Photo of a large traditional open plan dining in London with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, exposed beam and panelled walls.

WOHUNG MITTE

Otto von Berlin

Photo of an expansive modern open plan dining in Berlin with green walls, carpet, a wood stove, a plaster fireplace surround, beige floor, recessed and panelled walls.

Cremorne Residence

Jodie Carter Design

Dining room featuring built in cabinetry in Dulux Snowy Mountains Quarter and VJ panelling in Dulux Kimberley Tree
Photo of a mid-sized beach style open plan dining in Sydney with green walls, light hardwood floors and panelled walls.

Dining Room

Burbeck Interiors ltd

Large transitional separate dining room in London with green walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and panelled walls.

Refined Vibrance

Michelle Miller Design, Inc.

Photo of a transitional separate dining room in Tampa with green walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, recessed, panelled walls and wallpaper.

Prospect Hill

Lovas Architects LLC

This is an example of a traditional separate dining room in New York with green walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and panelled walls.

Urban to Suburban Project

Hibou Design & Co.

This is an example of a large transitional separate dining room in Montreal with green walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor and panelled walls.

Dining room

Interior Motifs

This luxurious dining room had a great transformation. The table and sideboard had to stay, everything else has been changed.
Large contemporary dining room in West Midlands with green walls, dark hardwood floors, a wood stove, a wood fireplace surround, brown floor, exposed beam and panelled walls.

Southern Manor Tranquility

Blythe Building Company

Oversized formal dining room with green paneled walls and green wainscoting leads to an elegant foyer with double wood doors and a long hallway dotted with oversized pendant lights.

Riverbend Luxury Home

Caron Kelly Interiors

Photo of a transitional separate dining room in Miami with green walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, recessed and panelled walls.

Highlands Back Country Remodel

Vesta Design Studio, LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional separate dining room with green walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, timber and panelled walls.

Entertainment Heaven

MOTIF Design Solutions, LLC

MOTIF transformed a standard living room with beige carpet and beige walls into this artful and inviting combination dining room and living room., We removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room to create a large space for entertaining. This once baren room is now a charming place to cook, eat and to hang out.

Stately Traditional

Glas Associates

A formal dining room with arched opening and windows
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional separate dining room with green walls, medium hardwood floors and panelled walls.

Playful Elegance

KrimsonHAUS

We made an awkward open space into a functional and sophisticated haven, uniquely blending mid-century charm with the essence of California living. Designed to harmoniously accommodate both playfulness and refined living, our client's vision was to create an inviting living space, a stylish dining area, and a fun-filled kid's play zone all within one cohesive layout.

Mid-Mod Home Design

Jenna Morley Interiors

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury dining room in Sacramento with green walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and panelled walls.

Luxe Modern

CxS Designs

Design ideas for a contemporary open plan dining in Los Angeles with green walls, no fireplace and panelled walls.

Artistry Palm Beach - Vasari Model Dining Room

Masterpiece Design Group

The mirror wall detail stained with wood trim creates a tailored look for the space. The cleaned lined furniture paired with the architectural chairs gives us that wow factor. The overall vibe is absolutely stunning.

Commercial - Rustic Bistro

LNDesigns

Little Kitchen Bistro Rustic and industrial little bistro restaurant From twee cottage tearoom to rustic and industrial French bistro. This project required a total refit and features lots of bespoke joinery by Paul. We introduced a feature wall of brickwork and Victorian paneling to complement the period of the building and gave the client cosy nooks through banquet seating and steel mesh panels. The open kitchen and bar area demanded attractive space storage solutions like the industrial shelving positioned above the counter.

CLASSIC ATHERTON

Rosy Alexander Interior Design

Large contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Raleigh with green walls, medium hardwood floors and panelled walls.

SIPCAM OFICINAS

DOBLEESE Space&Branding

Inspiration for a large kitchen/dining combo in Valencia with green walls, concrete floors, beige floor and panelled walls.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Green Walls and Panelled 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!