Beach style kitchen/dining combo in Grand Rapids with grey walls, timber, planked wall panelling, painted wood floors and grey floor.

狭小地でも連続性で広さを感じる３階建ての家

湯谷建築設計 / YUTANI ARCHITECTS

This is an example of a small modern kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

Appartement contemporain parisien

FRANCE VITRAIL INTERNATIONAL Stained Glass

Porte coulissante en vitrail réalisée par ©France Vitrail International à Paris.
Large contemporary dining room in Paris with white walls, painted wood floors, brown floor and timber.

Yokohama N-house, Kanagawa

株式会社ハウスリンクル

ホワイトとライトグレーで、爽やかな印象のリビングダイニング。それをキリリと引き締める、TomDixon.のペンダント照明。
This is an example of a mid-sized asian open plan dining in Yokohama with green walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

Northland Country Estate

Aleysha Pangari Interiors

Inspiration for a mid-sized open plan dining in Other with beige walls, painted wood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor and timber.

Open plan

User

This is an example of an expansive traditional dining room in Surrey with white walls, painted wood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, timber and wallpaper.

上野芝の家

大西憲司設計工房

キッチンからダイニング・リビング・ワークコーナー方向を見る。廊下からの目隠しにコバルト色のレンガを積んでいる。リビングの上部を吹抜けにし、2階へと繋がり、空間に広がりを持たせた。
Photo of a dining room in Osaka with white walls, painted wood floors and timber.

リビング・ダイニング

oro株式会社一級建築士事務所

リビングダイニング。天井のレッドシダーのランダムな杢目が高級感を演出してくれます。
Mid-sized open plan dining in Other with white walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and wallpaper.

Modern Style

株式会社　プロズジャパン

Photo of a mid-sized modern kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace, beige floor and timber.

狭小地でも連続性で広さを感じる３階建ての家

湯谷建築設計 / YUTANI ARCHITECTS

This is an example of a small modern kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

狭小地でも連続性で広さを感じる３階建ての家

湯谷建築設計 / YUTANI ARCHITECTS

Design ideas for a small modern kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

狭小地でも連続性で広さを感じる３階建ての家

湯谷建築設計 / YUTANI ARCHITECTS

Small modern kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

狭小地でも連続性で広さを感じる３階建ての家

湯谷建築設計 / YUTANI ARCHITECTS

Inspiration for a small modern kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

狭小地でも連続性で広さを感じる３階建ての家

湯谷建築設計 / YUTANI ARCHITECTS

This is an example of a small modern kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

狭小地でも連続性で広さを感じる３階建ての家

湯谷建築設計 / YUTANI ARCHITECTS

This is an example of a small modern kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

狭小地でも連続性で広さを感じる３階建ての家

湯谷建築設計 / YUTANI ARCHITECTS

Inspiration for a small modern kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

狭小地でも連続性で広さを感じる３階建ての家

湯谷建築設計 / YUTANI ARCHITECTS

Inspiration for a small modern kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

狭小地でも連続性で広さを感じる３階建ての家

湯谷建築設計 / YUTANI ARCHITECTS

Photo of a small modern kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

上野芝の家

大西憲司設計工房

ダイニング・キッチン・デッキテラスが一体となった空間造り付のウォールナットのキッチン。空間に変化をつける為に藤を巻いている。ダイニングテーブルもウォールナット。
Dining room in Other with white walls, painted wood floors and timber.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Painted Wood Floors and Timber

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!