Transitional dining room in Sydney with white walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Westbourne Gardens, Notting Hill, London W2

Dining room: The dining room shares the same space as the living room and we wanted to make that space as flexible as possible. We created a full width dining/sitting bench that can be used as a flexible social space. The bench has hidden storage contains the control panel for the under floor heating. The wall units above the bench are also used for storage and give easy access for dining requirements. These units also hide the boiler and other services out of plain sight. Concealed lighting is placed under these top units.

Red Ledges

Studio McGee

Design ideas for a mid-sized country dining room in Salt Lake City with white walls and dark hardwood floors.

Santa Barbara Style

White Sands Coastal Development

We remodeled this 5,400-square foot, 3-story home on ’s Second Street to give it a more current feel, with cleaner lines and textures. The result is more and less Old World Europe, which is exactly what we were going for. We worked with much of the client’s existing furniture, which has a southern flavor, compliments of its former South Carolina home. This was an additional challenge, because we had to integrate a variety of influences in an intentional and cohesive way. We painted nearly every surface white in the 5-bed, 6-bath home, and added light-colored window treatments, which brightened and opened the space. Additionally, we replaced all the light fixtures for a more integrated aesthetic. Well-selected accessories help pull the space together, infusing a consistent sense of peace and comfort.

Mid Century Modern Remodel

Kelly Martin Interiors

This remodel was located in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles. The dining room features authentic mid century modern furniture and a colorful Louis Poulsen pendant.

584 Peerless Drive - Dining Room

Collective Design

Collective Design + Furnishings
Photo of a transitional dining room in Denver with white walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Modern Spanish Revival Home

ADG Lighting

Mediterranean dining room in Other with white walls, dark hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Hamptons Interiors

Morgan Ione Photography

This is an example of a beach style dining room in New York with white walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Santa Barbara

B Street Design

Ed Gohlich
Inspiration for a mediterranean dining room in San Diego with white walls and dark hardwood floors.

Azalea Residence II, Dallas Texas

John Lively & Associates

Design ideas for a mediterranean dining room in Dallas with white walls, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and dark hardwood floors.

Dining Room

SINGLEPOINT DESIGN BUILD INC.

Dining room and main hallway. Modern fireplace wall has herringbone tile pattern and custom wood shelving. The main hall has custom wood trusses that bring the feel of the 16' tall ceilings down to earth. The steel dining table is 4' x 10' and was built specially for the space.

Riverbottoms Remodel

Environments Interior Design

Bedroom wall art with wall sconces for entry way.
Photo of a mid-sized country dining room in Salt Lake City with white walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Red Rock Renewal - Dining Room

Stephanie Larsen Interior Design and Associates

Interior Design: Stephanie Larsen Interior Design Photography: Steven Thompson
This is an example of a modern kitchen/dining combo in Phoenix with dark hardwood floors, brown floor, recessed and white walls.

West Village Apartment

JSE Interior Design

Modern dining room in New York with white walls and dark hardwood floors.

Carolina Blue in Preston Hollow

Lark Interior

A game table in the corner of a large family room in Dallas.
Design ideas for a large beach style dining room in Dallas with dark hardwood floors, brown floor and white walls.

Beach House No. 10 - Sullivan's Island

Amy Trowman Design

Photo of a beach style separate dining room in Charleston with white walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Dining and Home Bar Design

Savvy Interiors

Photo of a mid-sized transitional dining room in San Diego with white walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Tudor Reconstruction

Tawney Waldo

Transitional kitchen/dining combo in Denver with white walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Minnetonka Beach House

Andrea Swan - Swan Architecture

LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY
Photo of a beach style kitchen/dining combo in Minneapolis with white walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Farmhouse Dining Room

This is an example of a country kitchen/dining combo in Sacramento with white walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Dining Room Design Ideas with White Walls and Dark Hardwood Floors

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!