Design ideas for a contemporary open plan dining in Denver with brown walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

This tiny dining area would only have had seating for two if it included a standard table and allowed enough space in the dining area for people to walk back and forth from the living room to the kitchen. Using a custom triangular table with matching benches created seating for four and preserved enough space for the pass through. The room also features non-toxic, no-VOC paint, and the leather is Greenguard certified for low toxic emissions. Photo by Robin Stancliff

Elbow Valley Estate

Brenda Motter Interiors LTD

This is an example of a large transitional separate dining room in Calgary with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, coffered and wallpaper.

Maison Blanche

Unique Homestays

Photo of a mid-sized eclectic kitchen/dining combo in Kent with pink walls and light hardwood floors.

Cozy Chic Farmhouse

Kelly Simkovich for Ethan Allen

Photo of a mid-sized kitchen/dining combo in Philadelphia with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Oak Pass Main House

Walker Workshop

Inspiration for a modern dining room in Los Angeles with brown walls, a two-sided fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and black floor.

"Русская усадьба". Загородный дом в классическом стиле

Екатерина Владимирова

Дизайнер Екатерина Владимирова, фото Сергей Ананьев
Small eclectic dining room in Moscow with medium hardwood floors, brown walls, no fireplace and brown floor.

YC Residence

North Fork Builders of Montana, Inc.

Photography - LongViews Studios
This is an example of an expansive country kitchen/dining combo in Other with brown walls, brown floor and dark hardwood floors.

Historic 200 Year-Old Renovation

Hallmark Building Group, Inc.

Photo of a country separate dining room in Nashville with brown walls and medium hardwood floors.

Santa Barbara Riviera Custom Home

Newhaven Builders Inc.

Large mediterranean separate dining room in Santa Barbara with pink walls, terra-cotta floors, no fireplace and red floor.

Furniture

Odyssey Woodworks

Inspiration for a mid-sized country kitchen/dining combo in Charleston with brown walls, porcelain floors, no fireplace and beige floor.

Tapawingo Lake Camp

Pearson Design Group

Country dining room in Other with brown walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Style and Substance, Barnes

Studio Hopwood

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

Classic Shingle Style House

VanBrouck & Associates, Inc.

Beth Singer Photographer
Traditional dining room in Detroit with brown walls, dark hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Inspired French Country Farmhouse

Newberry Architecture

Jon Golden
Inspiration for a mid-sized country kitchen/dining combo in Richmond with brown walls, medium hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Craftsman Dining Room

Inspiration for a large contemporary separate dining room in Other with brown walls, slate floors and no fireplace.

Lake Angelus Remodel

Tutto Interiors

Traditional Dining Room with dark wood tones and neutral color palette. Oval Dining table with lattice back chairs.
Large traditional separate dining room in Detroit with brown walls and medium hardwood floors.

Osgood Path

Hartman Homes

This is an example of a traditional dining room in Minneapolis with brown walls and dark hardwood floors.

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.

Hidden Hills

User

James John Jetel
Photo of a traditional separate dining room in Los Angeles with dark hardwood floors and brown walls.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Brown Walls and Pink Walls

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!