Gemain Herriau
Inspiration for a small eclectic open plan dining in Rennes with blue walls, terra-cotta floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and red floor.

Traditional Dining Room for Country Manor House- Hertfordshire

LT Designs

Inspiration for a large traditional separate dining room in Surrey with blue walls, terra-cotta floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Autentiche passioni nella campagna lombarda

MOCA design

La Boiserie dipinta in opera, realizzata su progetto del nostro studio, come tutti gli arredi della sala da pranzo, compresa la cornice del camino, si completa con delle parti chiuse con ante vetrate e rete dei polli che raccolgono servizi di piatti e bicchieri in bella mostra

Dinning Room

V.I.Photography & Design

Vincent Ivicevic
Photo of a dining room in Orange County with terra-cotta floors, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Dinning Room

V.I.Photography & Design

Vincent Ivicevic
Photo of a dining room in Orange County with terra-cotta floors, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

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.

Sebastopol

Studio Terazur

Inspiration for a large mediterranean open plan dining in Marseille with white walls, terra-cotta floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Extension et modernisation d'une cuisine ouverte et généreuse

Anne Rose BOUYER - KAURI ARCHITECTURE

Création d'une extension pour aménager une grande cuisine avec espace repas pour 5 personnes. Châssis type atelier ouvrant l'espace sur le hall d'entrée. Restructuration importante dans l'existant (suppression de murs porteurs, reprises de structure par des poutres acier coffrées). Espaces de vie complètement ouverts et lumineux avec de grandes ouvertures sur le jardin.

SALON/SALLE A MANGER

Lucie DAVAZE

Inspiration 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.

Décoration d'une maison de charme

AS Designer d’intérieur

Une décoration douce et épurée dans des tons de beige, blanc et taupe. Ambiance minimaliste et épurée.
Photo of a large transitional separate dining room in Grenoble with white walls, terra-cotta floors, a standard fireplace, beige floor and exposed beam.

CUISINE/SALON/SALLE A MANGER

Lucie DAVAZE

Photo 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.

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.

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.

Marches en chêne finition huilé

Batmen

Fabrication et pose de marches et nez de marches en chêne finition huilé
Photo of a large traditional dining room in Paris with white walls, terra-cotta floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

SALON/SALLE A MANGER

Lucie DAVAZE

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

Projet longère charente maritime intérieurs

Agence FOGEL

L'une des cuisines dont la table de repas est un plateau d'orme massif qui ne tient que grâce au poteau fixé entre la poutre et le sol.
This is an example of a mid-sized country separate dining room in Paris with beige walls, terra-cotta floors, a standard fireplace, red floor and exposed beam.

SALON/SALLE A MANGER

Lucie DAVAZE

Inspiration 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.

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.

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.

SALON/SALLE A MANGER

Lucie DAVAZE

Photo 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.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Terra-cotta Floors 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!