Lauren Colton
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury open plan dining in Seattle with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Mid-Century Beach Bungalow

Suncrest Home Builders

Design ideas for a small midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Tampa with grey walls, vinyl floors and a standard fireplace.

Mid-Century Avenues Resoration

Living Home Construction

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury separate dining room in Salt Lake City with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

VIA TIEMPO

dasMOD

Design ideas for an expansive midcentury dining room in San Diego with white walls, porcelain floors, grey floor and a ribbon fireplace.

Bellevue Mid-Modern

Lane Williams Architects

The hallway in the background leads to main floor bedrooms, baths, and laundry room. Photo by Lara Swimmer
Design ideas for a large midcentury open plan dining in Seattle with white walls, concrete floors, a ribbon fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Windermere Waterfront

Joie Gowan | Windermere Real Estate Co.

Photo of a large midcentury open plan dining in Seattle with white walls, slate floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and black floor.

Beverly Hills MicCentury Modern

Dutton Architects Inc.

Dutton Architects did an extensive renovation of a post and beam mid-century modern house in the canyons of Beverly Hills. The house was brought down to the studs, with new interior and exterior finishes, windows and doors, lighting, etc. A secure exterior door allows the visitor to enter into a garden before arriving at a glass wall and door that leads inside, allowing the house to feel as if the front garden is part of the interior space. Similarly, large glass walls opening to a new rear gardena and pool emphasizes the indoor-outdoor qualities of this house. photos by Undine Prohl

Chandeliers

Dutton Brown Design

Inspiration for a large midcentury kitchen/dining combo with white walls, light hardwood floors, a corner fireplace and a concrete fireplace surround.

Gates Residence

KRDB

Photo of a midcentury open plan dining in Austin with yellow walls, dark hardwood floors and a wood stove.

Woodland Hills Residence

Mahle Design LLC

Dining Room
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Los Angeles with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, beige floor and exposed beam.

BURLINGAME KITCHEN

Dyer Studio Inc.

Meagan Larsen Photography
Photo of a small midcentury open plan dining in Portland with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Pacific NW Modern Dwelling

User

In this modern dining room, a medley of greenery sprouts from a hammered charcoal vase at the center of an espresso stained table. The table is illuminated by a modern light fixture, composed of hand-blown clear glass globes. Espresso gives way to chocolate in the tone on tone upholstery of the dining chairs. The orange piping of the chairs gives a nod to the contemporary artwork hanging on a far wall in the sitting area. The sitting area is also furnished with a pair of recliners with walnut stained frames and olive leather. Opposite the recliners is a tufted back sofa upholstered in linen and accented with copper suede pillows. A bronze metal cocktail table rests in front of the sofa while a wood floor lamp with ivory shade stands to the side. A Persian wool rug in shades of amber, green and cream ties the space together. The ivory walls and ceiling are accented by honey stained alder trim, a color that continues via a paneled wall separates the dining room from the kitchen.

Bridle Trails Remodel

SHED Architecture & Design

Mark Woods
Mid-sized midcentury open plan dining in Seattle with brown walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Woodland Ridge

FrankFranco Architects Inc.

Design ideas for a midcentury dining room in Toronto with white walls, medium hardwood floors and a standard fireplace.

Blue River Lakeshore Residence

Stais Architecture & Interiors

This is an example of a large midcentury open plan dining in Denver with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Sycamore Canyon Interiors

Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

We LOVE our Bi-Fold Doors that give us the indoor/outdoor dining room. Cool Corner Fire Place and rustic wood header added. We reupholstered dining chairs with cowhides.

Santa Cruz Dining Open To Kitchen

Real Estate Judge

Kelly Peak Photography
Design ideas for a large midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Los Angeles with white walls, concrete floors, a corner fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Possession Sound Remodel, North Snohomish County, WA

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

View to great room and entry. Photography by Lucas Henning.
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury open plan dining in Seattle with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Boho Mid-Century Modern

Lucy Johnson Interior Design

Liquor stored in organized drawers.
Mid-sized midcentury open plan dining in Seattle with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace and grey floor.

Scarboro Residence

Uniik Design

Mid century contemporary dining area featuring a gorgeous white and brass dome pendant. The oval marble dining table is compliment by six beautiful mid century dining chairs.

All Fireplaces Midcentury Dining Room Design Ideas

A midcentury 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 midcentury 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 midcentury 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 midcentury 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!