Hi Donna,

I'm just moving into my own house and have decided to have a corner seating area in my dining room, but being a 1st time buyer, I'm on a budget. Any tips on how to make one, or where to start??

Mishell.

Our Homes And Property Expert replies :

Hello Mishell,

The materials alone involved in making your own furniture will end up costing you more than some of the bargain dining sets available on the high street at the moment.

Check out stores such as Argos where you'll find a cheap and cheerful solid pine bench set for an incredible £79.99. This includes a Ranch style antique finish table and two benches, a little like simple church pews. Once you've got them home, you could always customise your dining set by rubbing down and painting a blue or white wash over the top for a little rustic charm that will make them look a little more unique and expensive. Alternatively you could hand paint Mexican motifs onto the wood and seal with varnish for a bright new look.

Argos also has this smart Elite dining table and four chairs (pictured) for just £179.99 if you're willing to spend a little more. This glass and chrome rectangular table is perfect for more contemporary tastes and is versatile enough to see you through a couple of kitchen décor changes.

Check out garden centres too for folding tables and chairs that are great for starter sets and won't cost you the earth. If you find a wooden set, you could give it a coat of coloured wood stain to match your kitchen.

Ikea too has a wealth of bargains. They stock an Ingo untreated pine dining table which you can treat with your choice of oil, wax or coloured stain for just £29. Team it with their Ivar untreated pine chairs for £16 each, or for a modern look, their Herman lacquered steel chair with red, black or white plastic seat and back for just £12 each.

Cheers,

Donna.