It might not be a room that gets as much use as the living room or bedroom, but a dining room is still a great place for self-expression of style. And surprisingly, it’s one of the easiest rooms to tackle! If you’re ever in doubt about where to start a decorating project, your formal dining area is a space to consider.Â
As you begin to decorate, remember… Â
Measuring is ImperativeÂ
If you’re decorating from scratch, it’s important to determine just how much space you have for furnishings. Therefore, be sure to measure, measure, measure! The last thing you want is to purchase a dining room table and chairs or a hutch that won’t fit comfortably within the space. When taking measurements for the table, remember to include 3 feet of space between your dining chairs and nearby walls (or other furniture) so people can easily move their chairs in and out and walk around the table.
Color Sets the MoodÂ
Color is also an important part of decorating a dining room. If picking a color for the first time, choose a color scheme that complements your chosen design style and the colors that appear in adjacent spaces. If your current dining room simply needs a refresh, a coat of paint is an easy and affordable way to do it— and there’s no need to stop with painting it a solid color either.Â
For example, painting a stripe down the center in a secondary color is a great way to add extra drama, interest, and sophistication. Another way to give your dining room more life is by wallpapering. Before you dismiss the thought, take time to look at the new styles. Patterns today are fresh, fun, sophisticated, dramatic, and cool— definitely not your grandmother’s wallpaper anymore.
Lighting Enhances Your Design
Lighting does so much for a home. In addition to illuminating dark spaces so we can see better, the right lighting can affect the spatial aspect of a room, soften or darken the color palette, highlight architectural features, set a mood, and increase the ambiance. Needless to say, lighting is not just functional, but it’s also an integral part of interior decorating and design.Â
Today, you can find an extensive variety of lighting that can transform any dining room, and it doesn’t have to end with central fixtures. Wall lights such as sconces are also wonderful additions to a dining area. What’s hot right now? Everything from industrial-style lighting to oversized chandeliers.
Selecting a Dining Room Set
The table and chairs you choose will be the primary focal point of the room. Therefore, it’s important to think about how many people you want to seat on an everyday basis and when entertaining guests. Keep in mind that 2 feet of tabletop space should be allotted to each person at the table. Also, keep in mind that the table’s size should be in proportion to the size of the dining room itself.Â
When it comes to shape, it really comes down to your space and your taste. If your dining room is on the smaller side, a round table may be a better option than a rectangular one. If you don’t need a large table for day-to-day eating, maybe look for a table that has a leaf to make the table longer on an as-needed basis.Â
In regards to chairs, don’t feel that you have to purchase the chairs that come with the table. In fact, surrounding your table with a mix-and-match medley of chairs can make a very chic and stylish statement— especially if you have the two head chairs custom made in a fabric you love!Â
Whenever possible, include furniture that provides storage, display, and food-serving areas like hutches, buffets, and sideboards. If you have space and the budget, add charm and amplify storage capacity by incorporating additional pieces and features like a banquette or a window seat that lifts up or is equipped with doors and drawers.
Adding Those Finishing Touches 
The finishing touches are what will elevate your dining room to a thing of beauty. Think vibrant area rugs, fashionable fixtures, artistically arranged accessories, and of course, gorgeous fabrics.Â
If you are simply updating your current dining room…Â
- Slipcover or reupholster chairs. Do you have chairs with good bones but lacking flair? Change them up with slipcovers or new cushions. Slipcovers can be store-bought or custom-made to reflect your distinct style, but recovering a seat cushion yourself in a favorite fabric can be just as easy.
- Soften the room with fabric. Fabric is a great way to soften the room, whether it’s used in the way of window treatments, tablecloths, or a combination of both. With such a wide variety of textures and patterns available, the possibilities of creating the perfect mood are endless.
- Make it personal. This is your home, so it’s only natural that you should put a little piece of yourself into each room you decorate. Whether it’s through favorite artwork or family pieces, be sure that you display items that reflect your personality and your style.
Ready to transform your dining room? Be sure to stop by one of our showrooms to browse through our stylish accessories and discount designer fabrics. We have something for every design style!
