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10 Classic Dining Spaces That Will Last a Lifetime
Plump for a classic dining room to suit every sort of get-together
Even if the dining table isn’t in a separate room, we all want our eating area to be as calm and relaxed as possible, where the good food and fine wine in front of us are the real stars. Step forward the classic dining room, where pale neutrals, feel-good, earthy hues and great lighting are key ingredients.
If you have the budget, invest in a table and chairs by an iconic furniture designer and you’ll bag yourself design classics that will never go out fashion; if you don’t, a scrubbed wooden refectory table, comfortable chairs and a linen cloth will do the job just as nicely. Then simply sit back and enjoy the company…
If you have the budget, invest in a table and chairs by an iconic furniture designer and you’ll bag yourself design classics that will never go out fashion; if you don’t, a scrubbed wooden refectory table, comfortable chairs and a linen cloth will do the job just as nicely. Then simply sit back and enjoy the company…
Open it up
I love this open-plan dining space for its considered yet relaxed approach to eating and living all in one room. The materials, tones and textures all tie in effortlessly, creating a fluid space that remains subtly zoned at the same time. The dark walnut and marble dining table and black leather chairs give the dining area its own identity, while Philippe Starck’s black and gold Guns Lounge lamp shows this sophisticated scheme is anything but po-faced.
Browse flexible ideas for open-plan living
I love this open-plan dining space for its considered yet relaxed approach to eating and living all in one room. The materials, tones and textures all tie in effortlessly, creating a fluid space that remains subtly zoned at the same time. The dark walnut and marble dining table and black leather chairs give the dining area its own identity, while Philippe Starck’s black and gold Guns Lounge lamp shows this sophisticated scheme is anything but po-faced.
Browse flexible ideas for open-plan living
Stick to tried-and-tested classics
This is classic dining at its very best. For starters, the sheer symmetry of the light-filled room captures the essence of an elegant eating area in a nutshell. The smart, upholstered chairs and solid-timber table, meanwhile, create a classic vibe that won’t let you down whatever the occasion.
This is classic dining at its very best. For starters, the sheer symmetry of the light-filled room captures the essence of an elegant eating area in a nutshell. The smart, upholstered chairs and solid-timber table, meanwhile, create a classic vibe that won’t let you down whatever the occasion.
Invest in a circular table
Glass-topped circular tables are something of a classic and incredibly sociable to boot. They’re a great choice if your dining area is on the compact size, as they will tuck into a corner or bay. Enhance the visual airiness with pale walls and floor and pepper with muted shades for an effortlessly chic set-up.
Glass-topped circular tables are something of a classic and incredibly sociable to boot. They’re a great choice if your dining area is on the compact size, as they will tuck into a corner or bay. Enhance the visual airiness with pale walls and floor and pepper with muted shades for an effortlessly chic set-up.
Dot with complementary colour
Our dining rooms are quite often seamlessly attached to our kitchens and living areas, so the dining furniture needs to work with these other zones. This classic, dark-stained table chimes beautifully with the sofa, while the Eames DSW chairs in a palette of earthy hues lift and define the dining zone without shouting about it.
Our dining rooms are quite often seamlessly attached to our kitchens and living areas, so the dining furniture needs to work with these other zones. This classic, dark-stained table chimes beautifully with the sofa, while the Eames DSW chairs in a palette of earthy hues lift and define the dining zone without shouting about it.
Don’t over-style
Formal, stuffy dining rooms are far less common these days. Instead, eating zones are more likely to be fresh, uplifting and versatile. You can’t go wrong with Knoll’s classic Saarinen dining table and Tulip chairs in white. Add pops of spirited colour and graphic pattern to an all-white backdrop and you’ll have a happy place to dine and drink for years to come.
Formal, stuffy dining rooms are far less common these days. Instead, eating zones are more likely to be fresh, uplifting and versatile. You can’t go wrong with Knoll’s classic Saarinen dining table and Tulip chairs in white. Add pops of spirited colour and graphic pattern to an all-white backdrop and you’ll have a happy place to dine and drink for years to come.
Wow with white
A unified white scheme is faultless in my eyes, whether in a bedroom, living room or, as here, in a modern classic dining space. Simple furniture in pared-back shapes works best in an open-plan kitchen setting and allows you to bring in accents of colour, if you so wish. Or, for purists out there, simply revel in the all-over whiteness.
A unified white scheme is faultless in my eyes, whether in a bedroom, living room or, as here, in a modern classic dining space. Simple furniture in pared-back shapes works best in an open-plan kitchen setting and allows you to bring in accents of colour, if you so wish. Or, for purists out there, simply revel in the all-over whiteness.
Dabble with dark hues
If white isn’t your bag, try layering rich dark woods with soft grey leather and subtle ambient lighting for a dining room scheme that’s equally as classic and inviting. The luxurious materials and deep hues of this dining room mirror the style of the kitchen for an upmarket, seamless vibe. This is a very sociable scheme, with comfy stools at the breakfast bar for casual gatherings and the dining table for larger get-togethers.
If white isn’t your bag, try layering rich dark woods with soft grey leather and subtle ambient lighting for a dining room scheme that’s equally as classic and inviting. The luxurious materials and deep hues of this dining room mirror the style of the kitchen for an upmarket, seamless vibe. This is a very sociable scheme, with comfy stools at the breakfast bar for casual gatherings and the dining table for larger get-togethers.
Invest in show-stopping lighting
Rev up the glam factor in your dining space by hanging up a glittering chandelier. Choose an ornate statement piece with clear-cut droppers and gold detailing, or go for a show-stopper in jet black or even multicoloured crystals. With the rest of the room clad top-to-toe in neutrals, you can afford to add your own brand of flamboyance.
See more ideas for decorative lighting
Rev up the glam factor in your dining space by hanging up a glittering chandelier. Choose an ornate statement piece with clear-cut droppers and gold detailing, or go for a show-stopper in jet black or even multicoloured crystals. With the rest of the room clad top-to-toe in neutrals, you can afford to add your own brand of flamboyance.
See more ideas for decorative lighting
Create contrasts
This traditional farmhouse could quite easily have gone down a rustic route for its design and decoration. But the choice of classic, midcentury modern furniture will ensure the wooden beams and stone inglenook fireplace avoid any sort of clichés. Instead, the room is infused with a warmth and homeliness perfect for relaxed dinner parties and get-togethers.
TELL US…
Is classic dining on the menu for your interior? Please share your ideas and inspiration in the Comments below.
This traditional farmhouse could quite easily have gone down a rustic route for its design and decoration. But the choice of classic, midcentury modern furniture will ensure the wooden beams and stone inglenook fireplace avoid any sort of clichés. Instead, the room is infused with a warmth and homeliness perfect for relaxed dinner parties and get-togethers.
TELL US…
Is classic dining on the menu for your interior? Please share your ideas and inspiration in the Comments below.
With not a hint of pretension, this room has all the ingredients for classic family dining. The timeless, neutral colour scheme can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion, while the white walls are easily touched up if grubby fingermarks invade. The open fire and comfortable sofa for post-dinner relaxation mean everyone will be kept happy.