- Dining Room
Dining Room Ideas and Designs
Dining room ideas can range from the dramatic overhaul of layout, walls, doors, fireplaces or lighting features, to the refresh of furniture such as dining tables and chairs, or even smaller details such as dinnerware, cutlery, chair covers and small decorative features. So whether you are looking to completely redesign your dining room or you’re just looking for some dining room decorating ideas, you’re bound to find some inspiration from other homeowners, designers and stylists who’ve uploaded images of their dining rooms on Houzz.
How should I choose my dining room table?
Dining tables can be large, imposing pieces of furniture and so it’s a good idea to choose your table first and plan your decor around them. Comfort and ease of movement in dining rooms is key – even though we spend most of our time sitting, it’s preferable not to dine in cramped quarters (and crucial as a host to be able to move around the table to serve your guests). When choosing your dining room table, consider the number of people you expect to regularly seat – the perfect size for a dining table allows an intimate meal without feeling crowded. A round table leaves plenty of room for serving food at its centre, but a rectangular table is more flexible for seating extra guests at either end. If you’re after true versatility, drop leaf or extendable dining room tables are the most convenient option.
The material of your selected table will set the character of your room. Glass dining tables look sleek and modern, whilst a pine or oak dining table will lend dining rooms a rustic country vibe. For a more traditional dining table opt for a dark polished wood like mahogany. Check out all the dining room decorating ideas on Houzz to see how different materials of dining table are incorporated into different rooms.
What are the best dining chairs for my table?
If your table hasn’t been sold with matching chairs then you have some extra flexibility to select dining chairs that suit your desired dining room feel. For traditional dining rooms you will want to opt for a full set of high backed formal dining chairs, whether these are upholstered, leather or wood framed. If you are looking for a more informal dining room, then a selection of mismatched chairs in different materials such as moulded plastic and even metal can be a great way to achieve this. For a really relaxed dining experience, you could even opt for a full length bench, which has the additional advantage of saving space as it can be tucked away under the table when not in use.
How should I decorate my dining room?
Elegant, neutral palettes are the safest dining room decorating ideas for smaller rooms, creating a calm dining environment for your guests. Pattern in a dining room can be a great choice to create drama but in order to not overwhelm your guests you might want to stick to a few stand-out elements – for example, wallpaper, curtains or chair covers. If you are lucky enough to have a large formal dining room then you could consider bold, opulent shades for your walls to create a grander feel. Your tableware and serveware should ideally be chosen to coordinate with your decor choices, but if all else fails keep it white, bright and simple.
Lighting is also key to your dining room decor – aim for dimmable light that you can adjust to create the mood that will allow your guests to relax but still be able to see their food. Low pendant lights directly over the dining table are both practical and striking, or for large formal dining rooms you may want to opt for a traditional chandelier hung from the centre of the room. Additional wall sconces along the walls can be a great way to brighten up the room for late night dinner parties, and don’t forget how a couple of candles along your dining room table can add a delicate, finishing touch.
Discover more of these popular design photo ideas.
Whether you want inspiration for planning a dining room renovation or are building a designer dining room from scratch, Houzz has 632,964 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including Bali Builders and Dinky Media. Look through dining room photos in different colours and styles and when you find a dining room design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful dining room ideas photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.
- Medium Hardwood (59154)
- Dark Hardwood (41110)
- Light Hardwood (37232)
- Ceramic Tile (8247)
- Porcelain Tile (7449)
- Concrete (5967)
- Carpet (5156)
- Marble (2743)
- Laminate (2238)
- Travertine (2167)
- Vinyl (1792)
- Limestone (1526)
- Painted Wood (1172)
- Slate (926)
- Terracotta Tile (922)
- Bamboo (801)
- Plywood (563)
- Lino (322)
- Brick (302)
- Cork (206)
- Tatami (53)
Daniel Gregory, Filmworx
This is an example of a small traditional enclosed dining room in Glasgow with grey walls, dark hardwood flooring and brown floors.
The dining table material - henrykazalma
Andrew Beasley
Photo of a small traditional kitchen/dining room in London with light hardwood flooring, beige floors and red walls.
Kitchen facing toward the house, off the the right (looking from the garden). - mihuramiguel
Classic kitchen/dining room in London with white walls.
Low light - haggerleasesfarm
Part of an open plan kitchen, dining, living space. Features metallic 3D wallpaper, art deco mirror, rich gold and navy curtains with gold sheers behind, 10 candle pendant light and soft upholstered dining chairs.
Nice curtains, drawers and the presentation of the room is impeccable. Ceiling lights contemporary & extraordinary - nokunqoba
Caitlin Mogridge
Design ideas for a medium sized bohemian open plan dining room in London with concrete flooring and white floors.
farger, ikke så fint teppe da - webuser_578023883
This is an example of a scandinavian dining room in Hampshire with white walls, light hardwood flooring and beige floors.
dining room set. light wood table not sure about bucket chairs - webuser_163776
Ryan Thomas Photography
Medium sized contemporary dining room in London with blue walls, brown floors and medium hardwood flooring.
love the combination makes it modern - sofiachica
Large contemporary kitchen/dining room in London with white walls, light hardwood flooring and no fireplace.
Use of space and tiered garden - stephen_corion95
Photo of a contemporary kitchen/dining room in Edinburgh with grey walls, light hardwood flooring and beige floors.
Etienne Laine
Photo of a large contemporary dining room in Channel Islands with white walls, concrete flooring and grey floors.
bokshelf - yenmay12
Project by Boydell Architecture in the Scottish Borders. The dining area in this contemporary conversion of an historic church. The glass floor and staircase allows light through to the bedroom hall on the ground floor. As featured in Homes & Interiors Scotland. Photography by Brendan Macneill.
Pew - genevievebain
Chris Snook
Photo of a victorian dining room in London.
Use of Window seat - webuser_43673281
Rory Corrigan
Medium sized contemporary open plan dining room in Belfast with grey floors.
the wood contrast with the plastic clear chairs - webuser_695741013
Fine House Photography
This is an example of a classic kitchen/dining room in London with white walls and beige floors.
Two sliding doors, pitched roof - l_knight99
Jon Day
Medium sized bohemian kitchen/dining room in London with white walls.
ornamental carved wood window screen - edzhoy
Informal dining area in large kitchen extension by Giles Pike Architects. Glass ceiling "lanterns' create bright space.
Interior Design Kate Renwick.
Nick Smith photography
Spacious and bright dining room. Luxurious grey walls
Inspiration for a large contemporary open plan dining room in London with grey walls, a stone fireplace surround, brown floors, a standard fireplace and medium hardwood flooring.
Like the pared down aesthetic with glamorous elements - suzanyx