Kate Wilson is a writer and fact checker for home decor and furnishings at Chosen Furniture. She enjoys splitting her findings with others.
What Is a Dining Room?
A dining room is a designated room in a home or restaurant for consuming meals. It is typically adjacent to the kitchen and contains a table and chairs as the central focus, where inhabitants and guests gather to eat and drink while conversing or celebrating special occasions.
Different Types of Dining Rooms
Formal: Formal rooms are elegant spaces designed to impress and evoke a refined aesthetic for hosting dinner parties and holiday meals. They feature materials like wainscoting, crown molding, and chair rails with gorgeous built-in cabinetry like china cabinets and buffets. Formal dining rooms have dramatic chandeliers, sconces, and candelabras paired with a lavish tablescape. High-backed upholstered dining chairs surround an expansive wooden table. The overall look is luxe, glamorous, and tastefully decorated but not overly adorned.
Casual: Casual rooms focus more on comfort and versatility than formality. Great for family meals or small gatherings of friends, casual spaces often opt for cozy banquettes or benches instead of traditional dining chairs. The table and seating can be expanded to accommodate extra guests or minimized for everyday use. Materials like wood, leather, or woven textiles keep the aesthetic natural and welcoming. Bold patterns and colors inject personality, while minimalist open shelving replaces imposing china cabinets. Casual dining rooms invite laid-back lounging and good conversation.
Small Space: Small space dining spaces utilize every inch without sacrificing style or function. Clever solutions like compact, expandable tables, space-saving Parsons chairs, or rounded banquettes optimize seating capacity. Built-in storage nooks or hutches provide serving ware storage without clutter. A lightweight pendant light utilizes vertical airspace while opening up the room. Vibrant colors, multi-functional furniture, mirrors, and minimal décor keep the space airy and expansive. Small dining rooms maximize form and function through innovative design solutions.
According to interior designer Dan S. Morris, “When designing a dining room, remember that people will spend a lot of time sitting there, chatting and enjoying their food and company. Comfort is key – not just physical comfort but also comfort for the eye.“
Pros of Dining Rooms
- Allows a more oversized table and seating than an eat-in kitchen or breakfast nook. Great for accommodating large families or when entertaining guests.
- Provides a proper backdrop for displaying treasured dinnerware and serving pieces. China cabinets and buffets help showcase cherished items.
- Ceilings are often higher, with more space for dramatic lighting fixtures and chandeliers. This creates a grander aesthetic.
- It can block noise and chaos when you want a relaxing, peaceful meal away from the hustle of kids or media rooms.
- Allows for designing a refined space around your unique style. The dining room is a blank canvas from modern minimalism to an industrial farmhouse.
Cons of Dining Rooms
- It takes up space that could be used for extra bedrooms, a study, or a family room. In smaller homes, it may not be practical.
- It can feel too stuffy or formal for casual family meals. Kids may prefer eating in the kitchen.
- Furniture like china cabinets and buffets can make the space cluttered if styling isn’t kept simple. More items to clean and dust!
How Large Should a Dining Room Table Be?
Allow 24-30 inches per person for comfortable seating in a typical dining room. A table should be 36-42 inches high and have at least 2 feet of clearance around chairs when pulled out from the table. Oval or rectangular tables maximize seating capacity.
What Color Should I Paint my Dining Room?
Earth tones like chocolate browns, deep greens, and rich blues or grays help create an inviting mood. Select a lighter neutral wall color if the dining chairs or table are dark wood. For a small space, bright white reflects light and makes the room appear larger.
How Do I Decorate a Dining Wall?
Decorating ideas include:
- Hanging artwork at eye level above furniture
- Displaying shelves or cabinets for china, collectibles, or decorative items
- Adding mirrors or sconces for visual interest and lighting
- Using wallpaper or wainscoting as an accent wall
What Type of Flooring Works Best in Dining Rooms?
Durable wood or high-quality vinyl plank flooring withstands heavy furniture and foot traffic while remaining stylish over time. Tile or stone flooring handles heavy use but can feel cold or hard underfoot. Consider layering plush area rugs for softness and sound absorption.
More Reads
- Wikipedia: Dining room
- Everything You Need To Know About Dining Rooms
- Is the living room the same thing as the dining room?
- Ideas on Pinterest
Kate Wilson is a writer and editor at Chosen Furniture. She has deeply loved home decor and furniture for as long as she can remember (and a newfound love for cappuccino) and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When not working, she loves listening to music, hanging out with his family, and exercising her creative side through oil painting.
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