This is an example of a large transitional separate dining room in Calgary with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, coffered and wallpaper.

Light and Dark

Debra DeLorenzo Interiors - One Ranfurly Ltd

Simple but elegant. Great attention to detail.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional kitchen/dining combo in Wellington with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and wallpaper.

Transitional Dining Room

Photo of a transitional separate dining room in New York with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, exposed beam, timber, vaulted and wallpaper.

Umbria

User

Photo by Matthew Niemann Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary dining room in Other with brown walls, no fireplace, beige floor, exposed beam, wood and wallpaper.

Balboa Island - Casual French Influence

Saxony Design Build

This is an example of a small open plan dining in Los Angeles with brown walls, limestone floors, beige floor and wallpaper.

Дом в Грибово

Архитектурная мастерская 2Ю

Design ideas for a large transitional dining room in Moscow with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, grey floor and wallpaper.

San Francisco Flat

Andrea Schumacher Interiors

This art deco home renovation in California was designed by Andrea Schumacher Interiors. The multi-functional spaces in the San Francisco flat have a strong feminine influence with splashes of color, pretty patterns, and a touch of bohemian flair, all expressions of the homeowner’s personality and lifestyle.

家族が元気に暮らせ、なるべくエネルギーを使わない家

自然派ライフ住宅設計㈱

Photo of a mid-sized open plan dining in Other with brown walls, light hardwood floors, brown floor, wallpaper and wallpaper.

Eclectic Arts + Crafts Dining Room with Fireplace + Round Marble Top Table

Jennifer Gustafson Interior Design

• Craftsman-style dining area • Furnishings + decorative accessory styling • Pedestal dining table base - Herman Miller Eames base w/custom top • Vintage wood framed dining chairs re-upholstered • Oversized floor lamp - Artemide • Burlap wall treatment • Leather Ottoman - Herman Miller Eames • Fireplace with vintage tile + wood mantel • Wood ceiling beams • Modern art

Sherman Oaks, CA

AK Designs

Photo of a small beach style open plan dining in Los Angeles with laminate floors, brown walls, no fireplace, brown floor and wallpaper.

Casually Elegant Dining Rooms

Urso Designs

This casually elegant dining room is both sophisticated and comfortable. The stunning paintings are by Michigan artist Linda Ross. The French doors open onto a large deck overlooking a tree-filled vista. To the right is a wet bar leading into a large kitchen.

Timeless Modern Beauty

Manlove and Company Interiors

Design ideas for a transitional dining room in DC Metro with brown walls, light hardwood floors, beige floor and wallpaper.

Dining Rooms

Room Reimagined Design - Gina Wolleat

Photo of a transitional dining room in Minneapolis with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, decorative wall panelling and wallpaper.

Sunset Eclectic

Noz Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized eclectic separate dining room in San Francisco with brown walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, coffered and wallpaper.

Luxury Ski Getaway

JJ Interiors

A handsome dining room bridging between the kitchen and great room. Paired chandeliers hang above the table providing great lighting and a beautiful accent.

Private Waterfront Residence on the Chester River

Purple Cherry Architects

he allure of this elegant dining room is due to its warm tones, varied layers of textures and natural materials, and sense of cozy spaciousness. Together, these elements combine to create an overall feeling of refined warmth.⁠

Marino - Vintage Dreams

Mimi & Hill interiors

Design ideas for a dining room in New York with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and wallpaper.

Refined Rustic Kitchen & Exterior Refresh

12/12 Architects & Planners

This 1960s split-level home desperately needed a change - not bigger space, just better. We removed the walls between the kitchen, living, and dining rooms to create a large open concept space that still allows a clear definition of space, while offering sight lines between spaces and functions. Homeowners preferred an open U-shape kitchen rather than an island to keep kids out of the cooking area during meal-prep, while offering easy access to the refrigerator and pantry. Green glass tile, granite countertops, shaker cabinets, and rustic reclaimed wood accents highlight the unique character of the home and family. The mix of farmhouse, contemporary and industrial styles make this house their ideal home. Outside, new lap siding with white trim, and an accent of shake shingles under the gable. The new red door provides a much needed pop of color. Landscaping was updated with a new brick paver and stone front stoop, walk, and landscaping wall. Project Photography by Kmiecik Imagery.

Light and Dark

Debra DeLorenzo Interiors - One Ranfurly Ltd

Separate, but linked to the kitchen, dining room.
Mid-sized modern open plan dining in Wellington with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and wallpaper.

Artful Abode

Studio DLG

Design ideas for a small contemporary open plan dining in New York with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and wallpaper.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Brown Walls and Wallpaper

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!