Inspiration for a mid-sized modern open plan dining in Brisbane with white walls, light hardwood floors, brown floor, timber and brick walls.

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

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

豊川の家

株式会社結設計

This is an example of a mid-sized modern open plan dining in Other with white walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, beige floor and timber.

Union Pier Lakehouse

Devon Grace Interiors

Photo of a large modern open plan dining in Chicago with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and timber.

Olive Mill

Renga Michael Flooring, Inc.

This is a light rustic European White Oak hardwood floor.
Photo of a mid-sized modern open plan dining in Santa Barbara with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and timber.

Modern Hillside

GLDESIGN

Design ideas for an expansive modern separate dining room in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors, brown floor and timber.

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.

Tuxedo II

Norwood Architects

Large modern open plan dining in Atlanta with white walls, light hardwood floors, white floor and timber.

Abruzzi

HomeforSharing

Restyling e Homestaging per valorizzazione immobiliare - Direzione artistica per la scelta di finiture e materiali, selezione e composizione kit arredo, gestione acquisti, allestimenti e homestaging

4573 AF

Weaver Custom Homes

Design ideas for a modern kitchen/dining combo in Columbus with green walls, dark hardwood floors and timber.

「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.

Dornton Road

True Blue Architecture

This is an example of a large modern kitchen/dining combo in London with white walls, porcelain floors, grey floor and timber.

Olive Mill

Renga Michael Flooring, Inc.

This is a light rustic European White Oak hardwood floor.
Mid-sized modern open plan dining in Santa Barbara with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, brown floor and timber.

狭小地でも連続性で広さを感じる３階建ての家

湯谷建築設計 / YUTANI ARCHITECTS

This is an example of a small modern kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

「E+」各階をつなぐ吹き抜けと通し家族の気配を感じながら暮らす

アキアーキデザイン一級建築士事務所

Design ideas for a large modern dining room in Tokyo with white walls, plywood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, beige floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

Avon, CO - Private Condominium 2

Mountain Luxury Interiors

This is an example of a mid-sized modern dining room in Other with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a corner fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, grey floor and timber.

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.

Ｔ字路に建つ家

西島正樹／プライム　PRIME Inc.architecture & planning

Photo of a modern open plan dining in Tokyo with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and timber.

別荘、内装リフォームデザイン

株式会社虎岩インテリアデザイン事務所

別荘のインテリアコーディネート提案。和モダンで格好良さがありながら温かみもあり、みんなの会話が尽きない空間に。囲炉裏を囲むような、どこかホッとしながらもお洒落なコーディネートを。
Modern open plan dining in Other with black walls, timber and planked wall panelling.

豊川の家

株式会社結設計

This is an example of a mid-sized modern open plan dining in Other with white walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, beige floor and timber.

Modern Dining Room Design Ideas with Timber

A modern 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 modern 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 modern 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 modern 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!