Peter Vanderwarker
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury open plan dining in Boston with white walls, a two-sided fireplace, light hardwood floors, a concrete fireplace surround and brown floor.

Built-in Dry Bar

VMAX LLC

Photography Anna Zagorodna
Photo of a small midcentury separate dining room in Richmond with blue walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Brentwood Midcentury Residence

Natalie Myers

Marisa Vitale
Inspiration for a midcentury dining room in Los Angeles with medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

PBH Keith Heights

PBH Design

Mid-sized midcentury open plan dining in Dallas with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Mandeville Canyon Mid-Century Treehouse

Emily Pertzborn Interiors

Inspiration for a large midcentury open plan dining in Los Angeles with yellow walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, timber and planked wall panelling.

Garden Fresh

Moderne Builders

Peak Photog
Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury dining room in Los Angeles with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Mid Century Modern Remodel

Chuckanut Builders

The dining room and kitchen flow seamlessly in this mid-century home. The white walls and countertops create visual space while the beautiful white oak cabinets provide abundant storage. Both the exposed wood ceiling and oak floors were existing, we refinished them and color matched new trim as needed.

Pacific NW Modern Dwelling

User

A modern glass fireplace an Ortal Space Creator 120 organically separates this sunken den and dining room. A set of three glazed vases in shades of amber, chartreuse and olive stand on the cream concrete hearth. Wide flagstone steps capped with oak slabs lead the way to the dining room. The base of the espresso stained dining table is accented with zebra wood and rests on an ombre rug in shades of soft green and orange. The table’s centerpiece is a hammered pot filled with greenery. Hanging above the table is a striking modern light fixture with glass globes. The ivory walls and ceiling are punctuated with warm, honey stained alder trim. Orange piping against a tone on tone chocolate fabric covers the dining chairs paying homage to the warm tones of the stained oak floor. The ebony chair legs coordinate with the black of the baby grand piano which stands at the ready for anyone eager to play the room a tune.

Beacon Hill Mid-Century

Ore Studios

Lauren Colton
Inspiration for 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.

South Slope Townhouse

Etelamaki Architecture

Mikiko Kikuyama
Inspiration for a midcentury dining room in New York with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Charming Bungalow

Adams + Beasley Associates

Eric Roth Photography
Design ideas for a small midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Boston with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Birch Knoll Restoration

k YODER design, LLC

In the dining room, kYd designed all new walnut millwork and custom cabinetry to match the original buffet. Sky-Frame sliding doors/windows via Dover Windows and Doors; Element by Tech Lighting recessed lighting; Lea Ceramiche Waterfall porcelain stoneware tiles; leathered ash black granite slab buffet counter

RAPSON REVISITED

Kate Roos Design LLC

View of the dining room.
Design ideas for a midcentury dining room in Minneapolis with white walls, porcelain floors, a two-sided fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and grey floor.

Shaw Flooring Gallery

Premier Flooring & Design Center

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury dining room in Other with carpet, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and beige floor.

Hart Modern Farmhouse

American Cabinet Suppliers

Jeff & Amanda Photography and Films
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury open plan dining in Seattle with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Mid Century Modern ADA Remodel

Corinthian Fine Homes

We designed and renovated a Mid-Century Modern home into an ADA compliant home with an open floor plan and updated feel. We incorporated many of the homes original details while modernizing them. We converted the existing two car garage into a master suite and walk in closet, designing a master bathroom with an ADA vanity and curb-less shower. We redesigned the existing living room fireplace creating an artistic focal point in the room. The project came with its share of challenges which we were able to creatively solve, resulting in what our homeowners feel is their first and forever home. This beautiful home won three design awards: • Pro Remodeler Design Award – 2019 Platinum Award for Universal/Better Living Design • Chrysalis Award – 2019 Regional Award for Residential Universal Design • Qualified Remodeler Master Design Awards – 2019 Bronze Award for Universal Design

Classic Urban

Vernon Wentz

This is a wonderful mid century modern with the perfect color mix of furniture and accessories. Built by Classic Urban Homes Photography by Vernon Wentz of Ad Imagery

Outer Sunset

Carl and The Wolf

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury open plan dining in Tampa with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

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.

Long Beach Midcentury Modern

Soko Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Los Angeles with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

All Fireplace Surrounds 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!