Swartz Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized country kitchen/dining combo in Other with red walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

New Construction of a custom home in Pasadena

BMV Construction

Marble fireplace, wood floorings, mission/tuscany finish
Mid-sized open plan dining in Los Angeles with red walls, painted wood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, black floor and vaulted.

SALON/SALLE A MANGER

Lucie DAVAZE

This is an example of a mid-sized modern separate dining room in Other with red walls, terra-cotta floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and red floor.

North Andover Craftsman Renovation

Hammond Design

Ken Kotch
Design ideas for a large arts and crafts dining room in Boston with red walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Brookline House

Charles R. Myer & Partners, Ltd.

Nat Rea
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional separate dining room in Boston with red walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround.

Hastings: 4 Bedroom Period Conversion

Make My House Home

Inspiration for a mid-sized arts and crafts separate dining room in Sussex with red walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, brown floor and wallpaper.

Warm Concept

Shantam Interiors

This is an example of a mid-sized tropical dining room in Edmonton with red walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

ELEGANT ANNANDALE HOME FOR SPACIOUS URBAN LIVING

Pilcher Residential

Pilcher Residential
Photo of a traditional separate dining room in Sydney with a standard fireplace, red walls, medium hardwood floors, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Greenwich Village Townhouse

Jaklitsch / Gardner Architects

Inspiration for a dining room in New York with red walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Lambourn

Flair Cabinets

kitchen dining
This is an example of a large contemporary open plan dining in Other with red walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Scottsdale residence

Daisy Mountain Design

Dining room
Photo of a mid-sized traditional open plan dining in Phoenix with red walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Living and Family Room, Eclectic Design

Transitional Designs

Photo of a mid-sized eclectic separate dining room in New York with red walls, medium hardwood floors and a standard fireplace.

staircase with glass balustrade. Access to kitchen and dining area

id8 designs ltd

This is an example of a small contemporary open plan dining in London with red walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Warm Concept

Shantam Interiors

Photo of a mid-sized dining room in Edmonton with red walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

SALON/SALLE A MANGER

Lucie DAVAZE

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern separate dining room in Other with red walls, terra-cotta floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and red floor.

New Construction of a custom home in Pasadena

BMV Construction

Marble fireplace, wood floorings, mission/tuscany finish
Photo of a mid-sized open plan dining in Los Angeles with red walls, painted wood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, black floor and vaulted.

Project 5

J. William Construction

Large traditional separate dining room in San Diego with red walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround.

Dining Rooms

Amber Ridge Design Studio

This is an example of a large traditional dining room in Toronto with red walls, medium hardwood floors and a standard fireplace.

Holiday Tradition

The Lee W. Robinson Company

Design ideas for a traditional dining room in Louisville with red walls, medium hardwood floors and a standard fireplace.

Living Room & Dining Room

User

Inspiration for a large traditional open plan dining in San Francisco with red walls, dark hardwood floors and a standard fireplace.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Red Walls and a Standard Fireplace

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!