Photo of an expansive modern open plan dining in Berlin with green walls, carpet, a wood stove, a plaster fireplace surround, beige floor, recessed and panelled walls.

Bold First Floor Reno

Monika Ross

Photo of a large transitional separate dining room in Chicago with blue walls, carpet, beige floor, wallpaper and decorative wall panelling.

Residenza DG

Lucadello & Stocco Architetti Associati

Inspiration for a large contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Other with painted wood floors, brown floor and exposed beam.

Media Bungalow

Deborah Bettcher - Decorating Den Interiors

This fresh dining room incorporates Scandinavian and Mid Century Modern styles to create a unique Nordic Chic vibe. The custom dining table was made by local craftsmen. The airy dining chairs are actually designed for outdoor use, so they will hold up to this family's busy lifestyle. The organic pattern on the area rug reflects the graceful lines of the evergreens in their front yard. Likewise, the faux bois chandelier lends an artful sculptural element to the space.

Great Room

Angela Reynolds Designs

Expansive transitional open plan dining in Miami with dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, exposed beam, wallpaper and beige walls.

Plantation Shutters

Best Buy Blinds Shutters and Shades

Mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Salt Lake City with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor and vaulted.

Grade II* Listed, Country House

User

Transitional separate dining room in Hertfordshire with white walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, exposed beam and panelled walls.

Modern Northwoods Residence Great Room & Balcony

Amy Carman Design

A wall of steel and glass allows panoramic views of the lake at our Modern Northwoods Cabin project.
Design ideas for a large contemporary dining room in Other with black walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, vaulted and panelled walls.

Fruit Box

nimtim Architects

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in London with linoleum floors, grey floor and exposed beam.

Give it the WOW factor with a dash of CLASS

Cava Companies

Inspiration for a transitional dining room in Richmond with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

Essbereich mit Verknüpfung zum Wohnzimmerbereich

Bögelsack Möbelmanufaktur GmbH

Der geräumige Ess- und Wohnbereich ist offen gestaltet. Der TV ist an eine mit Stoff bezogene Wand angefügt.
Inspiration for an expansive modern kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, ceramic floors, white floor, wallpaper and decorative wall panelling.

Modern Fredricksburg

Firmitas Design, LLC

Photo of a contemporary dining room in Dallas with white walls, exposed beam, vaulted and wood.

Whispering Meadows XX

Glas Associates

Comfortable living and dining space with beautiful wood ceiling beams, marble gas fireplace surround, and built-ins. Photo by Ashley Avila Photography

The House of Palms

Sea Island Builders LLC

This bright and airy dining space is open to the kitchen and living room for optimal entertaining options. A coffered ceiling adds height and interest and French doors open up to a second story covered porch with ocean views. A rustic oyster shell chandelier is a visual showstopper.

Guest House Renovation

Anne Architecture

This is an example of a large country dining room in Charleston with white walls, light hardwood floors, brown floor, vaulted and wood walls.

Riverside Mansion Dining Area

Amanda Friend Interiors

Transitional dining room in DC Metro with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and recessed.

Study Room

Shapiro & Company Architects

Photo of a traditional dining room in Nashville with multi-coloured walls, dark hardwood floors, timber and wallpaper.

Modern Urban Kitchen and Dining Room

BSA Construction

Dining counter in Boston condo remodel. Light wood cabinets, white subway tile with dark grout, stainless steel appliances, white counter tops, custom interior steel window. Custom sideboard cabinets with white counters. Custom floating cabinets. White ceiling with light exposed beams.

Seward Park Industrial

H2D Architecture + Design

Experience the harmonious blend of raw industrial elements and inviting warmth in this captivating industrial kitchen and dining area. From the sturdy concrete floors to the rugged charm of exposed metal beams, the wood-clad ceiling, and the expansive double-height space, every component contributes to the authentic industrial ambiance. Yet, amidst the industrial allure, the soothing wood tones and carefully curated lighting infuse a sense of comfort and coziness, completing this striking fusion of rugged and inviting aesthetics.

Lake Shore Drive

Joe McGuire Design

Experience urban sophistication meets artistic flair in this unique Chicago residence. Combining urban loft vibes with Beaux Arts elegance, it offers 7000 sq ft of modern luxury. Serene interiors, vibrant patterns, and panoramic views of Lake Michigan define this dreamy lakeside haven. The dining room features a portion of the original ornately paneled ceiling, now recessed in a mirrored and lit alcove, contrasted with bright white walls and modern rift oak millwork. The custom elliptical table was designed by Radutny. --- Joe McGuire Design is an Aspen and Boulder interior design firm bringing a uniquely holistic approach to home interiors since 2005. For more about Joe McGuire Design, see here: https://www.joemcguiredesign.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.joemcguiredesign.com/lake-shore-drive

All Ceiling Designs Dining Room Design Ideas

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!