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Indulgent Dining Rooms: 12 Elegant Designs to Inspire You
A formal dining room can turn any meal into a special occasion when it's dressed for success
Modern homes tend to lean towards casual dining areas, but an elegant dining room can make your house stand out from the crowd. Whether you love to throw dinner parties for family and friends, or just love the idea of sitting down at every meal in a room that’s as fine as the food, one of these divine dining areas could be just what you’ve been looking to create at your house.
2. Mood maestro
At night, the dark colours that dominate this dining room would set the scene beautifully for an intimate gathering. The elaborate chandelier and credenza lamps are ample sources of light to cast a golden glow.
At night, the dark colours that dominate this dining room would set the scene beautifully for an intimate gathering. The elaborate chandelier and credenza lamps are ample sources of light to cast a golden glow.
3. Scene-setter
If elegant dining is what you’d love for a special occasion, but you don’t want to eat in that setting all time, master the art of a gorgeous table setting that turns your table from ordinary to extraordinary.
If elegant dining is what you’d love for a special occasion, but you don’t want to eat in that setting all time, master the art of a gorgeous table setting that turns your table from ordinary to extraordinary.
4. Texture rich
Velvet brocade has been used for centuries and there’s still a place for it today. And this shimmery teal wallpaper works a treat against the white ceiling detail and dining setting.
Velvet brocade has been used for centuries and there’s still a place for it today. And this shimmery teal wallpaper works a treat against the white ceiling detail and dining setting.
5. Thoughtful detail
You may not have a room as grand as this one in which to dine, but add a linen napkin to each place setting and you’ve just made every guest feel important.
You may not have a room as grand as this one in which to dine, but add a linen napkin to each place setting and you’ve just made every guest feel important.
6. All lit up
Candles are another detail that can set the mood for fine dining, and if the candlelight is reflected in some artfully placed mirrors, the effect is magnified.
Candles are another detail that can set the mood for fine dining, and if the candlelight is reflected in some artfully placed mirrors, the effect is magnified.
7. Dramatic duo
The theatrical combination of red and black adds high drama and big personality to any dining room. Every element shouts opulence in this room, from the dyed cowhide rug and black wallpaper, to the furniture and glittering chandelier.
The theatrical combination of red and black adds high drama and big personality to any dining room. Every element shouts opulence in this room, from the dyed cowhide rug and black wallpaper, to the furniture and glittering chandelier.
8. Modern mode
Elegant dining rooms tend to be on the more traditional side, but they need not be. Black and white is a failsafe duo, especially when an amazing light feature completes the look.
Elegant dining rooms tend to be on the more traditional side, but they need not be. Black and white is a failsafe duo, especially when an amazing light feature completes the look.
9. Warm welcome
The subtle hues chosen for this dining room are certain to become deeper and warmer after dark, and that delicate chandelier will bring sparkle to any gathering. With chairs as comfortable as these, no wonder the cat has made itself at home.
The subtle hues chosen for this dining room are certain to become deeper and warmer after dark, and that delicate chandelier will bring sparkle to any gathering. With chairs as comfortable as these, no wonder the cat has made itself at home.
10. Artistic licence
Geometric patterns and forms make this dining room positively mesmerising. As we’ve discovered in other standout dining rooms, the real secret ingredient here is an eye-catching light.
Geometric patterns and forms make this dining room positively mesmerising. As we’ve discovered in other standout dining rooms, the real secret ingredient here is an eye-catching light.
11. Round-table discussion
If you have the space, why not opt for a table that allows everyone to talk to each other rather than just the people next to them. A square table can work just as well.
If you have the space, why not opt for a table that allows everyone to talk to each other rather than just the people next to them. A square table can work just as well.
12. Stylish touch
Don’t discount the impact a rug can have on a formal dining setting. This zebra-inspired design is a perfect match for the other elements in the room, and is so eye-catching not even those giant light fittings can manage to steal the limelight. The other feature I love about this room? The chair rings that make it so easy to pull out the chairs and sit down.
YOU TELL US
How do you give a special dinner a sense of occasion at your house? Share your secrets in the comments section below.
Don’t discount the impact a rug can have on a formal dining setting. This zebra-inspired design is a perfect match for the other elements in the room, and is so eye-catching not even those giant light fittings can manage to steal the limelight. The other feature I love about this room? The chair rings that make it so easy to pull out the chairs and sit down.
YOU TELL US
How do you give a special dinner a sense of occasion at your house? Share your secrets in the comments section below.
The best dining rooms have ultra-comfortable chairs that invite guests to settle in and enjoy good food and conversation. This one masters the mix of modern and traditional with stately wallpaper and a fabulous feathered pendant light that brings this room well into the 21st century.