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 591,347 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including Purcell and Distinction Group. 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 (55065)
- Dark Hardwood (38898)
- Light Hardwood (33832)
- Ceramic Tile (7701)
- Porcelain Tile (6733)
- Concrete (5523)
- Carpet (4948)
- Marble (2520)
- Travertine (2054)
- Laminate (1861)
- Vinyl (1478)
- Limestone (1433)
- Painted Wood (1079)
- Slate (870)
- Terracotta Tile (851)
- Bamboo (753)
- Plywood (433)
- Lino (301)
- Brick (279)
- Cork (194)
- Tatami (36)
Fresh Photo House
Bohemian dining room in London with grey walls, light hardwood flooring and beige floors.
3s - elentsiklauri
A stunning open plan reception dining room separated by a curved feature fireplace finished in textured plaster. Cool contemporary pieces sitting discretely to allow colours to pop through cohesively throughout this London family home. Photography Nick Smith.
I like the shape of these chairs, not sure about the bench?? - alex_hanson81
Neil Macaninch
Neil Mac Photo
Bohemian open plan dining room in Sussex with white walls and brown floors.
Rory Corrigan
Medium sized contemporary open plan dining room in Belfast with grey floors.
the wood contrast with the plastic clear chairs - webuser_695741013
Chris Snook
This is an example of a large contemporary open plan dining room in London with beige walls, no fireplace, medium hardwood flooring and beige floors.
another small kitchen - dpetruta1975
https://www.englandstudios.com
Love the floor cushions stacked up - abihb
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French & Tye
Medium sized contemporary dining room in London with white walls, concrete flooring and grey floors.
The tile work is amazing - nuhous_london
Eleanor Walpole
This is an example of a scandinavian dining room in Oxfordshire with no fireplace and grey floors.
drawing on wall - johnnymok
Design ideas for a medium sized contemporary dining room in Other with pink walls and grey floors.
Marcus Keegan Photography
Design ideas for a medium sized contemporary dining room in Other with white walls, light hardwood flooring and beige floors.
cus it a nice day to go to the beach JK - lee_kinsella
Janet Penny
This is an example of a medium sized traditional kitchen/dining room in Kent with porcelain flooring, grey floors and white walls.
circular bench to match circular table - pastelgirl01
Juliet Murphy
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen/dining room in London with white walls and painted wood flooring.
Clear Chairs for a Smaller Room - sophie_lingard
An open plan living/dining/kitchen with incredible storage, light wooden floors, high ceilings and finished with high standards. This fabulous flat is part of E8 Developments portfolio.
This show flat has been decorated with gorgeous luxurious furniture and furnishings by Casa Botelho and photographed by Moon Rei Studios.
Picture window! Too costly?! - ckdesign19
Damian James Bramley, DJB Photography
This is an example of a small country enclosed dining room in Other with grey walls and grey floors.
Narrow bench plus 2 chairs - room for floor lamp - minitech
Design ideas for a medium sized contemporary open plan dining room in Dorset with white walls, medium hardwood flooring, no fireplace and brown floors.
A cluster of delicate borosilicate globes and opulent satin shade come together in this signature Heathfield light, the opal jade hues reflected in the exquisite curtains and dining chairs below.
dinning area/room elegant finish - christabel
Jack Hobhouse
This is an example of a contemporary open plan dining room in London with white walls and concrete flooring.
Glass gaps dealing with awkward angles - rosanapolitano
F10 Studios
Design ideas for a contemporary dining room in London.
Oval dining table - katiecload