De Beauvoir, Hackney - Full house renovation

The Breakfast Room leading onto the kitchen through pockets doors using reclaimed Victorian pine doors. A dining area on one side and a seating area around the wood burner create a very cosy atmosphere.

Castle Flat

Erica Norman

Erica Norman
Inspiration for a large traditional open plan dining in Other with grey walls, carpet and a wood stove.

Stuckgowan

Inside Story Photography

Tracey Bloxham, Inside Story Photography
Large traditional separate dining room in Other with purple walls, dark hardwood floors, a wood stove, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Seahorse

Warren French Interiors

Boasting a large terrace with long reaching sea views across the River Fal and to Pendennis Point, Seahorse was a full property renovation managed by Warren French.

Zetland Passive House

Ecospheric

Dining nook and lounge featuring V & A timber supports. Lighting by Agapanthus Interiors. Dining table by John George Fine Cabinetry. Sofa by Ecosofa. https://agapanthusinteriors.com/ https://johngeorgecabinetry.co.uk/ http://www.ecosofa.co.uk/

Lafayette Square Victorian Kitchen Remodel

More for Less Remodeling

Mid-sized traditional separate dining room in St Louis with red walls, light hardwood floors, a wood stove and a metal fireplace surround.

NEE Majestic & Vermount

GasTech Heating & Fireplace

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional kitchen/dining combo in Calgary with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a wood stove and a metal fireplace surround.

Westport River House

Richard Brown Architects

This is the interior viewed from the kitchen towards the dining room and the living room in the distance. To the right is the view of the river with significant sunlight coming in. Between the living room and the dining room is a wood stove that significantly heats the house in the winter. There are Fir floors, natural wood trim and Granite counter tops.

Alterations and Renovation of a Victorian House - Glasgow Architects

Rizzo Architecture

Photo of a traditional dining room in Glasgow with a wood stove and a tile fireplace surround.

Beaumont

Bachly Construction

Large traditional separate dining room in Toronto with black walls, dark hardwood floors, a wood stove, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Historical Renovation | Alabama

Suzanne Winston and Associates

Inspiration for a small traditional separate dining room in Other with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a wood stove and a metal fireplace surround.

Total transformation

New Zealand Certified Builders Association

The original old black fireplace remains in place after a facelift and the dining room looks out upon a new, all weather deck.
Mid-sized traditional kitchen/dining combo in Auckland with white walls, a wood stove, a wood fireplace surround, wood and medium hardwood floors.

Charlotte's Folly

Unique Homestays

Design ideas for a small traditional dining room in Other with pink walls, medium hardwood floors, a wood stove, a brick fireplace surround and wallpaper.

Seahorse

Warren French Interiors

Boasting a large terrace with long reaching sea views across the River Fal and to Pendennis Point, Seahorse was a full property renovation managed by Warren French.

Seahorse

Warren French Interiors

Boasting a large terrace with long reaching sea views across the River Fal and to Pendennis Point, Seahorse was a full property renovation managed by Warren French.

Seahorse

Warren French Interiors

Boasting a large terrace with long reaching sea views across the River Fal and to Pendennis Point, Seahorse was a full property renovation managed by Warren French.

Seahorse

Warren French Interiors

Boasting a large terrace with long reaching sea views across the River Fal and to Pendennis Point, Seahorse was a full property renovation managed by Warren French.

Seahorse

Warren French Interiors

Boasting a large terrace with long reaching sea views across the River Fal and to Pendennis Point, Seahorse was a full property renovation managed by Warren French.

Victorian Dining Room Design Ideas with a Wood Stove

A Victorian 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 Victorian 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 Victorian 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 Victorian 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!