Sponsored Content
10 Ways to Squeeze More Out of Your Dining Space
Make your dining area a multi-purpose space that works on many levels
Sponsored Content
Whether you have a separate dining room or an open-plan layout that incorporates an eating area, the dining table is where we come together with family and friends to dine, catch up, work and even play. So, getting the most from this multi-purpose space, in terms of functionality and aesthetics, is crucial when the dining area plays such a key role in day-to-day life.
We asked the interior design experts at Barker and Stonehouse for their top tips on nailing the perfect all-rounder dining space, that not only looks stunning but is super practical, too.
We asked the interior design experts at Barker and Stonehouse for their top tips on nailing the perfect all-rounder dining space, that not only looks stunning but is super practical, too.
- Tell us in the Comments: What’s your favourite dining room feature?
The Table…
1. Choose versatile furniture
If you only entertain for large numbers on rare occasions, you’re likely to only need a small table for everyday meals. If so, look out for flexible furniture that offers you plenty of options for clawing back valuable space, such as an extendable table or flip-top design that expands to create double the entertaining area when needed. Extra stackable chairs will also come in handy when you need a few spares.
2. Take over a corner
If you’re limited for space, consider a compact bistro table in a corner for casual dining, or pop a slim breakfast bar with stools in the kitchen for laid-back meals.
Bonus tip: Round dining tables can offer more snug seating space around them than rectangular tables, particularly if you team a circular design with a number of low stools.
1. Choose versatile furniture
If you only entertain for large numbers on rare occasions, you’re likely to only need a small table for everyday meals. If so, look out for flexible furniture that offers you plenty of options for clawing back valuable space, such as an extendable table or flip-top design that expands to create double the entertaining area when needed. Extra stackable chairs will also come in handy when you need a few spares.
2. Take over a corner
If you’re limited for space, consider a compact bistro table in a corner for casual dining, or pop a slim breakfast bar with stools in the kitchen for laid-back meals.
Bonus tip: Round dining tables can offer more snug seating space around them than rectangular tables, particularly if you team a circular design with a number of low stools.
The Chairs…
3. Consider armless chairs
Dining rooms can often feel visually busy and cluttered due to the number of legs and surfaces that are involved. Try to minimise the sense of clutter by opting for armless chairs that offer a more streamlined appearance. The result will be a calmer, more refined space.
4. Mix and match
Don’t think you’re limited to choosing an entire matching dining room set. Mixing and matching styles and designs is a great way of putting your own stamp on a look and also for evoking a laid-back, informal setting in an open-plan kitchen-diner. Not sure where to start? Head to your local showroom to find inspiration on how to mix and match design styles and materials in creative new layouts.
Bonus tip: Define the eating area. If you’re after a little coordination, then matching the bench and dining table will help to clearly mark out the dining spot in an open-plan space, while a different style of chair will add character.
3. Consider armless chairs
Dining rooms can often feel visually busy and cluttered due to the number of legs and surfaces that are involved. Try to minimise the sense of clutter by opting for armless chairs that offer a more streamlined appearance. The result will be a calmer, more refined space.
4. Mix and match
Don’t think you’re limited to choosing an entire matching dining room set. Mixing and matching styles and designs is a great way of putting your own stamp on a look and also for evoking a laid-back, informal setting in an open-plan kitchen-diner. Not sure where to start? Head to your local showroom to find inspiration on how to mix and match design styles and materials in creative new layouts.
Bonus tip: Define the eating area. If you’re after a little coordination, then matching the bench and dining table will help to clearly mark out the dining spot in an open-plan space, while a different style of chair will add character.
The Storage…
5. Keep spare plates to hand
If you have space around the dining table for freestanding furniture, look to tall dressers or low sideboards for extra storage. Make it easier to set the table by having items stored close by in these versatile pieces, and keep your occasional – not to mention special – table linens and dinnerware separate from the everyday essentials.
6. Opt for a multitasking bench
Benches are your secret weapon for all sorts of reasons. They are easy to use for kiddies, great for squeezing a few extra visitors at the table, and can also be tucked right under the table when not in use. Benches can also offer an extra surface for serving dishes if the extra seating isn’t needed.
Bonus tip: Style up your bench for added comfort. See your bench as a great display opportunity for styling up piles of snuggly throws and cosy cushions for a touch of warming texture when not in use.
5. Keep spare plates to hand
If you have space around the dining table for freestanding furniture, look to tall dressers or low sideboards for extra storage. Make it easier to set the table by having items stored close by in these versatile pieces, and keep your occasional – not to mention special – table linens and dinnerware separate from the everyday essentials.
6. Opt for a multitasking bench
Benches are your secret weapon for all sorts of reasons. They are easy to use for kiddies, great for squeezing a few extra visitors at the table, and can also be tucked right under the table when not in use. Benches can also offer an extra surface for serving dishes if the extra seating isn’t needed.
Bonus tip: Style up your bench for added comfort. See your bench as a great display opportunity for styling up piles of snuggly throws and cosy cushions for a touch of warming texture when not in use.
The Accessories…
7. Add mirrors
A useful tool for bouncing light around a dark or compact room, mirrors always add the illusion of more space. Look out for sophisticated designs that will add a hint of decadence.
8. Zone a dining area with a rug
Anchor your dining furniture on a rug and you’ll have a clearly zoned eating space, particularly in open-plan layouts. Choose a design that has a touch of shimmer and you’ll ensure plenty of glamour as well as comfort under foot.
7. Add mirrors
A useful tool for bouncing light around a dark or compact room, mirrors always add the illusion of more space. Look out for sophisticated designs that will add a hint of decadence.
8. Zone a dining area with a rug
Anchor your dining furniture on a rug and you’ll have a clearly zoned eating space, particularly in open-plan layouts. Choose a design that has a touch of shimmer and you’ll ensure plenty of glamour as well as comfort under foot.
The Aesthetics…
9. Plan a feature wall
Another decorating device used by interior designers to define the separate zones in open-plan spaces is to create statement feature walls in the different areas. Choose a bold wallpaper or eye-catching paint colour as a backdrop to your dining set-up and you’ll not only draw the focus to this multi-purpose space, but it will spark conversation, too. Attention-grabbing artwork will also do the same job if you don’t want to decorate.
10. Go for bold lighting
Whether you opt for a striking pendant shade or a cluster of lights, a bold lighting design hanging directly above the dining table will bring focus to the spot, create handy task lighting at study time and cast ambient light in the evening. Choose a pendant design that pulls out materials from the rest of the space to provide a sense of coherence throughout the scheme.
9. Plan a feature wall
Another decorating device used by interior designers to define the separate zones in open-plan spaces is to create statement feature walls in the different areas. Choose a bold wallpaper or eye-catching paint colour as a backdrop to your dining set-up and you’ll not only draw the focus to this multi-purpose space, but it will spark conversation, too. Attention-grabbing artwork will also do the same job if you don’t want to decorate.
10. Go for bold lighting
Whether you opt for a striking pendant shade or a cluster of lights, a bold lighting design hanging directly above the dining table will bring focus to the spot, create handy task lighting at study time and cast ambient light in the evening. Choose a pendant design that pulls out materials from the rest of the space to provide a sense of coherence throughout the scheme.
- More: To find a local Barker and Stonehouse store near you click here, and for more furniture and interior inspiration visit barkerandstonehouse.co.uk.
Your turn: What’s your favourite dining room feature?
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
We're the UK’s largest independent, family-run furniture retailer, with ten stores across the north of England,... Read More
We're the UK’s largest independent, family-run furniture retailer, with ten stores across the north of England,... Read More
More Stories from This Brand
Unsure What to Do With Your Spare Room?
Don't leave a spare room empty and redundant – put it to good use with these fabulous ideas
Full Story
Finders Keepers: 5 Reasons to Love Reclaimed Furniture
Fall head over heels for furniture with a past and enjoy the charm it brings to your home
Full Story
5 Game Changers for Enjoying Your Garden All Year Round
Make the most of your outdoor space with garden updates to see you through the seasons
Full Story
Yes, I did exactly that with my garden tables, I bought 2square and can put them together. I didn’t think of it when I was buying my dining table, I thought 2 extra leaves would do the job. Your right it’s the legs that are the problem.
M J Your hardboard cover story idea to increase the dining table capacity is inspiring! Storage of said hardboard wouldn’t be a problem in a lot of households, apart of course from very small homes, the very homes that wouldn’t accommodate any type of large dining table anyway. Great idea!
The display of art, pottery, plants (if light levels are conducive) are welcome for the eye to gaze upon whilst eating, drinking, chatting. I also like a real fire in the winter and I’m looking for the right low fireside chair to complete. Anything that will keep people happy to remain in the dining room.