This is an example of a large transitional separate dining room in Orange County with grey walls, light hardwood floors, brown floor, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround, exposed beam and decorative wall panelling.

South Orange NJ Residence

YZDA | Yoshida + Zanon Design Atrium

Inspiration for a large contemporary separate dining room in New York with grey walls, light hardwood floors, beige floor and wallpaper.

Столовая

Фотограф Михаил Поморцев / Pro.Foto

Дизайнер характеризует стиль этой квартиры как романтичная эклектика: «Здесь совмещены разные времена (старая и новая мебель), советское прошлое и настоящее, уральский колорит и европейская классика. Мне хотелось сделать этот проект с уральским акцентом». На книжном стеллаже — скульптура-часы «Хозяйка Медной горы и Данила Мастер», каслинское литьё.

Olson Residence

Staging North Shore

Blue grasscloth dining room. Phil Goldman Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional separate dining room in Chicago with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, no fireplace and wallpaper.

Bryce Dallas Howard's New York Home

Emily Pertzborn Interiors

Design ideas for an expansive country separate dining room in New York with green walls, slate floors, a hanging fireplace, black floor, timber and brick walls.

Meant to Be(ach)

GLDESIGN

Photo of a large beach style separate dining room in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, brown floor and planked wall panelling.

Dining Room

Lineage Architects

Wood and florals continue the outdoor theme of this retreat center.
Inspiration for a large separate dining room in Other with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, exposed beam and wood walls.

Modern Dining room Lighting

Tami Smight Interiors

Farrow and Ball Lotus wallpaper is complimented by the simple pleated drapery on black iron rods. The client invited us to design around her existing dining table and chairs. We designed the mirror, chandelier and drapery rod, in black iron toground the design, which is otherwise quite light and airy.

Project Rush Haven

Terravista Interior Design Group

The homeowners wanted an updated style for their home that incorporated their existing traditional pieces. We added transitional furnishings with clean lines and a neutral palette to create a fresh and sophisticated traditional design plan.

Lincoln Park Dining Room

Gardner & French Design Co

Design ideas for a transitional separate dining room in Boise with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

The Miramar

Robbins Contracting

Design ideas for a large country separate dining room in Denver with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

West End Maximalism | Design and Build

Nistenhaus Design LLC

Inspiration for a large eclectic separate dining room in St Louis with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, brown floor, coffered and wallpaper.

Please be seated.

Joni Spear Interior Design

As a practical trend, formal dining spaces have largely become obsolete in favor of great, dynamic kitchens; however, bucking the movement, my young, but highly traditional client wanted to enjoy evening meals as a routine close to the family’s scattered and hectic days. Ceilings are christened a whisper of a blush to inspire relaxed conversation under the halo of a warm glow. The traditional table and chairs are the yield of a highly juried online treasure hunt. Each piece is meticulously refinished in an updated stain more reflective of the young homeowners. Performance fabric is used on the chairs to ensure ease of cleanability to combat daily use by children and young adults. Walls are clad in a cut velvet and metallic animal print wallpaper to add subtle nostalgia from eras gone by. Millwork is freshly painted in a semi-gloss alabaster to offer relief from the wallpaper and ceiling. The opulent, antique-inspired chandelier is the dazzling focal point with draped crystal beading. Linen drapery panels seamlessly silhouette the cozy window seat. Cleanable yet regal velvet fabric upholstered cushions, ornamented with a braided trim add a final pop of elegance.

Napa Retreat

benjamin dhong

Design ideas for a separate dining room in Other with yellow walls, carpet, beige floor, recessed and wallpaper.

Ashebrooke

Theresa Ory Interiors

Transitional separate dining room in Atlanta with beige walls, light hardwood floors, beige floor, recessed and decorative wall panelling.

MONTECITO TRADITIONAL

Saffron Case Homes

Transitional separate dining room in Los Angeles with multi-coloured walls and wallpaper.

Media Bungalow

Deborah Bettcher - Decorating Den Interiors

This fresh dining room incorporates Scandinavian and Mid Century Modern styles to create a unique Nordic Chic vibe. The custom dining table was made by local craftsmen. The airy dining chairs are actually designed for outdoor use, so they will hold up to this family's busy lifestyle. The organic pattern on the area rug reflects the graceful lines of the evergreens in their front yard. Likewise, the faux bois chandelier lends an artful sculptural element to the space.

Customized Claremont 2OF

King's Court Builders, Inc.

Looking for modern!? Look no further. Imagine dinner under this ultra modern chandelier, wrapped in geometrical board and batten white walls set on these beautiful wood floors.

Amherst Avenue

Jamie Keskin Design

Photo of a transitional separate dining room in Boston with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, wallpaper, decorative wall panelling and brown floor.

Victorian Country House

Laura Passey Interiors Ltd

Elegant Dining Room
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional separate dining room in Surrey with yellow walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and wallpaper.

All Wall Treatments Separate Dining Room Design Ideas

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!