natural minerals compressed under extreme heat and pressure. Offers marble aesthetics with superior durability – scratch, stain, and heat resistant.

The Pros of Marble Dining Tables

Stunning Appearance

Nothing quite matches the luxurious look of marble. The natural veining creates a work of art that becomes the focal point of your dining room.

Unique Character

Natural marble means your table is one of a kind. The patterns formed over millions of years cannot be replicated.

Heat Resistance

Marble stays cool and can handle warm dishes without damage (though extreme heat should still be avoided).

Longevity

Well-maintained marble tables can last for generations, making them a worthwhile investment.

The Cons of Marble Dining Tables

Porous Surface

Natural marble is porous and can absorb liquids, leading to staining if spills are not addressed quickly.

Scratching

Marble is softer than many people realise. It can scratch if sharp objects are dragged across the surface.

Etching

Acidic substances (lemon juice, vinegar, wine, tomato sauce) can etch the surface, leaving dull marks.

Weight

Marble is heavy. Consider floor strength and how you will move the table if needed.

Cost

Quality marble tables represent a significant investment.

Essential Marble Care Tips

Sealing

Natural marble should be sealed regularly (every 6-12 months) to reduce porosity. Use a quality stone sealer and follow manufacturer instructions.

Daily Cleaning

• Wipe with a soft, damp cloth after each use
• Use pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for stone
• Avoid vinegar, lemon-based cleaners, or anything acidic
• Dry the surface after cleaning to prevent water marks

Protecting the Surface

• Always use coasters under glasses
• Use placemats and trivets for hot dishes
• Never cut directly on the marble surface
• Wipe up spills immediately, especially wine, coffee, and acidic foods

Dealing with Stains

For stubborn stains, create a poultice from bicarbonate of soda and water. Apply to the stain, cover with cling film, and leave overnight. The poultice will draw out the stain.

Is Marble Right for You?

Consider Marble If:

• You prioritise aesthetics and are willing to maintain the surface
• Your household is careful with the dining table
• You want a statement investment piece
• You enjoy the ritual of caring for beautiful things

Consider Alternatives If:

• You have young children who might spill frequently
• You want minimal maintenance
• You regularly eat acidic foods at the table
• Budget is a primary concern

Marble Dining Tables at Hauser Interiors

We offer a range of marble and marble-effect dining tables to suit different needs and budgets:

• Louis Collection – Marble effect tops with chrome or gold bases
• Lucien Collection – Sintered stone tops offering marble aesthetics with superior durability
• Various sizes – From 120cm to 200cm tables

Free UK mainland delivery on all dining tables. Professional assembly available.

Shop marble dining tables

Herringbone flooring has been gracing homes for centuries, yet it remains one of the most sought-after flooring patterns today. From grand stately homes to modern apartments, this distinctive V-shaped pattern adds instant character and elegance. Here is everything you need to know about herringbone flooring.

What is Herringbone Flooring?

Herringbone is a pattern created by arranging rectangular planks at 90-degree angles to each other, forming a distinctive broken zigzag pattern. The name comes from its resemblance to the skeleton of a herring fish.

The pattern differs from chevron flooring, where planks are cut at an angle to create a continuous V-shape with pointed ends meeting in the middle.

A Brief History

Herringbone patterns date back to the Roman Empire, where they were used in road construction. The pattern became popular in European flooring during the 16th century, adorning the floors of French chateaux and Italian palazzos.

Today, herringbone has transcended its traditional roots and works beautifully in contemporary settings.

Types of Herringbone Flooring

Solid Wood Herringbone

Traditional solid hardwood blocks arranged in the herringbone pattern. Beautiful but expensive and sensitive to humidity changes.

Engineered Wood Herringbone

Real wood top layer on a stable engineered core. Offers the beauty of real wood with better dimensional stability. Suitable for underfloor heating.

Laminate Herringbone

Affordable option with realistic wood-effect printing. Durable, easy to maintain, and available in many designs. Some products come with planks pre-arranged in herringbone panels for easier installation.

LVT Herringbone

Luxury Vinyl Tile in herringbone patterns offers waterproof performance with realistic looks. Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms where real wood is not suitable.

Benefits of Herringbone Flooring

• Visual Interest – The geometric pattern adds texture and movement to any room
• Timeless Appeal – Never goes out of style; works with any decor
• Perceived Space – The diagonal lines can make rooms appear larger
• Durability – The interlocking pattern is inherently stable
• Property Value – A desirable feature that can increase home value

Which Rooms Suit Herringbone?

Hallways

Herringbone makes a stunning first impression. The directional pattern can draw the eye through to other rooms.

Living Rooms

Creates an elegant focal point beneath your furniture.

Kitchens

Use waterproof LVT herringbone for style and practicality.

Bedrooms

Adds warmth and character; softened by rugs.

Open Plan Spaces

The continuous pattern unifies different zones beautifully.

Choosing the Right Plank Size

Herringbone planks come in various sizes. Consider:

• Small planks – Create more pattern repetition, work well in smaller rooms
• Large planks – Fewer pattern repeats, suits larger spaces
• Room proportions – Match plank scale to room size for best effect

Installation Considerations

Herringbone installation is more complex than standard plank flooring:

• Requires more cutting and creates more waste (order 10-15% extra)
• Takes longer to install than straight-lay patterns
• Starting position and alignment are critical
• Professional installation recommended for best results

Colour and Finish Options

Herringbone flooring is available in virtually any colour and finish:

• Light oak – Bright, Scandinavian feel
• Dark walnut – Traditional, formal elegance
• Grey tones – Contemporary and versatile
• Whitewashed – Coastal, relaxed aesthetic
• Natural finishes – Let the wood grain speak for itself

Herringbone Flooring at Hauser Interiors

We stock a beautiful range of herringbone flooring options:

• Lignum Core Herringbone – Premium engineered wood with authentic character
• Brampton Chase Herringbone LVT – Waterproof luxury vinyl option
• Various colour options – From light naturals to rich darks

All our herringbone flooring comes with free UK mainland delivery on orders over £500.

Shop herringbone flooring

Living in a smaller home does not mean compromising on style or comfort. With the right furniture choices and clever arrangement, you can create a living room that feels spacious, stylish, and perfectly functional. Here are our top tips for making the most of a small living room.

Choose the Right Sofa

Consider a Corner Sofa

It might seem counterintuitive, but a corner sofa can actually work better in small rooms than separate pieces. A well-placed corner sofa:

• Uses corner space that would otherwise be wasted
• Provides more seating than a traditional sofa and armchair combination
• Creates a cosy, defined seating area
• Eliminates the need for additional chairs cluttering the room

Opt for Raised Legs

Sofas with visible legs allow light to flow underneath, making the room feel more open. Avoid heavy, block-style bases that can make furniture look bulky.

Measure Carefully

Always measure your doorways and stairwells before ordering. Many modern sofas come in modular sections that are easier to manoeuvre through tight spaces.

Smart Coffee Table Choices

Glass Coffee Tables

A glass coffee table allows you to see through to the floor, creating an illusion of more space. The transparency prevents visual clutter while still providing a functional surface.

Nesting Tables

Nesting tables are perfect for small spaces. Keep them tucked together when not in use, then spread them out when you need extra surface area for entertaining.

Coffee Tables with Storage

Look for coffee tables with built-in storage – drawers, shelves, or lift-top designs. This gives you somewhere to stash remote controls, magazines, and other living room clutter.

Multi-Functional Furniture

In a small living room, every piece needs to earn its place:

• Storage ottomans – Provide seating, footrest, and hidden storage
• Console tables – Offer display space without taking up floor area
• TV units with storage – Keep media equipment and accessories organised
• Sideboards – Store games, books, and other items out of sight

Furniture Arrangement Tips

Create Clear Pathways

Ensure there is a clear route through the room. Cramped walkways make spaces feel smaller than they are.

Float Your Furniture

Pushing all furniture against the walls might seem logical, but it can actually make rooms feel smaller. Try floating your sofa slightly away from the wall to create depth.

Use Vertical Space

Draw the eye upward with tall bookcases, floor-to-ceiling curtains, and wall-mounted shelving. This makes ceilings appear higher and rooms feel larger.

Colour and Material Choices

Light Colours Open Up Space

Light-coloured furniture reflects more light and makes rooms feel airy. Consider grey, cream, or soft pastel upholstery.

Reflective Surfaces Help

Mirrored furniture, glass tables, and metallic finishes bounce light around the room, enhancing the sense of space.

Match Your Walls

Furniture that closely matches your wall colour blends into the background, making the room feel less cluttered.

What to Avoid

• Oversized furniture – Measure twice, order once
• Too many pieces – Edit ruthlessly; less is more
• Heavy patterns – Can overwhelm small spaces
• Dark bulky furniture – Absorbs light and dominates the room
• Clutter – Keep surfaces clear for a spacious feel

Small Space Solutions at Hauser Interiors

We offer plenty of furniture perfect for smaller living rooms:

• Compact corner sofas – Maximise seating without overwhelming the room
• Glass coffee tables – Create visual space
• Nesting tables – Flexible surface area when you need it
• Mirrored furniture – Bounce light and add glamour
• Slim console tables – Style without bulk

All our furniture comes with free UK mainland delivery on orders over £500.

Shop living room furniture

Velvet furniture adds instant luxury to any room. From statement sofas to elegant dining chairs, velvet is everywhere in modern interiors. But how do you keep it looking its best? Here is our complete guide to velvet furniture care.

Why Choose Velvet?

Velvet has made a major comeback in interior design, and for good reason:

• Soft, luxurious texture
• Rich, deep colours that catch the light beautifully
• Surprisingly durable when properly cared for
• Works in both traditional and contemporary settings
• Available in a wide range of colours

Daily Velvet Care

Regular Vacuuming

Vacuum your velvet furniture weekly using a soft brush attachment. This removes dust and debris before it can work into the fibres. Always vacuum in the direction of the pile to avoid damaging the fabric.

Brushing

Use a soft-bristled clothes brush or velvet brush to maintain the pile. Brush gently in one direction to keep the fabric looking smooth and consistent.

Rotate Cushions

If your velvet sofa has removable cushions, rotate and flip them regularly. This ensures even wear and helps cushions maintain their shape.

Dealing with Spills

Act quickly! The faster you address a spill, the easier it is to remove.

For Liquid Spills:

1. Blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth – never rub
2. Work from the outside of the spill inward to prevent spreading
3. Continue blotting until no more liquid transfers to the cloth
4. Allow to air dry completely
5. Once dry, brush the pile gently to restore texture

For Solid Spills:

1. Gently scrape off excess with a spoon or blunt knife
2. Vacuum any remaining particles
3. If a stain remains, treat as per liquid spill instructions

Removing Stains from Velvet

Water-Based Stains

Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with lukewarm water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution, wring out excess liquid, and gently blot the stain. Follow with a cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap residue. Allow to dry naturally.

Grease Stains

Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda or cornstarch on the stain and leave for several hours or overnight. The powder will absorb the grease. Vacuum away and repeat if necessary.

Stubborn Stains

For persistent stains, professional cleaning is recommended. Attempting aggressive cleaning at home can damage the velvet pile permanently.

Protecting Your Velvet Furniture

Position Away from Sunlight

Direct sunlight can fade velvet over time. Position your furniture away from windows or use curtains and blinds to filter strong sunlight.

Keep Away from Heat

Do not place velvet furniture near radiators, fireplaces, or heating vents. Heat can dry out the fibres and cause damage.

Consider a Fabric Protector

Some fabric protector sprays are suitable for velvet. Always test on an inconspicuous area first and follow manufacturer instructions carefully.

Dealing with Crushing and Marks

Velvet can develop temporary marks where it has been sat on or pressed. This is normal and usually resolves itself. To speed up the process:

1. Use a steamer held 15-20cm from the fabric
2. Gently brush the pile while still warm
3. Allow to dry and brush again

Important: Never iron velvet directly as this will crush the pile permanently.

Professional Cleaning

We recommend professional cleaning every 1-2 years, depending on use. Professional cleaners have specialist equipment and products designed for velvet that deliver superior results without risk of damage.

Velvet Furniture at Hauser Interiors

Our collection includes stunning velvet pieces:

• Velvet Dining Chairs – Including our popular Bentley range with lion knocker details
• Velvet Sofas – From Chesterfield classics to contemporary designs
• Boucle Sofas – The Miami collection in soft, textured fabric

Shop velvet sofas | Shop velvet dining chairs

Trying to decide between laminate and engineered wood flooring? Both are popular choices that offer the look of real wood at different price points. Here is everything you need to know to make the right decision for your home.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring consists of multiple layers:

• Wear layer – A clear protective coating that resists scratches and stains
• Design layer – A high-resolution photograph of wood (or stone) printed on paper
• Core layer – High-density fibreboard (HDF) for stability
• Backing layer – Provides moisture resistance and stability

Modern laminate looks remarkably realistic and is one of the most affordable flooring options available.

What is Engineered Wood Flooring?

Engineered wood flooring features:

• Top layer – Real hardwood veneer (typically 3-6mm thick)
• Core layers – Multiple layers of plywood or HDF arranged in cross-grain construction

Because it has a real wood surface, engineered flooring looks, feels, and even smells like solid hardwood.

Comparing the Two Options

Appearance

Laminate: Modern laminates are incredibly realistic, but close inspection reveals they are not real wood. Patterns can repeat across planks.

Engineered Wood: Features genuine wood grain with natural variations. Every plank is unique, just like solid hardwood.

Winner: Engineered wood for authenticity

Durability

Laminate: Excellent scratch and dent resistance. AC ratings indicate durability – AC4 and AC5 are suitable for high-traffic areas and commercial use.

Engineered Wood: Real wood surface can scratch and dent more easily, but can be sanded and refinished (depending on top layer thickness).

Winner: Laminate for everyday durability; engineered wood for long-term value (can be refinished)

Water Resistance

Laminate: Many modern laminates offer water resistance, with some rated for up to 72 hours water protection. Not suitable for bathrooms.

Engineered Wood: More susceptible to water damage than laminate. Spills should be wiped immediately.

Winner: Laminate

Installation

Laminate: Click-lock installation makes it ideal for DIY. Floats over the subfloor with underlay.

Engineered Wood: Can be floated, glued, or nailed down depending on the product. Slightly more complex installation.

Winner: Laminate for ease of installation

Underfloor Heating

Laminate: Compatible with most underfloor heating systems. Check maximum temperature ratings.

Engineered Wood: Also compatible, and the cross-grain construction handles temperature changes well.

Winner: Tie

Price

Laminate: Generally more affordable, ranging from budget options to premium products.

Engineered Wood: More expensive due to the real wood content, but cheaper than solid hardwood.

Winner: Laminate for budget-conscious buyers

When to Choose Laminate

• You have a limited budget
• You have pets or children (high durability needed)
• You want to install it yourself
• The room has high foot traffic
• You want low maintenance flooring

When to Choose Engineered Wood

• Authentic wood appearance is important to you
• You want to add value to your property
• You prefer the feel of real wood underfoot
• You may want to refinish the floor in future
• You are fitting in a room where it will be seen up close

Popular Choices at Hauser Interiors

Our Laminate Range

We stock premium laminate from leading brands including Kaindl and AGT Effect. Our range includes high-gloss finishes, water-resistant options, and realistic wood and stone effects.

Our Engineered Wood Range

Explore our collection of engineered wood flooring including herringbone patterns, wide planks, and various wood species and finishes.

Free UK Delivery

All flooring orders over £500 qualify for free UK mainland delivery. We deliver directly to your door, and our customer service team is here to help with any questions.

Shop our flooring collection

Choosing the right dining table is one of the most important furniture decisions you will make. Get it right, and your dining area becomes the heart of your home. Get it wrong, and you will struggle with cramped dinners or an awkwardly empty room.

At Hauser Interiors, we have helped thousands of customers find their perfect dining table. Here is our complete guide to getting the size right.

Measure Your Dining Space First

Before browsing tables, grab a tape measure. You need to know:

• Room dimensions – length and width of your dining area
• Clearance space – you need at least 90cm (36 inches) between the table edge and walls or other furniture for comfortable chair movement
• Traffic flow – if people walk through the dining area, allow extra space

Standard Dining Table Sizes

Here is a quick reference for common table sizes and seating capacity:

Rectangular Tables

• 120cm (4ft) – Seats 4 people comfortably
• 150cm (5ft) – Seats 6 people
• 180cm (6ft) – Seats 6-8 people
• 200cm (6.5ft) – Seats 8-10 people
• 240cm (8ft) – Seats 10-12 people

Round Tables

• 90cm diameter – Seats 4 people
• 120cm diameter – Seats 4-6 people
• 150cm diameter – Seats 6-8 people

How Much Space Per Person?

Allow approximately 60cm (24 inches) of table width per person. This gives everyone enough elbow room to eat comfortably without bumping into neighbours.

For more formal dining or if you frequently use large plates and multiple courses, consider allowing 70-75cm per person.

Round vs Rectangular: Which Shape?

Choose Round Tables If:

• You have a square dining room
• You want to encourage conversation (everyone can see each other)
• You have a smaller household (round tables seat fewer people)
• You prefer a softer, more informal look

Choose Rectangular Tables If:

• You have a rectangular or long dining room
• You need to seat more people
• You want the table to double as a workspace
• You prefer a more traditional aesthetic

Consider Table Height

Standard dining table height is 74-76cm (29-30 inches). This works with standard dining chairs with seat heights of 45-50cm. If you are buying chairs separately, always check the measurements match.

Think About Your Lifestyle

Consider how you actually use your dining table:

• Daily family meals – prioritise durability and easy cleaning
• Entertaining guests – consider extendable tables for flexibility
• Working from home – ensure enough depth for laptops and paperwork
• Small children – avoid sharp corners and delicate materials

Our Top Dining Table Picks

At Hauser Interiors, we stock dining tables in every size and style. Some of our bestsellers include:

• Louis Collection – Marble tops with chrome or gold bases, available from 120cm to 200cm
• Lucien Collection – Sintered stone tops for superior durability
• Freya Collection – Solid pine with industrial metal legs

Free Delivery and Assembly

All Hauser Interiors dining tables come with free UK mainland delivery. Need help putting it together? We offer professional assembly services for complete peace of mind.

Browse our full dining table collection