Modern Dining Room in an open floor plan, sits between the Living Room, Kitchen and Outdoor Patio. The modern electric fireplace wall is finished in distressed grey plaster. Modern Dining Room Furniture in Black and white is paired with a sculptural glass chandelier.

PATRICK GERARD CARMODY, TERRACES ON PARK AVENUE

Patrick Gerard Carmody Architect PLLC

Design ideas for a large traditional kitchen/dining combo in New York with purple walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Sunfilled Contemporary

Wendy Glaister Interiors

This high contemporary kitchen places an emphasis on the views to the expansive garden beyond. Soft colors and textures make the space approachable.
Design ideas for a large contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Sacramento with white walls, no fireplace, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

BAINBRIDGE House

FINNE Architects

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary dining room in Seattle with light hardwood floors and exposed beam.

Beverly Hills Modern

Lori Dennis, ASID, LEED AP

Modern Farmhouse

Colonial Homecrafters, Ltd.

Dining area
Mid-sized country dining room in Richmond with white walls, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Bayadere Newport Beach

William Guidero Planning and Design

This is an example of a large transitional separate dining room in Orange County with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and beige floor.

Sunfilled Contemporary

Wendy Glaister Interiors

Once the formal living room, we imagined this space as the new formal dining area. The family is much better suited to the openness of the ceiling and the area as a whole. Structural support beams were clad in wood, bands of quartz and LED dimmable lighting for architectural interest.

Dining Room - Center Hall "Glamonial"

Hierarchy Architecture + Design, PLLC

Transitional formal dining room with gray floor to ceiling panel molding featuring a classically detailed, custom half rope design. Large arched entryways give the space a more open feel while the herringbone patterned light hardwood floors bring warmth into the space complimented by the warm Transitional lighting fixtures. A custom built-in cabinet functions as a storage area and bar/serving area. Architect: Hierarchy Architecture + Design, PLLC Interior Designer: JSE Interior Designs Builder: True North Photographer: Adam Kane Macchia

The Cliffs at Mountain Park: Private Residence

Linda McDougald Design | Postcard from Paris Home

The design of this refined mountain home is rooted in its natural surroundings. Boasting a color palette of subtle earthy grays and browns, the home is filled with natural textures balanced with sophisticated finishes and fixtures. The open floorplan ensures visibility throughout the home, preserving the fantastic views from all angles. Furnishings are of clean lines with comfortable, textured fabrics. Contemporary accents are paired with vintage and rustic accessories. To achieve the LEED for Homes Silver rating, the home includes such green features as solar thermal water heating, solar shading, low-e clad windows, Energy Star appliances, and native plant and wildlife habitat. All photos taken by Rachael Boling Photography

Garrison Woods Residence

Lush Interiors Inc.

Modern Farmhouse Dining Room
Large transitional kitchen/dining combo in Calgary with beige walls, light hardwood floors and brown floor.

Golden Hour Garden

Interiors by Herlong

Photo of an expansive mediterranean open plan dining in Charleston with white walls, light hardwood floors, brown floor and exposed beam.

Mid-Century Modern Condo in Historic Capitol Hill

Finesse Design Remodeling

A two-bed, two-bath condo located in the Historic Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC was reimagined with the clean lined sensibilities and celebration of beautiful materials found in Mid-Century Modern designs. A soothing gray-green color palette sets the backdrop for cherry cabinetry and white oak floors. Specialty lighting, handmade tile, and a slate clad corner fireplace further elevate the space. A new Trex deck with cable railing system connects the home to the outdoors.

Hidden Hills View Showcase Home

Younger Homes

Craig Washburn
This is an example of a large country kitchen/dining combo in Austin with white walls, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Meary Voar

Groves-Raines Architects Ltd.

This is an example of a large traditional dining room in Edinburgh with light hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Sahlin Farms Residence

Purple Cherry Architects

Open to the great room the dining room features a wall of windows, blurring the lines between indoors and out.
Mid-sized country kitchen/dining combo in Baltimore with beige walls, light hardwood floors and brown floor.

Streamline Batignolles

Anne Chemineau - Decor Interieur

Création d’un grand appartement familial avec espace parental et son studio indépendant suite à la réunion de deux lots. Une rénovation importante est effectuée et l’ensemble des espaces est restructuré et optimisé avec de nombreux rangements sur mesure. Les espaces sont ouverts au maximum pour favoriser la vue vers l’extérieur.

Burgundy - Dining Room

LDI Studio

Photo of a large modern kitchen/dining combo in Dallas with white walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace and yellow floor.

NAHB The New American Home 2017 - Contemporary Great Room

National Association of Home Builders

The great room is between the putting green courtyard and the pool courtyard. Forty-foot walls of automated pocketing glass separate each side of this resort-style room. Photography: Jeff Davis Photography

Modern Edge House - Sewickley, PA

Gaskill Architecture

Inspiration for a large contemporary open plan dining in Other with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, brown floor, vaulted and wood walls.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Light 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!