Better Ways to Use Your Dining Room
If you no longer have need of a formal dining room, here are some great ideas to turn your home's least-used room into a multi-tasking area
Catherine Smith
27 April 2016
Houzz New Zealand Contributor. A design addict from way back, I can't resist looking at other people's houses. And doing a tiny bit of styling and decluttering. Just a tiny bit.
Houzz New Zealand Contributor. A design addict from way back, I can't resist looking... More
Setting aside an entire room for formal dining is a luxury when space in most houses is at a premium. Take into account a decline in families sitting down to eat together – adults working different hours, kids coming and going for sport, different diets or food styles – and a preference for casually sitting around the kitchen bar or garden table, and you could put a formal dining room to better use. Here are some great ideas for what could otherwise be wasted space.
A play room
If you can’t move for toys cluttering the living room floor, play dough all over the kitchen bench, and bits of games in random places underfoot, create a dedicated playroom with your unused dining room. Dining rooms tend to be close to the kitchen, so kids are still within ear-shot, but their mess is not spread all over the house. Institute clear storage places, and clean-up rules (tidy before bedtime) and sanity is restored.
See some beautiful toy storage ideas
If you can’t move for toys cluttering the living room floor, play dough all over the kitchen bench, and bits of games in random places underfoot, create a dedicated playroom with your unused dining room. Dining rooms tend to be close to the kitchen, so kids are still within ear-shot, but their mess is not spread all over the house. Institute clear storage places, and clean-up rules (tidy before bedtime) and sanity is restored.
See some beautiful toy storage ideas
Turning boxed games into a decorating feature might encourage family table time, rather than individual screen time. And secure storage keeps boxes in one piece – meaning no more losing that last valuable tiny hotel in Monopoly.
A homework station
As kids get older and homework projects run on for several days (or weeks), a homework station with all the tools, reference books and stationery in one spot means projects can be started straightaway (no last-minute hunts for glue sticks!) and works in progress can be safely left out between sessions.
As kids get older and homework projects run on for several days (or weeks), a homework station with all the tools, reference books and stationery in one spot means projects can be started straightaway (no last-minute hunts for glue sticks!) and works in progress can be safely left out between sessions.
A games room
If you don’t have a basement, rumpus room or big garage, turn the dining room into a games room. Convert the table into a ping-pong court with a fold-out piece of plywood, or buy purpose-built fusion billiard tables.
If you don’t have a basement, rumpus room or big garage, turn the dining room into a games room. Convert the table into a ping-pong court with a fold-out piece of plywood, or buy purpose-built fusion billiard tables.
In a tinier dining space, add a fold-out games table for cards or board games (use it for drinks or desserts for the annual big dinner party).
A crafts studio
Every sewer, jeweller, scrapbooker or modeller dreams of a space where she or he can spread out and create, without having to waste precious time setting up and putting away.
Again, cleverly organised storage is the key to re-purposing. A dining chair isn’t the best ergonomic choice for long hours on a project, so have an adjustable office chair which can be wheeled away when guests come.
Creative ways to organise your craft space
Every sewer, jeweller, scrapbooker or modeller dreams of a space where she or he can spread out and create, without having to waste precious time setting up and putting away.
Again, cleverly organised storage is the key to re-purposing. A dining chair isn’t the best ergonomic choice for long hours on a project, so have an adjustable office chair which can be wheeled away when guests come.
Creative ways to organise your craft space
If you plan to sometimes use the dining room for, you know, dinner, look for covered storage boxes that still look grown-up. Make the most of all the wall space with high shelves. (Tuck a folding ladder in a nearby cupboard for safe access.)
A library
Many grand old houses doubled up the library and dining room in days of yore. If you long to tidy book piles, fill your walls with shelves and create the library of your dreams. Not enough books? Check out fake book-cover wallpapers to give you a head start.
Many grand old houses doubled up the library and dining room in days of yore. If you long to tidy book piles, fill your walls with shelves and create the library of your dreams. Not enough books? Check out fake book-cover wallpapers to give you a head start.
If you don’t have walls for bookshelves, take a leaf from luxury lodge lobbies and style the dining table with beautiful coffee table books and the latest glossy magazines. Pull up some chairs and encourage quiet reading time.
A home office
One of the joys of working from home is having an inspirational office that doesn’t look boring or corporate. Mix and match vintage and posh, use a smart lamp instead of a work light, add pretty accessories and a smart rug. This works well if the dining room is near the front door, so clients don’t have to troop through the rest of the house.
One of the joys of working from home is having an inspirational office that doesn’t look boring or corporate. Mix and match vintage and posh, use a smart lamp instead of a work light, add pretty accessories and a smart rug. This works well if the dining room is near the front door, so clients don’t have to troop through the rest of the house.
Keep papers and supplies in stylish bins and boxes. Use the sideboard to hide away unattractive paperwork for an easy switch to dining mode.
There are no rules that say a work desk has to be square. The classic Eames chair was designed for dining and office use. The pedestal tulip table comes in several sizes and different tops to create a classy office.
A green room
Indoor plants are taking over Instagram, so let them take over your unused dining room. A gorgeous array of vases, pots and cuttings you are nurturing into life makes an enticing modern version of the grand old orangeries.
TIP: Make sure your table top is sealed to prevent water damage to precious wood or lacquer. Or use a padded waterproof cloth to catch spills.
Indoor plants are taking over Instagram, so let them take over your unused dining room. A gorgeous array of vases, pots and cuttings you are nurturing into life makes an enticing modern version of the grand old orangeries.
TIP: Make sure your table top is sealed to prevent water damage to precious wood or lacquer. Or use a padded waterproof cloth to catch spills.
A guest room
Fold-down beds (known as Murphy beds in America) have been around for decades. The beds look great but, when folded up, many look painfully like a box with a hidden bed.
Fold-down beds (known as Murphy beds in America) have been around for decades. The beds look great but, when folded up, many look painfully like a box with a hidden bed.
Disguise the effect with strongly textured wood panelling such as what’s seen here (artwork or wallpaper would have the same effect), and you can get away with it. A slim, folding table and see-through Ghost chairs make the tiniest room airy and multi-purpose.
A sitting room
A second, or third, sitting room is a bonus retreat in a busy household. Even better if the dining room is TV-free, has a fireplace, a view or fine art. Leave the chaos to the main living room and retreat to a quiet corner.
A second, or third, sitting room is a bonus retreat in a busy household. Even better if the dining room is TV-free, has a fireplace, a view or fine art. Leave the chaos to the main living room and retreat to a quiet corner.
Most of us probably won’t be converting our dining room to a pool room. But think creatively.
TELL US
How do you use your dining room, when it’s not being used for dining? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
MORE
Home Rethink: 5 Ways to Create Extra Living Space
5 Questions to Answer Before Planning a Dining Room
Working From Home: Set up an Office that Gets You in the Flow
TELL US
How do you use your dining room, when it’s not being used for dining? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
MORE
Home Rethink: 5 Ways to Create Extra Living Space
5 Questions to Answer Before Planning a Dining Room
Working From Home: Set up an Office that Gets You in the Flow
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Wood kitchen table with black chair color combo
Love your idea! I am thinking of doing the same thing. Great use of space. We rarely use our formal dining room, so moving a baby grand in would be perfect.