Inspiration for a large beach style separate dining room in Houston with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

Hamptons Summer Home

Sean Litchfield Photography

Sean Litchfield
Photo of a transitional dining room in New York with grey walls, dark hardwood floors and decorative wall panelling.

1840 Greek Revival

Twelve Chairs Interiors

This is an example of a traditional separate dining room in Boston with white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

Meadowmere

A. Perry Homes

Photo of a traditional separate dining room in Chicago with green walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

Seward Park

Heidi Caillier Design

Inspiration for a traditional dining room in Seattle with white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

579 Parks Lane

J. Parrish Builders

Formal Dining Room
Mid-sized traditional separate dining room in Other with light hardwood floors and decorative wall panelling.

Dining Room

CS Thomas Construction

Coffered ceiling, white oak floors, wainscoting, custom light fixtures.
Photo of an open plan dining in Other with white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

Dining Rooms

Sidney Sharkey Design, LLC

This dining room design features deep teal walls and white wainscoting below, creating a rich and dramatic contrast. The dark wood pedestal dining table is complemented by a combination of four wooden slatted side chairs and upholstered armchairs. The armchairs feature natural linen on the backs and brown leather seats, offering both comfort and style. A teal, charcoal, and caramel colored ikat area rug adds pattern and interest to the space. White linen drapes with inset embroidered trim are hung over natural woven shades, providing privacy while still allowing natural light to filter into the room. Together, these elements create a welcoming and stylish dining room design that is perfect for hosting large gatherings and intimate dinners alike.

Brick and Stucco Acadian

Wyrick Residential Design

Design ideas for a large dining room in Houston with white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

Rocking Chair Porch

Grayson Dare Homes, Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional separate dining room in Raleigh with brown walls, vinyl floors, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

Château APH

Olivier Chabaud Architecte - Paris & Luberon

Rénovation d'une salle à manger de château, monument classé à Apremont-sur-Allier dans le style contemporain.
Photo of a contemporary dining room in Other with brown walls, beige floor, exposed beam and decorative wall panelling.

Mid Century Modern Restoration

Alberino Construction

Mid century Modern restoration includes maple flooring, gourmet kitchen, custom trim, and updated bathrooms.
Inspiration for a contemporary dining room in Cleveland with grey walls, light hardwood floors and decorative wall panelling.

Fox Run Estates: 15307 Timmons Way

Bentley Construction LLC

Transitional separate dining room in Louisville with green walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, recessed and decorative wall panelling.

Barrymore Dining Room

TJ Simone at Ethan Allen Princeton

Here we have a little bit of fun with the head chairs and use an unexpected fabric. Because there's only a little pattern at the heads of the table, it allows us to pair other patterns together in the adjoining rooms.

Живописная квартира.

Марина Кутепова

Фрагмент гостиной. Одна из стен в гостиной декорирована деревянными панелями, изготовленными мебельной фабрикой IDEA ROOM. На полу – инженерная доска Coswick (дуб «Шамбор»). Столовую акцентирует роскошная люстра Patrizia Volpato, являющаяся украшением общественной зоны. Вазы на столе Основной свет обеспечивают встраиваемые в потолок, практически невидимые точечные светильники ЦЕНТРСВЕТ. Стулья, Enza Home. Обеденный стол, консоль, Cattelan Italia. Керамические вазы ручной работы, магазин декора Levadnaja Décor.

Colonial Home in Oakton, VA

Asta Homes

This is an example of a separate dining room in DC Metro with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

Rochester Country Residence

Kirkshire Design Group

Photo of a mid-sized country separate dining room in Detroit with green walls, light hardwood floors, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

Surrey Mansion

Stephenson Wright Ltd

Photo of a traditional separate dining room in Surrey with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and decorative wall panelling.

Gorgeous Interiors

Universal Services Of Li, Inc.

Mid-sized contemporary dining room in New York with white walls, marble floors, no fireplace, white floor, recessed and decorative wall panelling.

Soos Creek Farmhouse

Sheila Mayden Interiors

Farmhouse dining room with French doors and reclaimed wood wainscot.
Photo of a mid-sized country separate dining room in Seattle with green walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

Brown Dining Room Design Ideas with Decorative Wall Panelling

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!