Modern Dining Room in an open floor plan, sits between the Living Room, Kitchen and Backyard Patio. The modern electric fireplace wall is finished in distressed grey plaster. Modern Dining Room Furniture in Black and white is paired with a sculptural glass chandelier. Floor to ceiling windows and modern sliding glass doors expand the living space to the outdoors.

Beverly Hills Modern

Lori Dennis, ASID, LEED AP

Mid-Century Modern Highland Park West Home

Mosier Luxury Homes

Design ideas for a large midcentury open plan dining in Austin with light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and wood.

Arcadia Lights

AFT Construction

Design ideas for a large transitional separate dining room in Phoenix with white walls, light hardwood floors, beige floor and wood.

Straight Edge - Dining Room

Drewett Works

With a window opening to the back of this mountainside residence, the dining room is awash in natural light. A custom walnut table by Peter Thomas Designs and glass pendant lighting anchor the space. The painting is by Stephanie Shank. Project Details // Straight Edge Phoenix, Arizona Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: Sonora West Development Interior design: Laura Kehoe Landscape architecture: Sonoran Landesign Photographer: Laura Moss Table: Peter Thomas Designs Painting: Costello Gallery https://www.drewettworks.com/straight-edge/

Haus im Ammertal

LARS POPP & FRIENDS

Photo of a mid-sized scandinavian open plan dining in Munich with white walls, concrete floors, a wood stove, a plaster fireplace surround, grey floor and wood.

The Bedford House

Lori Dennis, Inc.

Northridge

Theresa Ory Interiors

Design ideas for a transitional separate dining room in Atlanta with white walls, light hardwood floors, beige floor, recessed and wood.

Dining

Beth Howley Creative LLC

Inspiration for a large contemporary open plan dining in Grand Rapids with grey walls, light hardwood floors and wood.

Eclectic Fusion

Tom Williams Residential, Inc.

Transitional open plan dining in Atlanta with white walls, light hardwood floors, beige floor, exposed beam, vaulted and wood.

Holz. Stein. Haus.

BRÜNING INTERIORS

This is an example of an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, beige floor and wood.

Tupelo Bay Drive

Coleman Builders, LLC

This is an example of a transitional open plan dining in Charleston with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and wood.

Madison Ave

Sarah Stacey Interior Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Austin with white walls, wood, recessed, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

The Bedford House

Lori Dennis, Inc.

Modern Dining Room in an open floor plan, sits between the Living Room, Kitchen and Outdoor Patio. The modern electric fireplace wall is finished in distressed grey plaster. Modern Dining Room Furniture in Black and white is paired with a sculptural glass chandelier.

Ethel Post Custom Build - CopeGrand Homes

CopeGrand Homes

Open living and dinning space
Inspiration for a beach style open plan dining in Charleston with grey walls, dark hardwood floors and wood.

Mountain Modern

Impact Renovations Canmore

Contemporary open plan dining in Calgary with white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, vaulted and wood.

SE 64th Ave

EcoCraft llc

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in Portland with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and wood.

Orono Deer Hill Preserve

John Kraemer & Sons

Design ideas for a transitional separate dining room in Minneapolis with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor and wood.

Sullivan's Island Remodel

St. Pierre Construction

Dining room featuring light white oak flooring, custom built-in bench for additional seating, bookscases featuring wood shelves, horizontal shiplap walls, and a mushroom board ceiling.

Mid-Century Modern Envy in Oakland

Lauren's Interiors

Inspiration for a midcentury open plan dining in San Francisco with white walls, concrete floors, grey floor, exposed beam and wood.

White Dining Room Design Ideas with Wood

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!