This is an example of a transitional open plan dining in Minneapolis with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and wood.

Contemporary Dining Room

This is an example of a contemporary open plan dining in Los Angeles with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, brown floor and wood walls.

Angel Bay - Lake Travis

AE Interiors

This is an example of a country open plan dining in Austin with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a corner fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Olmi Landrith Dr

The Ransom Company

Design ideas for a traditional open plan dining in DC Metro with grey walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Philbrick Street

HM Collins Photography

HM Collins Photography
This is an example of a country dining room in Boston with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and brown floor.

Cartright Ranch | Contemporary Farmhouse

Solitude Homes

Mid-sized country open plan dining in Boise with medium hardwood floors, brown floor, beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Snowbunny

Zone 4 Architects, LLC

The elegant simplicity of creating design elements from structural steel add a functional element of design interest to the room. Clerestory windows help to add natural light without opening the room to the autocourt and street. Large lift and slide doors open to an outdoor living area, creating true indoor-outdoor living space. A wood ceiling adds character without competing with other design elements and art.

Sherman Oaks

Regal X Inc.

New construction completed 2018. 5,000 Sqft of luxurious living in the heart of Sherman Oaks. High end craftsmanship and attention to details. Home was done from concept, design to building.

Dachgeschoss in Berlin Friedrichshain

Sybille Israel Design

Photo of a large industrial dining room in Berlin with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a wood stove, a plaster fireplace surround and brown floor.

Bonavista

CarpetandTiles.com.au

Photo of a contemporary open plan dining in Sunshine Coast with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Brown Floor

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!