Third Shift Photography
This is an example of a large eclectic kitchen/dining combo in Other with cork floors, grey walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround.

Dining Room

Responsible House

Photo credit: Kevin Blackburn
Mid-sized separate dining room in Other with dark hardwood floors, green walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround.

211 Westerly Road, Weston, MA

Amy Mizner, Benoit Mizner Simon & Co.

http://211westerlyroad.com/ Introducing a distinctive residence in the coveted Weston Estate's neighborhood. A striking antique mirrored fireplace wall accents the majestic family room. The European elegance of the custom millwork in the entertainment sized dining room accents the recently renovated designer kitchen. Decorative French doors overlook the tiered granite and stone terrace leading to a resort-quality pool, outdoor fireplace, wading pool and hot tub. The library's rich wood paneling, an enchanting music room and first floor bedroom guest suite complete the main floor. The grande master suite has a palatial dressing room, private office and luxurious spa-like bathroom. The mud room is equipped with a dumbwaiter for your convenience. The walk-out entertainment level includes a state-of-the-art home theatre, wine cellar and billiards room that leads to a covered terrace. A semi-circular driveway and gated grounds complete the landscape for the ultimate definition of luxurious living. Eric Barry Photography

Actual project

TerryBrick, LLC

Design ideas for a large country separate dining room in Atlanta with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and brown floor.

Contemporary Dining

Walker Architects

Steel double doors open onto a contemporary garden.
Inspiration for a contemporary separate dining room in Boston with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and brown floor.

Azure Model, Residences at Mercato

Residences at Mercato

Photo of an expansive contemporary dining room in Miami with beige walls, porcelain floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and grey floor.

2017 Parade of Homes - The Sequoia II

Rockford Homes

This is an example of a country dining room in Columbus with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and grey floor.

Claro Dining

Collector's Specialty Woods

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

Hanover River View Home

Gilberte Interiors, inc

Charles A. Parker / Images Plus
Mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in Burlington with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and medium hardwood floors.

Dining Room Furniture

Dennis Lee Furniture

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional separate dining room in Other with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround.

New Home & ADU

Reliance Design Build

This is an example of a large transitional kitchen/dining combo in Los Angeles with green walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and vaulted.

Custom Mahogany Mantle

General Woodcraft Inc.

Custom mahogany mantle created by our in-house craftsman.
Photo of a large transitional kitchen/dining combo in Providence with a wood fireplace surround, beige walls, carpet and a standard fireplace.

Irish Stud Farm

Maria Fenlon Interior Design

Classic dining room. Photography by Gareth Bryne
Large traditional separate dining room in Dublin with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround.

Dickson Residence

MG Homes, LLC

4 pendant chandelier, custom wood wall design, ceramic tile flooring, marble waterfall island, under bar storage, sliding pantry barn door, wood cabinets, large modern cabinet handles, glass tile backsplash

Custom Built Colonial Revival by Dave

Dave Knecht Homes, LLC

Karen Knecht Photography
Inspiration for a large traditional separate dining room in Chicago with green walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround.

Old Fort Cabin

Altura Architects

This mountain modern cabin outside of Asheville serves as a simple retreat for our clients. They are passionate about fly-fishing, so when they found property with a designated trout stream, it was a natural fit. We developed a design that allows them to experience both views and sounds of the creek and a relaxed style for the cabin - a counterpoint to their full-time residence.

Harbor View

Kennedy Cole Interior Design

This is an example of a large transitional separate dining room in Orange County with grey walls, light hardwood floors, brown floor, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround, exposed beam and decorative wall panelling.

Bristol Farm - Maine

Burrow & Nest

The dining room already had a beamed ceiling with painted vintage embossed wallpaper. We added this beautiful vinyl to the walls in a slate blue with modern trellis pattern that suited both the homeowner's tastes. It's washable and adds a perfect sheen to lend a little formality. The trim was given a fresh coat of paint and the fireplace accented in Benjamin Moore's Coventry Grey. A sputnik pendant adds a touch of mid-century glam, juxtaposing the rustic table. The dining table was commissioned locally of reclaimed barnwood. The chairs are of navy tweed, a durable fabric to withstand many family dinners for years to come. A buffet was added to use as a serveboard, as well as provide additional storage. The rug is a durable poly that will withstand spills better than wool.

19th Century Farmhouse Renovation; updated photos by Mick Hales

Kate Johns Designs

Close up of breakfast nook with built in seating and table. Bookshelves above and more industrial lighting.
Inspiration for a country dining room in Boston with medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and beige walls.

Townhouse

Jon Andersen Interiors

Dave Henderson
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional separate dining room in Boston with brown walls, carpet, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround.

Dining Room Design Ideas with a Standard Fireplace and a Wood 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!