This dining room design features deep teal walls and white wainscoting below, creating a rich and dramatic contrast. The dark wood pedestal dining table is complemented by a combination of four wooden slatted side chairs and upholstered armchairs. The armchairs feature natural linen on the backs and brown leather seats, offering both comfort and style. A teal, charcoal, and caramel colored ikat area rug adds pattern and interest to the space. White linen drapes with inset embroidered trim are hung over natural woven shades, providing privacy while still allowing natural light to filter into the room. Together, these elements create a welcoming and stylish dining room design that is perfect for hosting large gatherings and intimate dinners alike.

1840 Greek Revival

Twelve Chairs Interiors

This is an example of a traditional separate dining room in Boston with white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

Surrey Mansion

Stephenson Wright Ltd

Photo of a traditional separate dining room in Surrey with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and decorative wall panelling.

Suburban Traditional

Cannarsa Structure and Design

Photo of a traditional kitchen/dining combo with decorative wall panelling, grey walls, vinyl floors and multi-coloured floor.

140 Kings Rd

DEWSON GROUP LLC

Inspiration for an expansive traditional dining room in Miami with white walls, bamboo floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, beige floor and decorative wall panelling.

Wimbledon Road

Marilyn Hill Interiors

Design ideas for a large eclectic separate dining room in Nashville with grey walls, dark hardwood floors and decorative wall panelling.

Charonne

Atelier Nyood

This is an example of a large contemporary open plan dining in Paris with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, exposed beam and decorative wall panelling.

KK50

Brusa Nerini Architetti

This is an example of a large contemporary dining room in Bologna with green walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, exposed beam and decorative wall panelling.

Deroche Farmhome

Lacey Construction Ltd.

Photo by Brice Ferre
Inspiration for a large country separate dining room in Vancouver with dark hardwood floors and decorative wall panelling.

Occupied Photo Ready Staging with accessories

Mazuryk Staging

Occupied staging for this couple, painting this back to white was no option, time was short, but they still received an offer after 4 days on market.
Traditional dining room in Other with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

Suburban Traditional

Cannarsa Structure and Design

Traditional kitchen/dining combo with decorative wall panelling, grey walls, vinyl floors and multi-coloured floor.

Turquoise Dining Room Design Ideas with Decorative Wall Panelling

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!