New forest wood Burning Centre stove installations

Traditional dining room in Hampshire with a wood stove and a metal fireplace surround.

Tricia Shay Photography
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Milwaukee with dark hardwood floors, white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

REFORMA VIVIENDA UNIFAMILIAR SITGES

Kubuni Reforms

Inspiration for a large mediterranean kitchen/dining combo in Other with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a corner fireplace and a metal fireplace surround.

Aménagement d'un salon & salle à manger tout en longueur

Delphine Krieger

Le mobilier se veut léger pour plus de fluidité, ponctué d’un élément fort avec le meuble cheminée donnant du caractère à la pièce. Coté jardin, on a opté pour des rideaux en coton gris pour créer une ambiance plus cosy. Pour compléter cette déco zen, des touches de bois, de jolis tapis et de nombreuses plantes s’associent pour apporter une touche cocooning à cet espace au design minimaliste.

Queen's Gate, South Kensington

Keir Townsend

It is a common misconception that the fewer pieces of furniture and features you have in a space, the bigger it will look – this isn’t actually the case. The more zones and features you have the more it creates a perception of different areas within one room. The trick is not to have too many contrasts or palette juxtapositions but to use neutral tones in a variety of different textures and materials. A material that consists of layers of liquid metal and resin has been used to clad the fireplace surround, hand chiselled to create a crackled effect it has a textured appearance that is tactile and visually stimulating. Keir Townsend has collaborated with Italian manufacturer Laurameroni on production of the copper coffee table; it features a unique process which involves applying patinated metal strips of different widths to furniture surfaces. The velvet upholstered sofa has a matching ottoman which gives a feeling of expansive luxury and provides extra seating if required.

Northcote Additions - Light and Bright

Rebecca Naughtin Architect

Ben Hosking Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Melbourne with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a metal fireplace surround.

Project Shades of Grey

Urbaine Home

Photo of a large contemporary separate dining room in Other with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, brown floor, exposed beam, vaulted and wood.

Contemporary Weekend Home

Olamar Interiors

This beautiful breakfast room belongs in a weekend home in the mountains of West Virginia. The space is limited so we custom designed two benches to sit around a round glass table, creating plenty of seating. A large woven rug anchors the space and adds modern texture and pattern. The unique bar stools play on the rustic post and beam style of the house while giving it a modern twist. Liz Ernest Photography

Cox

Kitchens of Diablo

Entertain with style in this expansive family room with full size bar. Large TV's on both walls. openhomesphotography.com
Design ideas for an expansive transitional dining room in San Francisco with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and beige floor.

Toronto

Upside Development

Upside Development completed this interior remodel in Toronto.
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern kitchen/dining combo in Toronto with a ribbon fireplace, white walls, light hardwood floors, a metal fireplace surround and beige floor.

Wading Place 1

SHELTER Custom-Built Living

Matthew Scott Photographer Inc.
Design ideas for a large contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Charleston with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and grey floor.

Country House Interior Design, Build and Transformation

Cream & Browne Lifestyle

Inspiration for a transitional dining room in West Midlands with carpet, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown walls.

Alpine Chic

Suman Architects

Photo of a modern dining room in Denver with a two-sided fireplace and a metal fireplace surround.

Alpenchic

User

Projekt von Bau-Fritz Der Essbereich wurde ähnlich wie in einer Berghütte gestaltet und lädt zu langen Abenden am angrenzenden Kamin ein.
Design ideas for a large scandinavian open plan dining in Other with white walls, a two-sided fireplace, medium hardwood floors and a metal fireplace surround.

Contemporary

BRANDO concept

Undicilandia
Photo of an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Milan with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and a metal fireplace surround.

Hyde Park Gardens

Aflux Designs

Inspiration for a transitional dining room in London with light hardwood floors, a metal fireplace surround and a ribbon fireplace.

Windsor Residence

Carlton Edwards

David Dietrich
This is an example of a large contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Charlotte with a two-sided fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, beige walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Wheelers Hill Project

Destination Living

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary separate dining room in Melbourne with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a metal fireplace surround.

Winnetka, Il

DDK Kitchen Design Group

Rick Tripple
This is an example of a contemporary dining room in Chicago with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a metal fireplace surround.

Yaletown Loft Penthouse

User

Design ideas for a mid-sized industrial open plan dining in Vancouver with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

Dining Room Design Ideas with a Metal Fireplace Surround

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!