View of dining area and waterside
This is an example of a small beach style dining room in Devon with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, yellow floor, exposed beam and wood walls.

Midcentury Interior Remodel

BYoung Design

This is an example of a midcentury open plan dining in San Diego with white walls, light hardwood floors, a corner fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and exposed beam.

East Coast Traditional

Fautt Homes

Spacious nook with built in buffet cabinets and under-counter refrigerator. Beautiful white beams with tongue and groove details.
Mid-sized beach style dining room in San Francisco with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, beige floor and exposed beam.

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.

BASEMENT RENOVATION

Build Forward Design & Remodel

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary dining room in Portland with laminate floors, a tile fireplace surround, brown floor, white walls, a standard fireplace, exposed beam and wallpaper.

Projet Mélanie & Laurent - Rénovation d'une maison de campagne

Maison Faugeras

La cheminée est en réalité un poêle à bois auquel on a donné un aspect de cheminée traditionnelle.
Inspiration for a large country open plan dining with white walls, exposed beam, light hardwood floors, a wood stove and beige floor.

For the Love of MCM

Sklar Studios

Restoring this vintage, atomic sunburst pendant made our day - including the mechanism that allows for height adjustment with the simple push or pull of the hand. Perfect for over the classic Saarinen tulip table.

Загородный дом Мещерское

Мария Родионовская | Архитектурное бюро "ON Plane"

Заказчики мечтали об усадьбе, которая в их представлении ассоциировалась с деревянным домом, поэтому большое внимание уделили отделке фасадов и внутренних помещений, привнеся в интерьер много дерева, что бы наполнить дом особой энергетикой и теплом.

Deane Gardens Project

Kennedy Cole Interior Design

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Orange County with white walls, concrete floors, a corner fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, grey floor and exposed beam.

Madrona

Mend Services

Photo of a mid-sized country dining room in Austin with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and exposed beam.

eichler in marinwood

building Lab, inc.

Eichler in Marinwood - In conjunction to the porous programmatic kitchen block as a connective element, the walls along the main corridor add to the sense of bringing outside in. The fin wall adjacent to the entry has been detailed to have the siding slip past the glass, while the living, kitchen and dining room are all connected by a walnut veneer feature wall running the length of the house. This wall also echoes the lush surroundings of lucas valley as well as the original mahogany plywood panels used within eichlers. photo: scott hargis

Anza 7" | Silvan Resilient Hardwood Collection in Rustic Customer Space | CA

Flooret

Relaxing and warm mid-tone browns that bring hygge to any space. Silvan Resilient Hardwood combines the highest-quality sustainable materials with an emphasis on durability and design. The result is a resilient floor, topped with an FSC® 100% Hardwood wear layer sourced from meticulously maintained European forests and backed by a waterproof guarantee, that looks stunning and installs with ease.

Cliffside Farmhouse // Modern Farmhouse

Younger Homes

Inspiration for a mid-sized country kitchen/dining combo in Austin with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor, exposed beam and planked wall panelling.

Palomino Trail

KHJ Designs LLC

Inspiration for a large modern dining room in Salt Lake City with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and exposed beam.

ЗАГОРОДНЫЙ ДОМ В ПОСЕЛКЕ «ОСТРОВ»

АВИЛА. Студия интерьера и архитектуры

This is an example of a mid-sized scandinavian open plan dining in Saint Petersburg with white walls, porcelain floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, black floor, exposed beam and wallpaper.

Peace in Point

Evenflow Interiors

Inspiration for a small beach style open plan dining in New York with white walls, laminate floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, grey floor and exposed beam.

Park Lane West

DD Ford Construction

This is an example of an expansive country open plan dining in Santa Barbara with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, exposed beam and planked wall panelling.

Aspen Winter Retreat

BK Interior Design

This Aspen retreat boasts both grandeur and intimacy. By combining the warmth of cozy textures and warm tones with the natural exterior inspiration of the Colorado Rockies, this home brings new life to the majestic mountains.

Greener Pastures | Oregon City Home Addition

Mountainwood Homes

The black windows in this modern farmhouse dining room take in the Mt. Hood views. The dining room is integrated into the open-concept floorplan, and the large aged iron chandelier hangs above the dining table.

All Fireplaces Dining Room Design Ideas with Exposed Beam

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!