A beautiful dining room elevates every meal, from weekday dinners to luxurious Sunday brunches. Fortunately, you don't have to knock down walls or hire an interior decorator to get the dining room of your dreams. These design ideas will help you make the most of ordinary meals and fancy dinner parties alike.
Include Some Shine
Some sparkle and shine can light up the whole room. Metallic accents are an easy way to add some shine in the room. A shimmering, modern chandelier catches the eye, and floors or ceilings adorned with glossy or lacquered paint fill the room with light. Mirrors illuminate and visually enlarge a room.
Make a Statement
Adding a dramatic item or element into your decor wows guests and makes the room feel more special. Hand-painted floors, custom wallpaper, a handcrafted wooden bowl in the center of the table, or a unique piece of furniture can transform this often-overlooked room and spark conversations when guests visit. Designing the room around a fireplace, a window with a view, or a unique architectural element has the same effect.
The furniture you use can also make a statement. Dining room furniture is often thought of as being fairly basic and straightforward, but you can get creative with it to add interest. For example, a large or unusually shaped dining room table can draw attention to the center of the room. You can choose furniture that all matches or complements each other to make a cohesive look, or you can choose contrasting furniture for a more unusual design.
Go Eclectic
Blend old and new for a big dose of charm. Pairing modern dining room furniture with old-world art or accent pieces creates visual interest and makes the dining room seem anything but ordinary. The concept can also be applied to mixing formal and casual pieces. Using color strategically works here, too; try weaving a few bold colors into a pastel-painted dining room for a little contrast.
Emphasize Texture
Texture lends warmth and interest to almost any living space, including the dining room. From covering modern metal chairs with sheepskin or using chunky placemats to swapping out smooth lampshades for textured designs or placing a thick or sculptured rug under the table, the options are endless.
Add Dimension
A big, dramatic chandelier creates drama and adds "weight" to a room design. But hanging lights aren't the only option for adding dimension to a space. 3D wall pieces, sculptures, wallpaper with a raised design, crown molding, and rustic beams can all be used to create visual weight. Layering different shapes can also make the room feel less like a box filled with furniture and more like a cozy space that envelops you upon entering it. Try mixing rounded edges with square objects or placing antique books on a modern sideboard beneath a large mirror.
Almost any dining room can become a thing of beauty. From painting the walls or adding a few carefully curated pieces to giving the area an overhaul with new furnishings, an elegant dining room is within easy reach.
