Whether you have every meal there or use it for parties only, the dining room ought to spark conversation among people and allow for a warm, lively ambiance. Luckily, this room is one of the most versatile in any home and easy to adapt for both casual and formal occasions. These five tips on designing it should help you transform the area into a thought-out, sensible dining space.
Five Essential Tips for Designing an Exquisite Dining Room
1. Decide on the Dining Room’s Function
When designing a dining room, a crucial factor is the environment you’re eager to create. Thus, the first step is to determine how the room will be used. Are you planning on hosting lavish dinner parties every other week, or is the dining room going to be a casual corner for the whole family, where you not only eat but also do arts and crafts, sometimes even work, etc.? Above all, always consider the function of any room before making any irreversible design changes.
Once you know the function, it’s time to choose the centre piece, i.e., the table and chairs.
If you want a formal, event-friendly design, go for a rectangular or oval table to accommodate a larger group of people. These can fit anywhere from six to ten people, depending on their size (usually between 72 and 120 inches). They’re perfect for parties and similar gatherings because they allow for both intimate conversations between two people seated together and lively all-around chatter.
To compare, a round table, though it creates a wonderful contrast when placed in a square room, is better suited for casual occasions. It lets the conversation flow from one group member to the other, and everyone can talk at the same time without raising their voices. However, you still have to mind the scale; a diameter larger than 50 inches makes conversing across the table a challenge. If you need to accommodate more people, you’d be better off with another table shape.
2. Make the Table the Focal Point
Don’t let your guests’ eyes focus more on your antique cabinet, that vibrant painting on the wall, or even the armchair in the corner of the room. The table and the chairs should be found in the very middle, acting as a foundation of the interior design. Other furnishings and details should be placed around them carefully, never distracting but complementing. That way, the table and the chairs will take centre stage, making everyone naturally gravitate toward them.
3. Mind the Proportions While Picking Out Your Favorite Pieces
Whether you’re designing an intimate or more ceremonious space, consider how much room you have overall and what kinds of chairs and tables, as well as other furnishings like cabinets and decorations, would fit right in. Proper measurements are crucial here, so try not to fall in love with pieces that look incredible but are just too small or large for the dining room. Otherwise, it may end up looking in cohesive and as if you’ve just picked up random objects and tried to match them together.
Tables are usually 30 inches high, while the standard seat height of dining chairs is about 18 inches. Those dimensions should work in practically any room and for everyone. Remember that you need to leave about 24 inches at the table for each chair. Also, leave 36 to 48 inches between the chairs and the walls or other furniture for easy access and manoeuvrability.
The scale also matters when selecting a particular style of furniture. For instance, placing mid-century furniture in a large space with high ceilings may make the room seem empty and unfinished. Similarly, opting for bigger furniture to accommodate a taller family (a taller table, deeper chairs with wider seats) but placing it in a small dining room would make the interior comically irrational.
4. Choose Decor Wisely and According to Your Personality
When picking your table, remember to opt for noble materials that won’t wear easily. But keep the design simple (or get a table with subtle unique features) if you want to play up the chairs more. You can combine different designs for a more eclectic, cozy look if that matches your personality and style. Alternatively, stick with the classics by opting for upholstered chairs with higher backs. In case that doesn’t spark joy, you can even opt for custom dining chairs — after all, they play a crucial role in drawing attention to the centre of the room, i.e., the table, so they are a worthwhile investment.
Afterward, ensure the rest of the interior flows into the design you’ve established with the table and chairs. But don’t forget to add some of your personality into the mix too. The result should be a dining area where everyone feels welcome — but it should still feel like “you.”
Try not to go overboard with your decorating ideas, though — you can indeed have too much of a good thing. For example, if you love handcrafted cabinets, intricate mirrors, and cozy rugs in vibrant colors, combine a few pieces with a simpler table and chair setup. Alternatively, if you opt for an unusual table shape and chairs, balance out the interior by going for more understated decorations.
5. Choose the Right Lighting Fixtures
Finally, keep in mind that the wrong lighting in your dining room can ruin the atmosphere and make you avoid it altogether. Similarly, the right lighting intensity and fixture design can elevate and transform it.
The larger the room is, the more lighting fixtures you will need, but their design matters as well. You shouldn’t just match them to the room but to the table as well to ensure it stays in focus. For a larger table, go for bigger and longer fixtures; for smaller ones, a single dramatic chandelier might be all you need!
Once you reach a decision, hang the fixture(s) (chandeliers for a more elegant setting) low, about 28 to 34 inches above the table. Make sure there are enough bulbs to provide suitable lighting without any unflattering shadows. If you want more choices, add a dimmer too. You can then change the atmosphere in an instant whenever needed.
Depending on the size of the room, you may need to supplement the lighting in some areas as well. You might be able to get away with adding a lamp or two in the corners or on the sideboard. However, if you have lots of art or interesting decor, consider adding wall washers. Those should provide some attractive highlights that add a lovely glow and more warmth to your dining room.
