Small dining room with fireplace. Layout problem.
Emma Clare
8 years ago
OK please ignore the chairs...they're from a previous house and I'll replace them with something less intrusive. And the bookcase is probably being moved too... But how should I layout this dining room?
There is a partially blocked up fireplace, which I can either block up completely or perhaps put a cast iron Victorian suite into for decorative purposes. I'm about to embark on a building project to add a kitchen extension: this will see the existing window blocked up and French doors added to that wall. The photos above are taken from the doorway to the living room. The area to the left being essentially a walkway to the kitchen and also housing the door to the stairs.
Day to day we tend to have the table as in the second pic, but with just four chairs. Obviously if I put the fireplace in this won't be an option.
When there are guests (i.e. most weekends) we spin the table round as per the first pic, so we can pop a chair on each end. But the space is a bit narrow and a degree of clambering is involved for anyone sat on the fireplace side. I was thinking of maybe using a bench/benches but I'm concerned guests might find this uncomfortable as they'd have to be backless?
The whole of the downstairs will be replastered, decorated and new flooring put down. But I'm stuck on improving the layout, so any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
There is a partially blocked up fireplace, which I can either block up completely or perhaps put a cast iron Victorian suite into for decorative purposes. I'm about to embark on a building project to add a kitchen extension: this will see the existing window blocked up and French doors added to that wall. The photos above are taken from the doorway to the living room. The area to the left being essentially a walkway to the kitchen and also housing the door to the stairs.
Day to day we tend to have the table as in the second pic, but with just four chairs. Obviously if I put the fireplace in this won't be an option.
When there are guests (i.e. most weekends) we spin the table round as per the first pic, so we can pop a chair on each end. But the space is a bit narrow and a degree of clambering is involved for anyone sat on the fireplace side. I was thinking of maybe using a bench/benches but I'm concerned guests might find this uncomfortable as they'd have to be backless?
The whole of the downstairs will be replastered, decorated and new flooring put down. But I'm stuck on improving the layout, so any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Featured Answer
Comments (18)
PROAngela Keegan Interior Stylist
8 years agoEmma Clare
8 years agoHi Angela. A couple more pics. There are two doors - one to the stairs and the other to the kitchen. The former is staying, the latter being widened and replaced it glazed French doors. (The plan was to knock through to the new kitchen with a breakfast bar between, but it didn't meet fire regs.) There is an alcove under the stairs, which my architect has suggested putting storage into. There will also be a sliding door to the living room recessing into it. Hope that makes sense?!
Related Discussions
Living Room/ Dining Room layout
Comments (4)Hey looks like a lovely room. I would opt for a L shaped sofa so it frames the fireplace area and identifies that as the cosy living room space and still allows easy access to a dining table by window. Your built in bench is a good idea to make most of the space, could have 2 either side so means beach can be tucked under table when not in use. Get a beautiful oversized ottoman for costing up by fire and a small side table rather than coffee table to maximise the space and maintain the luxury feel. Hope you have fun with your plans!...See MoreLiving Room, Dining Room Layout
Comments (12)A couple of options:- I'd put the games table in the study as for me personally it has no place in the lounge / dining area and should be out of the way in a separate room. With the games table out of the way, you have more room for seating in the lounge area & the conservatory, which can then be opened up for larger gatherings :-...See MoreFurniture layout and size for small living/dining room
Comments (6)I like Vera's designs. Tucking the table away against the wall when you are not entertaining is a great way to increase space in the room for the rest of the time. I also think an extending table could help you a lot - so you can shrink it down when you are not entertaining. I would also advise against a farmhouse table, as they usually have very chunky legs! In a small space I always advise a table with legs which are recessed under the table top, a bit like the one below from trusty old JL (though it is a bit big for your needs). It's much easier for people to get in and out as you are not 'trapped' by the legs. https://www.johnlewis.com/matthew-hilton-for-case-cross-8-14-seater-extending-dining-table-oak/p3161810 You don't mention if this is where you dine the rest of the time as well, or if it is just for entertaining. That will affect what you should prioritise - if you are only entertaining in here and you have another place to eat in the kitchen that will make a difference. You could also try made.com for small furniture - I have a small living room/kitchen and got both my sofa and a chaise from there 3 or 4 years ago and the dimensions are great for the room....See Morefireplace removed - room looks weird - living room layout help
Comments (8)Where are your power points? The vast radiator covers seems the natural centre of the room to refocus the interest, so reorganise around that point with TV flat on wall. Conversation sofas either side could balance the room and make it more intimate or placing an L/corner sofa parallel to the existing radiator could provide you with a frame if the access to other rooms fron the front door is through this room. Currently all furnishing are pushed into the corners. You can easily move some power points and sky points and conceal the cables. Reinstating a fire place if the chimney brest has been removed can be a big job. You will be restricted to an alternative heating source, so any solid fuel burner could be expensive without an existing flue/chimney. You would be looking at electric wall mounted solutions or faking it entirely with a mantel/fire/hearth, so this then becomes a styling question for you....See MoreEmma Clare
8 years agoEmma Clare
8 years ago
minnie101
8 years agoEmma Clare
8 years ago
PROStudio 27 Architects
8 years agoEmma Clare
8 years agominnie101
8 years agolol! Sorry, I think US dimensions tend to be a little more generous. I think a 3ft corridor would be recommended but you could probably go a tad smaller. Here's a UK version of table sizes
http://www.ebay.co.uk/gds/How-to-Choose-the-Right-Sized-Dining-Table-/10000000177320505/g.html
I think you could probably work ghost chairs in if you wanted. The lower size storage sounds a good idea. Or alternatively how would you feel about putting a cupboard in the small alcove?
- PRO
Studio 27 Architects
8 years ago Emma Clare
8 years agosusan_forshaw
8 years agoEmma Clare
8 years agosusan_forshaw
8 years ago
mrshste
7 years ago
Angela Keegan Interior Stylist