The dining room is located at the front of the house, just off of the formal entry hall. The integrated mahogany china cabinet is recessed into the wall and can be removed: it was planned like this in case of flooding, there is an access panel below the custom cabinet.

China storage

Delicious Kitchens & Interiors, LLC

Crystal and china are displayed artfully in this custom mahogany cabinet in the formal dining room.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional separate dining room in Charleston with multi-coloured walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and wallpaper.

South End Townhouse

Elms Interior Design

Mid-sized transitional open plan dining in Boston with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, recessed and wallpaper.

Today’s Traditional On Beacon Hill Boston

Hamilburg Interiors

Inspiration for a traditional dining room in Boston with green walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor and wallpaper.

West Town Allure

Dual Concept Design

An inviting living/dining space adorned with a black and gold leaf wall covering.
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional open plan dining in Chicago with black walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, brown floor and wallpaper.

Totteridge Manor House

Emilie Fournet Interiors

An old and dark transitionary space was transformed into a bright and fresh dining room. The room is off a conservatory and brings the outside in the house by using plants and greenery.

The Queen Anne Victorian Rebuild

Ingrid Porter Interiors, LLC

A stunning dining room perfect for entertaining guests.
Traditional dining room in Cleveland with multi-coloured walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, brown floor and wallpaper.

Washougal Remodel

Transitional Designs, LLC

Travertine Dining Table with Brass Inlay, Leather & Rose Metal Chairs, Iron Chandelier, LED Chandelier, Large Mirror,
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional open plan dining in Portland with brown walls, laminate floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, brown floor, vaulted and wallpaper.

Orient Ave Townhouse

2MO

Design ideas for a large contemporary open plan dining in New York with light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround, brown floor, vaulted and wallpaper.

Newtown Estate Property, Newtown Pa

Black-eyed Susan

Photo of a transitional separate dining room in Philadelphia with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor, coffered and wallpaper.

Hancock Bungalow

Jeanne Schultz Design Studio

Farrow and Ball Hague blue painted wainscoting. Grand wood beaded chandelier plays on traditional baroque design in a modern way. Versace Home bird wallpaper complements Farrow and Ball Hague blue accents and pink and red furniture. Existing chairs spray painting Carnival red to match curtain rods and custom velvet drapes in living room.

Athletic Club Dr

Virtual Studio Innovations

Large traditional separate dining room in Atlanta with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and wallpaper.

Grands Horizons

Daisy D Déco

AMÉNAGEMENT D’UNE PIÈCE DE VIE Pour ce projet, mes clients souhaitaient une ambiance douce et épurée inspirée des grands horizons maritimes avec une tonalité naturelle. Le point de départ étant le canapé à conserver, nous avons commencé par mieux définir les espaces de vie tout en intégrant un piano et un espace lecture. Ainsi, la salle à manger se trouve naturellement près de la cuisine qui peut être isolée par une double cloison verrière coulissante. La généreuse table en chêne est accompagnée de différentes assises en velours vert foncé. Une console marque la séparation avec le salon qui occupe tout l’espace restant. Le canapé est positionné en ilôt afin de faciliter la circulation et rendre l’espace encore plus aéré. Le piano s’appuie contre un mur entre les deux fenêtres près du coin lecture. La cheminée gagne un insert et son manteau est mis en valeur par la couleur douce des murs et les moulures au plafond. Les murs sont peints d’un vert pastel très doux auquel on a ajouté un sous bassement mouluré. Afin de créer une jolie perspective, le mur du fond de cette pièce en longueur est recouvert d’un papier peint effet papier déchiré évoquant tout autant la mer que des collines, pour un effet nature reprenant les couleurs du projet. Enfin, l’ensemble est mis en lumière sans éblouir par un jeu d’appliques rondes blanches et dorées. Crédit photos: Caroline GASCH

Bel Aire Chinoiserie Mural

MuralSources

For the Richmond Symphony Showhouse in 2018. This room was designed by David Barden Designs, photographed by Ansel Olsen. The Mural is "Bel Aire" in the "Emerald" colorway. Installed above a chair rail that was painted to match.

Mt. Vernon Highway Project

Morse Design

Family room makeover in Sandy Springs, Ga. Mixed new and old pieces together.
Large traditional open plan dining in Atlanta with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and wallpaper.

New England Stick-Style Summer House (circa 1875-80)

Maggie Meahl

Our attempt at a North Shore Boston Victorian-era Dining Room. Although we do not entertain a lot, the room is very visible and was worth a complete overhaul from 1990s-era decor. We were propelled by a burst cast-iron pipe in the winter of 2021! The project is almost done now, just waiting for a 19th century sofa to be added (after its much-needed re-upholstery). Will update in early April with better photos.

Oakwood Court | Open plan living

Candi Kitchens

This is an example of a small contemporary dining room in London with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, grey floor and wallpaper.

Reforma de vivienda en tonos claros y grises

Sube Interiorismo

Large transitional open plan dining in Bilbao with blue walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and wallpaper.

Tuxedo Park Dining

Imani James Interiors

Inspiration for a large transitional kitchen/dining combo in Atlanta with metallic walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and wallpaper.

Diseño de casa en grises

Sube Interiorismo

Large transitional open plan dining in Bilbao with grey walls, laminate floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and wallpaper.

Dining Room Design Ideas with a Standard Fireplace and Wallpaper

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!