34 of the best dining room ideas
When designing a family dining room, you want to create a laid-back space in which all the family can feel comfortable. In this room designed by Neptune, white tongue and groove panelling creates a textural backdrop, elongating the height of the room and helping to increase the natural light. Wooden flooring laid in the same direction as the wall paneling helps to lengthen the room and creates a cohesive look. A simple navy blue and white color scheme with weathered wooden accents channels coastal decor ideas, harkening back to family holidays by the sea.
” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Be inspired by coastal color palettes for a laid-back look”> When designing a dining room, you need to not only think about how it will work for day to day family meals but also how it will fair when it comes to larger celebrations. An extending dining table is a great way to transform your room from hosting family dinners to lavish dinner parties, making sure there’s enough seats around the table for everyone to feel welcome.
‘We wanted to emphasize the original charm of the house in this dining room and mix both contemporary yet traditional design elements. The wallcovering is dainty yet interesting, but not too overdone, especially when tempered with the millwork. Our client had several family heirlooms and antiques so we sought to integrate those pieces into the space in a fresh way, as seen here with this beautiful cherry wood dining set accented with a more modern, polished nickel chandelier. The result is traditional with a twist, which is a great way to make a French country aesthetic work for today’s way of living,’ says Georgia Zikas, founder at Georgia Zikas Design.
” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Create a dining room that works for all occasions”> A dining room is a good space to play with scale in interior design, particularly when it comes to mixing patterns in a room in different proportions.
‘When incorporating pattern into your dining room – you also need to take into account scale. Scale is important and can really help pull an idea together, the main thing being to mix the scales from large to small,’ says designer Charlotte Gaisford. ‘Within the scale idea you also need to think about what type of pattern you want to use.’
” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Play with scale”> ‘The dining room has become the social hub of the home,’ explains interior designer, Emma Sims Hilditch. ‘Opt for natural tones such as soft browns, gentle greys and creamy nudes which serve as a beautiful base for interchangeable soft furnishings. Try adding bright patterned cushions to a dining room chair, or colorful artwork to a bare wall.’ In this room, gray dining room ideas have been warmed up by brown wooden furniture and an abstract artwork filled with fiery oranges and reds. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Frame the dining table with art”> When working out how to dress a dining table, choose a centerpiece that’s either lower than or well above the eyeline, as visual communication is essential at dinner parties. ‘Almost anything can work, from floral arrangements to existing ornaments, but ensure there’s a common theme, such as animals or birds,’ advises Clifford Williams, Display Manager at Thomas Goode. ‘Keep the focus on the table with candlesticks, votives and low-level background lighting.’ ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Set a stylish table”> If the neutral dining room ideas you have been browsing have lacked a spark, add a sprinkling of bright primary colors and create a statement with a single piece in a vivid hue.
Here, a brightly painted chair delivers drama and works as a wonderful focal point, great for red dining room ideas. The block of color in the yellow artwork and glossy finish of the red chair bring an unexpected extra dimension and vibrancy to the calm, natural, country feel of this relaxed dining space.
” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Introduce a splash of color into a country dining room for a touch of modernity”> A chic, black and white checkerboard flooring adds impact to a calm, neutral scheme. The monochrome palette combined with warm wooden furniture creates an inviting dining room.
Not only do classic black and white floor tiles add an effortlessly sophisticated feel to a room, but these vinyl tiles are a practical and fuss free option for a much used family space. This flooring choice has enduring appeal and will never go out of style.
” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Add checkerboard flooring for a smart monochrome look”> Just two well-chosen elements – the wall mural and lighting fitting – give this dining room huge impact. The monotone color scheme is enlivened – and made more glamorous – with the touches of gold, which also warm the otherwise cool space. Upholstered chairs add a luxurious feeling of comfort, which invites diners to linger, while the round table enhances sociability. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Create a sense of occasion with dramatic furnishings”> Create a sociable and relaxing atmosphere in your dining room with a circular table; it’s less formal, plus you can squeeze in extra chairs and stools if need be. And when you’re finished entertaining? You can tuck the table away in a corner – making it the perfect choice for a small dining room. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Add a round table for a sociable dining room”> Even very small spaces can often accommodate kitchen diner ideas. In a compact kitchen, consider using banquette seating, fitted into a corner or even on one side of an island, to create a cozy dining spot. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Make room for elegant, comfortable dining in a kitchen”> In living areas, try using the space creatively: bay window ideas can incorporate window seating, built-in or not, combined with a table for impromptu dining, while extendable tables can provide multi-functional space. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Build a dining area into a bay window to maximize space”> If you’re looking for dining room ideas for spaces that are really only used in the 9, you can dare to go darker. A room that’s lit by candlelight, when painted in a moody shade, will feel so much more intimate and atmosphere than one that’s a pale shade. Here, the texture and colors of the rug make this blue dining room feel more inviting and warmer – an important factor if you are decorating with a cool tone. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Pick a moody shade for evening-only dining rooms”> A decorative oilcloth makes a practical alternative to a traditional fabric tablecloth; this striking world map design has been stapled into place for a neat finish. Add an old school map on the wall to continue the cartographic theme. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Create a fun feel for a family dining room”> If you want a dining table but don’t have space for a large traditional style, why not choose a small, round, bistro one? It will be a perfect place to sit and have your morning coffee and croissant, as well as adding a little Parisian chic to a previously unused corner of your small dining room. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Pick dining furniture in wood for warmth”> If yours is a separate dining room, it is the perfect opportunity to consider bold dining room color schemes or decorative scheme that might be overwhelming in a living space you use all the time. A stand-out wallpaper will create an exuberant space, as will a boldly painted piece of furniture – or a beautiful, curvaceous piece, such as the dining table in this beautiful room by Rapture & Wright at The Fabric Collective. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Be bold with your decor”> Make the most of every nook, and the architectural features of your home, by utilising a window seat as dining seating. The built-in bench on one side of the table will save space, as they are flush with the wall. To avoid the set-up looking too unbalanced, choose non-bulky folding chairs for the side opposite the window in your farmhouse dining room. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Create a window seat banquette for a relaxed look”> It is worth devising lighting schemes early on, allowing for functional down lighters, and more decorative fittings. An oversized light suspended above a dining table helps to delineate the space. Ask your electrician to wire zones on different circuits so you can adjust the mood. Wherever possible, try to accentuate natural light. If you have a double-height space or, a single-storey extension, consider installing skylights or a roof lantern. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Hang a feature light over the dining table”> There’s nothing like a large table to create a warm, friendly and often lively atmosphere in the kitchen. However, layout will be dictated to some extent by the shape and footprint of your dining room and may mean a separate table and chairs aren’t workable. Instead a split-level peninsular may suit the space and still achieve the social focal point you have in mind. Weigh up a variety of options: a full table, breakfast bar or a small perch point on the end of a run of cabinets. The dining element could even be a full feature area, stretching along the back of an island. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Ensure light shed on the table is warm”> ‘Chairs, rugs and window treatments are a great way to introduce color and character to a dining room, so pops of color and a mix of materials will add some personality to the interior,’ says Head of Retail & Commercial Design at Life Kitchens, Graeme Smith. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Introduce color and pattern with fabric”> ‘If you’re using also using the dining room as a work space, we’d recommend you install recessed dowlighters for brightness,’ says Chris Jordan, Managing Director at Christoper Wray Lighting. ‘Directional downlighter are best for diverting the light to where it is needed most.’ For a flexible, layered effect put all your lighting on dimmers and separate circuits. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Create the right ambience in your dining room”> A wood-rich dining room creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere, as we’ve already mentioned above. However, you can max out this effect by not just choosing wooden flooring and furniture, but by choosing wooden panelling ideas for walls, too.
For anyone looking for modern dining room ideas, the fluted panelling style above is the perfect way to introduce wood in a contemporary way, with the vertical lines creating a neat visual trick, too, of making the room’s ceiling look higher.
” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Bring texture to the dining room with natural materials”> If your dining room is on the bijou side, go for unity when selecting storage. A mishmash of furniture styles will create discord and, as the space will probably be used for entertaining, it should be as calm and inviting as possible.
Opting for built-in pieces and making the most of recesses are good ways to achieve a clutter-free look. ‘You could have open shelves to display ornate items and practical custom-built drawers for cutlery and tableware,’ says Alan Borra, Designer at Neville Johnson.
” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Consider dining room storage”> ‘Think about what you will use the dining room for,’ says Pam Cox, owner of Ham Interiors. ‘If it will be almost entirely dedicated to dining, it’s crucial to leave enough room between the seating and other furniture to allow people to get to and from the table with ease.
‘Where space is limited, you may have to sacrifice storage to retain an open feel. Attempting to squeeze in too much could detract from the overall look and function of the space, so consider what is really necessary.’
” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Retain an open-plan feel”> ‘Bear in mind that people tend to be seated in a dining room so the lighting must be at eye level be effective,’ says Lucy Martin, Design Director at John Cullen. ‘Wall lights, picture lights and lamps will help to achieve a soft, intermediate intensity. Lighting should also be sufficiently bright for guests to see and to enjoy the food and conversation, so make it adjustable via dimmers.’
Opt for a pendant light, too, as a dining room looks best with a focal point over the table. It needs to be carefully positioned; too high and the light won’t illuminate the table, too low and you could obstruct the views of your guests.
” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Pick traditional lighting and furniture to add character”> If you are searching for dining room ideas for a space you will mainly use for breakfast or lunch, picking fresh, pale colors will make it an inspiring space to be. To keep the room light, pick furniture that’s delicate, streamlined and even translucent – this is particularly important if you are looking for small dining room ideas. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Choose pale colors for a breakfast dining room”> Accent wall ideas are really useful in dining rooms if you can use them on the wall opposite the door to the space to frame the dining table in a dramatic way.
In this dining room, styled for a Homes & Gardens decorating shoot by Alyce Taylor, Fromental’s Braque wallpaper is layered with painted chairs to create an intricately intriguing space.
Charu Gandhi, Founder and Director of UK-based interior design studio Elicyon, has used Fromental designs in her projects. She says: ‘Wallpaper can bring the perfect depth and materiality to space, both when the room is bijoux and when it has scale. Start by what you want the wallpaper to celebrate or tackle, then the tone and scale, and on to the pattern and detail.’
” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Frame the dining table with an accent wall”>Elicyon, has used Fromental designs in her projects. She says: ‘Wallpaper can bring the perfect depth and materiality to space, both when the room is bijoux and when it has scale. Start by what you want the wallpaper to celebrate or tackle, then the tone and scale, and on to the pattern and detail.’
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