Photo of a mid-sized scandinavian open plan dining in Munich with white walls, concrete floors, a wood stove, a plaster fireplace surround, grey floor and wood.

Interiors

THE PAINT CENTERS

Photo of a mid-sized country separate dining room in Other with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and brown floor.

Деревянный дом в стиле американского кантри

ПАЛЕКС дома из клееного бруса

архитектор Александра Петунин, дизайнер Leslie Tucker, фотограф Надежда Серебрякова
Inspiration for a mid-sized country open plan dining in Moscow with beige walls, ceramic floors, a corner fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and beige floor.

The Bedford House

Lori Dennis, Inc.

Modern Dining Room in an open floor plan, sits between the Living Room, Kitchen and Backyard Patio. The modern electric fireplace wall is finished in distressed grey plaster. Modern Dining Room Furniture in Black and white is paired with a sculptural glass chandelier. Floor to ceiling windows and modern sliding glass doors expand the living space to the outdoors.

Georgetown Renovation

Christian Zapatka Architect, PLLC

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional open plan dining in DC Metro with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, beige floor and a plaster fireplace surround.

Form Marries Function

Ashley Campbell Interior Design

Layers of texture and high contrast in this mid-century modern dining room. Inhabit living recycled wall flats painted in a high gloss charcoal paint as the feature wall. Three-sided flare fireplace adds warmth and visual interest to the dividing wall between dining room and den.

VISTA LAS PALMAS

User

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury open plan dining with white walls, slate floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and brown floor.

Mirage Flooring

The Floor Source

Large traditional separate dining room in Other with multi-coloured walls, porcelain floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and grey floor.

Lexington Avenue Apartment NYC

ORA Studio NYC by Giusi Mastro

Richard Cadan Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in New York with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and grey floor.

Traditional Horse Farm-Chester County, Pennsylvania

Meadowbank Designs

18th Century Farmhouse design with timber beams, salvaged wood floors and large hearth. Table is an antique purchased at Pook and Pook in Downingtown, PA

Traditional Interiors

Talmont Homes

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional separate dining room in Other with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Bernier

SINGER BIEDER Architecture

Photo of a large contemporary dining room in Paris with blue walls, light hardwood floors, a corner fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, brown floor and exposed beam.

Esszimmer

GRIMM ARCHITEKTEN BDA

GRIMM ARCHITEKTEN BDA
Photo of an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Nuremberg with grey walls, a wood stove, a plaster fireplace surround and grey floor.

Waterfront Estate

Architecture Studio, Inc.

Inspiration for a large traditional separate dining room in Orlando with white walls, porcelain floors, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Morehampton Road: Remodel & Extension

DMVF Architects

Design ideas for a large contemporary open plan dining in Dublin with white walls, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, grey floor and exposed beam.

Urban Oasis

Interior Inspirations

Mid-sized traditional separate dining room in Calgary with a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, purple walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Tarzana

Trinity Builders & Design, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Los Angeles with white walls, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Fussball Loft

Metroarea Architetti

dining - Metroarea
Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial open plan dining in Other with a two-sided fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and light hardwood floors.

Aprasia Ave Googong - For BLD Homes Canberra

Ben King Photography

Ben King
Mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Canberra - Queanbeyan with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and orange floor.

Private Residence Woodland Extension

Ben Cunliffe Architects Ltd

tonywestphoto.co.uk
This is an example of a large contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Other with medium hardwood floors, brown floor, white walls, a two-sided fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Shiplap Dining Room Design Ideas with a Plaster 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!