Dining room ideas should be at the forefront of your home ideas, especially if you are a keen entertainer. Our elegant dining room decorating solutions and expert advice are here to inspire you, whether you’re designing a formal entertaining space or creating a distinct zone within an open-plan layout.
Everyone knows the best conversations happen over a meal, whether it is with family, a partner, or friends, so having somewhere to sit and eat is an important element to consider when designing your home.
These dining rooms have been designed with both practicality and looks in mind comfortable and welcoming. They will cater to both dinner parties and every day dining for the family. Even if you only have a small dining room.
Mix and match styles for a personal touch
Chiefly entertaining guests, dining rooms are spaces where you have the chance to really showcase your personality to visitors. Make it unique by pulling together your favorite pieces, regardless of era or style. In this dining room by designer Sarah Stacey(opens in new tab), white walls make for a chic backdrop to a monolithic oak table. Abstract artwork on the walls, modern metal chairs, a candle chandelier with a contemporary twist. A Persian-style rug and blown glass vases heading up the dining table decor ideas.
Keep it light and bright with scandi style
For modern dining room ideas, look to Scandinavia for inspiration. Designer Ginny Macdonald(opens in new tab) looked to northern European design when planning this open-plan kitchen and dining space, including direct inspiration from Noma chef Rene Redzepi’s personal kitchen in Copenhagen. In the dining room, a light and bright approach sees white walls laced with white oak and teak furniture. And punctuated with black accents in the chairs and sputnik chandelier. Color is applied deftly and subtly through soft furnishings including a woven rug.
Frame the dining table with art
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.
Set a stylish table
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(opens in new tab). ‘Keep the focus on the table with candlesticks, votives and low-level background lighting.
Add checkerboard flooring for a smart monochrome look
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.
Pick a moody shade for evening only dining rooms
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.
Pick dining furniture in wood for warmth
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.