Dining Room Design Tips
Post by Stacey Walker. Stacey mostly works behind the scenes for Greenbrook Design, managing day to day operations, marketing, sourcing product and keeping the showroom beautifully designed. Stacey also does interior design & home styling for a select number of clients. Find out more about Stacey here.
Every area of the home has a purpose, a specific role to play in running a house smoothly whether that is the living room where we relax or the bathroom where we get ready for the day. The kitchen is a place of preparation, the space we go to cook for our family but it is the dining room where it is served and enjoyed. This is the space within the home that gives families a designated area to gather around and dine together as well as several other activities such as homework, bills, and fun things like family game night. It is a multifunctional space which means it deserves some extra attention when selecting decor pieces. Let’s talk about the many elements you can use to give the dining room the love and beauty it deserves.
The purpose of a dining room
Before we get into the specifics of what design options are available to you, it’s helpful to understand the purpose of this space. The dining room is an important area in the home, it provides a reference point for the family, a designated area to eat together instead of sitting in the living room or bedroom watching TV. Having a dining room also promotes good eating habits since you are less likely to be distracted and instead can focus on enjoying your meal. It is also the perfect opportunity for families to spend quality time together and bond, after all nothing brings us closer together than food.
The dining room table
Probably the most important element in the room as it tends to be the main focal point and statement piece. It is also the one piece that brings everyone together and makes it easier to connect and converse. Everything in the room revolves around the dining room table which means it should be given sufficient thought before purchasing one. Consider how many you want to seat and the size of the room. Are you looking for a unique piece such as a live edge or more contemporary with minimal lines? We are vendors for both Dovetail and Moe’s Furniture which offer a wide variety of choices for dining room tables.
Dining room chairs
No table would be complete without chairs and they provide the perfect opportunity to add texture and color to the dining room. There are no strict rules to follow when choosing what you want so have fun. You can pick chairs that perfectly match the color and material of your table or go with something that is similar in style. You also decide to go with something that will provide a stunning contrast or make it pop like brightly upholstered fabrics. They can be minimal or ornate, small or oversized. The one factor you do want to keep in mind, however, is the amount of guests you want to seat at the table and plan your selections around that size. Mercana and Imax furniture offer a large selection of styles and sizes for which we are also a verified dealer.
Dining room rugs
A rug does more than just protect your floors from food spills and dirt, it adds another layer to the design and gives the final touch needed to the dining room. It is also colorful and a fun way to add a little personality to the room, not to mention dampening sounds. When preparing to go on the hunt for the perfect rug keep these things in mind:
- Size
- Shape
- Style
If you select a rug that is too large it can swallow up the room and make it feel smaller than it really is or vice versa. The shape of your dining room table often influences the shape of the rug as well as the style. If you are looking for a more eco-friendly material choose rugs made from natural sources like cotton or hemp. For easy maintenance dining room rugs, shop our collection of Vintage Vinyl floor cloths that are durable, allergen free, and don’t curl. Visit our showroom to view the many samples we have and our display. You can also check out this helpful article from The Spruce that has additional tips for selecting a rug for your dining room.
Dining room lighting
Lighting is a key element when setting the mood for any area in the home and can also transform an ordinary room into extraordinary. A well chosen chandelier can be a great conversation starter with guests while giving sufficient light to enjoy the meal. Consider adding some additional sources of light such as floor lamps, they can be turned on and off as needed or include options like scones that can be installed at eye level providing soft background light. Your lighting selections are another great way to incorporate pattern and shape to the dining area, geometric shapes or perfectly symmetrical both allow you to make a statement and bring a little elegance to the room.
Artwork for the dining room
Artwork is a wonderful way to showcase what you love and put a little bit of you into the space. It also adds layering and fills the walls beautifully. Choose pieces that speak to you and bring a little pop of color to the room. There are multiple ways to decorate with art including a large canvas or a collection of pieces placed in a gallery format. We have multiple vendors that offer a wide variety of styles and sizes for you to choose your next stunning art piece.
Mirrors in the dining room
When looking for additional decor items, consider a mirror. They are elegant, come in multiple styles and sizes plus provide an extra source of reflective light for the room. They look great as a stand alone piece or an accent piece over a sideboard or buffet table. Mirrors can also be paired with wall sconces to be made a beautiful focal point in the room or used as a way to layer the look in the dining room. Noir furniture has a wide variety of mirrors that perfectly “reflect” any style you might need.
A place at the table
The dining room is more than just a place to eat dinner, it is where we gather to share about our day, where we celebrate our accomplishments, and get to know our friends better. Taking a seat at the dining room table should be the first step in leaving the cares of the day and embracing those around us. A good design can help you create a space that is just the right atmosphere for you and your loved ones because it is how your story is told. We love assisting our clients in finding the decor and furniture they need to express their unique style. Visit our award winning showroom in beautiful Uptown Shelby where you can browse through our displays and if you happen to spy something you absolutely love, you can purchase it right off the showroom floor. Our team members look forward to helping you find exactly what you need to create that perfect look in your dining room.
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