Creating your dream dining room
A dining room should be both elegant and comfortable. The right lighting, furniture and decor make your dream dining room a reality.
The dining room is one of the most versatile rooms in the home. It can be used daily, or reserved for special occasions; be a centre of family life, or at the heart of an elegant dinner party. A dining space can lead seamlessly from an open plan kitchen or living room, or else occupy its own particular room of the house, but even if you do not intend to use your dining room daily, it is best not to make it too rarefied.
A dining room should be a place in which you want to spend time, and display proudly. It should complement the aesthetic of the rest of the home, even if it is separated from it, while also showcasing additional elegance. To add a more personal touch to the room, you could design your own dining table from companies such as Tom Marsh Furniture (you could visit their website to view their bespoke dining tables).
That said, here are the best ways to ensure that your dining room fulfils all its potential.
How will you use your dining room?
This is the first question to consider. Will you use it every day, or once in a while? Do you regularly host parties, and if so, how many people usually attend? These questions will determine what kind of furniture and decor you should select.
A dining room used three times a day will require more durable fittings than one which is used twice a month, while a dining room that is used predominantly in the evenings can get away with moodier decor – darker colors and more dramatic features – than one that is mostly used for family breakfasts, which should be light, and bright.
A dining room also looks great with windows that have Custom Shutters that can be pulled on and off depending on everyone’s mood and occasion. They can also prevent heat loss and protect your privacy in the autumn and winter. Moving slats allow you to control the amount of light and air that enters a room in the spring and summer.
Invest in a vintage dining table
The size of your space will determine what size and shape table you should choose, as well as how you will use the room. Round tables are an excellent choice for more intimate gatherings, but if you often host larger parties, a rectangular or oval shape will be more practical.
While decorating a room, you should also stick to the theme that you have chosen. For example, consider purchasing wooden dining furniture and neutral-colored items for your room if you are trying to create a warm atmosphere.
Whatever style of table you select, a vintage piece is a great investment. Classic furniture is durable, full of character and history (making it a good talking point for your guests), and guaranteed to be unique. They come in a range of styles, from striking art deco pieces to more traditional nineteenth century designs. A dining room should have soul, and a repurposed piece of historical furniture brings that in spades. Companies like Vinterior have a huge selection of classic dining tables.
Don’t forget the details
Details provide the opportunity to get creative. When it comes to colour, the dominant shade should be woven throughout the room. For example, if you choose a bold colour for the walls, reflect it in the upholstery of the chairs, or the table settings, or the rug. If you’d prefer a neutral colour for the walls, draw delicate colours from another source, such as the tones in a painting or photograph you’ve given pride of place.
In terms of lighting, a dining room should have at least one dramatic fitting to elevate it above the rest of the house. A chandelier is the go-to choice for good reason. Just be sure to scale it to the room, to ensure it has the maximum impact without looking ridiculous. Dimmers are also highly desirable, as they allow you to change the atmosphere with the flick of a switch.
Brighten the space with floral decor
Nothing brings freshness like blooms, and there’s no reason not to include them in your dining space. You can place a beautiful bouquet in a vase on a window ledge or as a centerpiece on your dining table to liven up the room for your guests. Make sure to opt for high-quality fresh flowers like tulips, sunflowers, roses, or lilies to add vibrant color and charm year-round.
No matter the size or style of your dining room, it’s worth considering how fresh flowers can give it a beautiful facelift. Since the dining room is often one of the first spaces your guests will see, it’s worth making the extra effort to ensure it feels stylish and welcoming.
Choose a focus
In most dining rooms, the focus will be on the table, which will be at the heart of the space, but if you have an open plan downstairs space, create the living room space first and then give the dining area its own corner, separating it with a charming rug.
While the table might be the central focus, you may want to create a secondary one, should the space allow, in the form of bookcases or a sideboard, to bring additional warmth to the room.
Window treatments should be kept to a minimum if the windows themselves, or else the view, are features in themselves, but otherwise curtains are a good way to create drama; contrasting with the walls and bringing their own colour and pattern.
