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12 Casual Dining Options for Your Home
A traditional dining table is no longer required – a clever rethink means your dining experiences can be flexible and irresistible
It’s time for a rethink on the classic dining concept. Any unused space can be converted into an eat-in hotspot. Dining in the kitchen, in a cosy nook or even in the lounge room are fun and functional options these days. Take a look at these ways Houzzers are dining in style.
2. Eat-in kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home so the owners decided to attach the timber dining table to the marble island bench. Different materials and levels demarcate the space, but everyone – the cook and diners – are never left out of conversations.
The kitchen is the heart of the home so the owners decided to attach the timber dining table to the marble island bench. Different materials and levels demarcate the space, but everyone – the cook and diners – are never left out of conversations.
3. Round table
In a compact home, a round dining table fits the space perfectly in an L-shaped kitchen. The trick was not to overdo it with chairs – for this family, three is enough! High-gloss surfaces and a black and white colour palette keeps the space simple and sophisticated.
In a compact home, a round dining table fits the space perfectly in an L-shaped kitchen. The trick was not to overdo it with chairs – for this family, three is enough! High-gloss surfaces and a black and white colour palette keeps the space simple and sophisticated.
4. Dining with a view
A rethink on the classic country dining space comes into play here. Since the table is positioned in front of a large window with a built-in banquette seat, the owners made it work by keeping the space a little eclectic. The long bench with endless cushions is a place to relax, while the different coloured dining chairs add a more traditional feel.
A rethink on the classic country dining space comes into play here. Since the table is positioned in front of a large window with a built-in banquette seat, the owners made it work by keeping the space a little eclectic. The long bench with endless cushions is a place to relax, while the different coloured dining chairs add a more traditional feel.
5. Right height
In this busy kitchen, the cook never wants to be left out, so this bespoke timber table built along an island bench was a perfect solution. A mix of different timbers and stainless steel provides a commercial-kitchen edge and a warm inviting space.
In this busy kitchen, the cook never wants to be left out, so this bespoke timber table built along an island bench was a perfect solution. A mix of different timbers and stainless steel provides a commercial-kitchen edge and a warm inviting space.
6. Make a cosy corner work
A traditional home with solid brick walls were designed well before open-plan living became the norm. So the owners were sympathetic to the original build and made the cosy nook work effectively. Drawing inspiration from the original wall panelling, they introduced a built-in bench with a refined upholstered headboard and old-world wall sconces. The dark dining table was measured to fit the space, and the timber dining table completes the look.
A traditional home with solid brick walls were designed well before open-plan living became the norm. So the owners were sympathetic to the original build and made the cosy nook work effectively. Drawing inspiration from the original wall panelling, they introduced a built-in bench with a refined upholstered headboard and old-world wall sconces. The dark dining table was measured to fit the space, and the timber dining table completes the look.
7. Casual dining
Formality is no longer required, even when friends or family arrive to dine. This nest of timber tables makes it easy for guests to reach everything. The patterned rug is a clever device – by placing it under all furniture pieces, it brings continuity to the space.
Formality is no longer required, even when friends or family arrive to dine. This nest of timber tables makes it easy for guests to reach everything. The patterned rug is a clever device – by placing it under all furniture pieces, it brings continuity to the space.
8. Double duty
An upholstered built-in banquette seat is a much-loved place to kick back and relax, but it also doubles as a handy dining space when family and friends arrive. The small table includes an extra shelf to store dinnerware, and chairs from the main dining room can be brought in when required.
An upholstered built-in banquette seat is a much-loved place to kick back and relax, but it also doubles as a handy dining space when family and friends arrive. The small table includes an extra shelf to store dinnerware, and chairs from the main dining room can be brought in when required.
9. Table with wheels
Most of the time, this dining table with wheels works effectively at the end of the kitchen but it can be easily moved when large gatherings take place. And it can easily be wheeled outside when it’s time for a summer soiree!
Most of the time, this dining table with wheels works effectively at the end of the kitchen but it can be easily moved when large gatherings take place. And it can easily be wheeled outside when it’s time for a summer soiree!
10. Get the retro feel
Reminiscent of the swingin’ ‘60s, this low-lying table in the living room doubles as a laid-back dining concept. Bring out the bean bags and lounge around on rugs and low sofas – all that’s missing is a classic fondue set!
Reminiscent of the swingin’ ‘60s, this low-lying table in the living room doubles as a laid-back dining concept. Bring out the bean bags and lounge around on rugs and low sofas – all that’s missing is a classic fondue set!
11. Flexible table
This timber table with wheels that connects seamlessly with the kitchen benchtop can be used as either a kitchen workstation or a handy dining space. High stools are key to making it work.
This timber table with wheels that connects seamlessly with the kitchen benchtop can be used as either a kitchen workstation or a handy dining space. High stools are key to making it work.
12. Unique layout
While kitchen benches are often designed with a dining space attached, this concept boasts a unique design. The long dining table is designed at the end of the bench and seems to float above it, rather than being positioned lower than benchtop height as many other are. Bar stools are the choice of seating here…
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While kitchen benches are often designed with a dining space attached, this concept boasts a unique design. The long dining table is designed at the end of the bench and seems to float above it, rather than being positioned lower than benchtop height as many other are. Bar stools are the choice of seating here…
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Rather than creating a traditional dining table, this eclectic mix brings casualness and fun to a compact space. Yellow Thonet chairs brighten the zone, while the large leather sofa can squeeze in many diners.