When is the last time you saw the inside of your dining room? Around this time last year during the holidays perhaps? If so, you aren’t alone. Many homeowners with separate dining rooms, either: (1) Think they are wasted space and never go in there; or (2) Open up the space on special occasions only.
We would love for the dining room to become an integral part of the home, a place where family and friends gather to visit and catch up over a nice home cooked meal. With that in mind, a dining room must be both inviting and comfortable, encouraging everyone to linger over good food and good company. Below are a few tips to get you started in creating a dining room you’ll love.
Color
Consider painting the walls for a dramatic effect. Warm colors tend to encourage conversation and lingering. The pink walls pictured here are very romantic and will look lovely during the day or with light fixtures lit at nighttime.
Lighting
Hanging a chandelier or other larger light fixture above the dining table will provide ample light for dining while providing a focal point in the room. Chandeliers tend to be more formal while wrought iron lanterns give a casual appeal to the space. If there isn’t already a fixture in place in the dining room, or you wish to add more, you could get in touch with a local electrician, like saltle.com/, and have them come out and wire that in for you.
Furniture
Make sure the dining furniture is chosen for optimal comfort. It isn’t pleasant to have to sit on a hard dining chair for hours, add in some cushioned or fabric arm chairs like those in this handsome dining room. You’ll also want to add storage such as a china cabinet and a buffet or credenza for serving. For an eclectic, look mix woods and metals.
Textiles
A printed fabric adds interest and sets the tone for a dining room. Consider fabric at the windows and on dining chairs. A large rug under the dining table will anchor the room and can introduce color and pattern to the space.
Art
Large art can add personality to the dining room and acts as a focal point. It should reflect your taste and interests. However, be sure to avoid controversial art as it can spark a not so enjoyable conversation or debate.
Do you use your dining room regularly? We would love to hear how you’ve decorated the space for optimal enjoyment, be sure to leave a comment below.
Have a design question? Send an email to [email protected] and I will be glad to respond.
Best,
