Photo of a mid-sized transitional open plan dining in Boston with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, recessed and wallpaper.

Dining Room

Amy Kartheiser Design

Design ideas for a large transitional separate dining room in Chicago with dark hardwood floors and white walls.

Upper East Side - 64th Street

Noha Hassan Designs

MARK ROSKAMS
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury separate dining room in New York with brown walls and dark hardwood floors.

Living Rooms

Buckeye House Painting

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional separate dining room in Columbus with blue walls, dark hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Brookhaven remodel

Hart & Lock Design

David Cannon - photographer
Small country open plan dining in Atlanta with dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Some Essential Finishing Touches

User

Series of "progress" photos with much-needed finishing touches to make newly-purchased furnished model reflective of its new well-traveled homeowner/clients. So far, we have added several new rugs with subtle teal references, some accent pieces and installed client artwork and personal photos. Client has selectively-integrated favorite pieces from their former homes.

A Transitional Home in the City

T.S. Adams Studio, Architects

Photo of a transitional separate dining room in Atlanta with black walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Shade Tree Shutters

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Other with dark hardwood floors, brown floor, white walls and a hanging fireplace.

Our Work

Lush Woodcraft

Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial kitchen/dining combo in San Diego with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Horsham Dining Room

Luna Grey Interiors

This client wanted to make a jaw-dropping, glamorous, black and white statement in her massive formal dining room. Originally a boring beige living room and dining room, we ripped out the decorative columns and carpet and laid down a beautiful dark wood floor to coordinate with the rest of the house. We gave the space more architectural presence with a coffered ceiling with faux silver leafing and wainscotting. A wet bar offers plenty of wine and glass storage. A burnt wood and cracked resin 14' long custom dining table seats 12 comfortably in this 32' long room. We upholstered the side chairs in a contract-grade white chenille that is kid- and pet-friendly. The host chairs are huge purple velvet wingbacks with silver nailheads. Two wide, gold, directional chandeliers add whimsy to the sophisticated space. A high gloss stencil covers the long wall and becomes a textured backdrop for a black and white art gallery. Gold silk draperies and ivory silk Roman shades are the finishing touch to this over-the-top luxe dining room.

Prospect Hill

Lovas Architects LLC

This is an example of a traditional separate dining room in New York with green walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and panelled walls.

Urban Penthouse

Mia Rao Design

This modern Chicago penthouse features a unique square dining table that seats nine. A back lit, wall mounted sideboard and oversized wall mirror add light to the moody charcoal grey room.

Hawks Ridge Haven

Pineapple House Interior Design

In the dining room, we created a dramatic arched entrance with stained walnut raised-paneling. We added a painted beam ceiling with tongue and groove V-notch slats to add interest and texture to the 10 ’ ceiling. To create trim with a flowing, seamless appearance, we integrated drapery cornices into the crown molding. Intense sun penetrates the room and led to the creation of a three-part window treatment. We incorporated stationary drapery panels for acoustics and to soften edges. We added roman shades for solar control and a gothic-inspired arched valance in embossed linen for a formal accent. The valance is a soft echo of the gothic motif on the fireplace surround in the home’s adjacent keeping room. On the walls, we had the installer cut grass cloth into squares and alternate their direction when he was hanging. This creates a subtle visual effect that changes as the sun dances through the room and you walk around the space. Square nail heads punctuate the intersections by being turned and set on their tips, creating a 3-dimensional diamond shape. Chris Little Photography

Lake Michigan 70's Modern Renovation

Cannarsa Structure and Design

Inspiration for a modern kitchen/dining combo with white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, vaulted, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Full Remodel

Tiger Paw Construction

Photo of a mid-sized traditional kitchen/dining combo in Columbus with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

House Crashers Season 12, Episode 11

K Squared

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Sacramento with grey walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Contemporary Phoenix Condo

Chris Jovanelly Interior Design

Contemporary Dining Room with triangular wenge table with inset stone. White leather dining chairs and dining bench. Black and White Contemporary Art by Modern Canvas. Contemporary Crystal Chandelier by Possini Euro. Black, white and red rug by Surya. Paint color is Sherwin Williams "Plum Brown" . Photography by Colby Vincent Edwards

Cambria

Kitchen & Bath Source

Cambria
Photo of a large transitional kitchen/dining combo in New York with purple walls, no fireplace, brown floor and dark hardwood floors.

Casa CH

GLR Arquitectos / Gilberto L. Rodriguez

Jorge Taboada
Inspiration for a contemporary dining room in Other with black walls, dark hardwood floors and a ribbon fireplace.

Lincoln Park Vintage

MKW Interiors

Design ideas for a transitional kitchen/dining combo in Chicago with green walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Black Dining Room Design Ideas with Dark Hardwood Floors

A dining room can be used for casual dining, integrated into an open plan and connected to the living and kitchen areas; or as a formal space reserved solely for entertaining. While it may not be used frequently, it is a great focal point in the home, and requires little furnishings. Here's what you need to consider before you start planning a new dining room...

How will you use your dining room?

First, consider how frequently you will use the space. If you plan on using your dining room on a daily basis, a casual dining set-up with sturdy, long-lasting furniture is best. As for where you position it – well, any unused space in the home can be converted into a casual dining space, whether it be at the end of a kitchen island, or at the bottom of the stairs. A formal dining room, on the other hand, is more suited to a dedicated space, which is more common in heritage homes where space originally wasn’t at a premium. Perhaps you want your dining room to multi-task and accommodate everyday meals, homework sessions and grown-up dinner parties… If that’s the case, furniture is key. Look for versatile dining tables in either Australian or New Zealand hardwood or weathered timber for a more rustic look. These won’t show up sticky fingerprints as much and can be dressed up for guests.

What size and shape should your dining table be?

Your dining table should be able to seat all family members with some room for additional guests – each person should have at least 60 centimetres of space at the table. The right size, however, also depends on how much room you have. A general rule of thumb is to leave no less than 1 metre from the dining table to the wall or any additional furniture, so people have enough room to comfortably move around the space. Rectangular dining tables are versatile and can work in a variety of settings, while oval dining tables are more traditional and can turn any meal into an occasion. If you have a tight space to work in, a round dining table is best, and also a great option if you want to encourage conversation. A square dining table can be a dramatic addition to a dining room, but only if you have the space. It allows everyone at the table to see each other, but the bigger the table, the harder it will be able to hold a conversation with someone at the other end.

What type of dining chairs should you choose?

Once you’ve decided on a dining table, look for dining chairs that share a common design element. If your dining table legs are curved, for example, try to match them with dining chairs that have a similar curve, either in the legs or back. Next, consider the dimensions of the chair. The height of your dining chairs should allow at least 30 centimetres between the top of the seat and the top of the table. And to keep your tush happy, avoid dining chairs narrower than 45 centimetres.

How can you decorate your dining room?

Dining rooms are relatively minimal spaces, but that makes them a great place to splash a little colour through artwork, especially if yours is a formal dining room. If your dining room is lacking warmth, consider painting the walls a deep shade of red or blue, or go contemporary with black or grey. A cosy rug will make the space feel more intimate, while a sideboard or cabinet of curiosities will further personalise the space. Often overlooked, dining room lighting can also drastically alter the mood of a room, creating drama, spurring romance or encouraging conversation. Opt for soft lighting in the dining area with dimmer switches, and choose oversized pendants in large, open spaces or to make the dining area more of a focal point. Finally, add some table settings, such as a lace tablecloth for a whimsy feel, or a more basic table runner for a chic look. If you need some help designing your dining room, consider checking the Houzz directory of interior designers, home stylists, cabinet makers and more!