近藤晃弘建築都市設計事務所／Akihiro Kondo architecture

Photo of a large modern open plan dining in Osaka with grey walls, plywood floors, brown floor, timber and wood walls.

Design ideas for a mid-sized scandinavian open plan dining in Other with white walls, plywood floors, no fireplace, beige floor, timber and wallpaper.

登美ケ丘の住宅

荒谷省午建築研究所／SAA+A

各フロアがスキップしてつながる様子。色んな方向から光が入ります。 photo : Shigeo Ogawa
Mid-sized modern kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, plywood floors, a wood stove, a brick fireplace surround, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

「ＵＴＨ」都会の中で木々に囲まれて暮らす

アキアーキデザイン一級建築士事務所

Mid-sized modern open plan dining in Tokyo with white walls, plywood floors, beige floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

S邸

SCaD株式会社　一級建築士事務所

Large modern open plan dining in Tokyo Suburbs with white walls, plywood floors, grey floor, timber and wallpaper.

飛翼

DAIDA DESIGN STUDIO

Design ideas for a large country open plan dining in Other with black walls, plywood floors, a wood stove, a plaster fireplace surround, beige floor and timber.

高の原の家

株式会社平野玲以建築設計事務所

撮影：小川重雄
Contemporary open plan dining in Kyoto with grey walls, plywood floors, brown floor, timber and panelled walls.

大阪市マンションY邸

NOBUKO FURUICHI INTERIORS株式会社

Design ideas for a mid-sized eclectic open plan dining in Osaka with grey walls, plywood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

のがたのいえ　―　2 つの路地に開かれた庭と土間

一級建築士事務所ｉｋｍｏ

ダイニングキッチン路地や庭に開放的な１階に対して、２、３階は大屋根に包まれたプライベートなスペースとしました。２階には大きなテーブルのある広いダイニングキッチンと、腰掛けたり寝転んだりできる「こあがり」、１段下がった「こさがり」、北庭に面した出窓ベンチといった緑を望める小さな居場所が分散しています。写真：西川公朗

茄子色のおうち　リビング

DESIGN OFFICE OPPOSITION / デザインオフィスオポジッション

南面に面したダイニングは、庭と一体化しサンサンと降り注ぐ光に日々の移ろいを感じさせる落ち着いた空間。
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern kitchen/dining combo in Tokyo with white walls, white floor, timber, planked wall panelling and plywood floors.

美しが丘の家

アトリエモノゴト一級建築士事務所

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Sapporo with white walls, plywood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and wallpaper.

山縣洋建築設計事務所

(C) Forward Stroke Inc.
Inspiration for a small modern separate dining room in Other with plywood floors, brown floor, timber, wallpaper and white walls.

引戸の家

鈴木将記建築設計事務所

築18年のマンション住戸を改修し、寝室と廊下の間に10枚の連続引戸を挿入した。引戸は周辺環境との繋がり方の調整弁となり、廊下まで自然採光したり、子供の成長や気分に応じた使い方ができる。また、リビングにはガラス引戸で在宅ワークスペースを設置し、家族の様子を見守りながら引戸の開閉で音の繋がり方を調節できる。限られた空間でも、そこで過ごす人々が様々な距離感を選択できる、繋がりつつ離れられる家である。（写真撮影：Forward Stroke Inc.）

オープンキッチン

つなぐデザイン一級建築士事務所

築60年超の長屋のリノベーションです。木を多く使い、落ち着いた雰囲気がご要望でしたので、色味を抑えた作りとしています。
Design ideas for a mid-sized arts and crafts kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, plywood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

住宅密集地でも伸びやかに暮らす家

池田久司建築設計事務所

住宅密集地でも大空を感じることができます。 Photo by Nao Takahashi
Photo of a small asian open plan dining in Other with white walls, plywood floors, no fireplace, beige floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

ポジャギの家

MDS一級建築士事務所

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary separate dining room in Yokohama with white walls, plywood floors, no fireplace, beige floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

『奥沢の家』オープンなLDKの中に家族の居場所を創って暮らす

アキアーキデザイン一級建築士事務所

This is an example of a mid-sized modern open plan dining in Tokyo with white walls, plywood floors, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

のがたのいえ　―　2 つの路地に開かれた庭と土間

一級建築士事務所ｉｋｍｏ

大阪市マンションY邸

NOBUKO FURUICHI INTERIORS株式会社

This is an example of a mid-sized eclectic open plan dining in Osaka with grey walls, plywood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

眺望のスカイリビングハウス／兵庫県宝塚市

近藤晃弘建築都市設計事務所／Akihiro Kondo architecture

Inspiration for a large modern open plan dining in Osaka with grey walls, plywood floors, brown floor, timber and wood walls.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Plywood 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!