Dining rooms seem to be the one room in the house that goes in and out of fashion. When I was young, having a separate dining room was something special. Now the open plan dining area seems to be the fashion. I suppose it means that you can move the furniture around with much more ease.

The dining room basically consists of a dining table and a quantity of chairs. Depending on the space available, a buffet, dresser or some sort of serving table is often included.

So how do you decorate a dining room? Some people love to have an area rug under the table to define the dining space, this works well when you have an open plan dining space, others love the in fashion at present elaborate chandelier at the center of the table or others more subtle pendant lighting.

Whatever type of dining room you have we will provide you with ideas on how to decorate it.

The Principles and Elements of Designing a Dining Room

Step 1

The first principle in design is to bring in a center of interest, something that attracts attention the moment someone walks in the room.

The obvious choice is a dining room table that is unique and appealing to your taste, as well as comfortable and a good fit for your family. But the point of interest is not limited to a table.

It could just as easily be the color you put on the wall. Imagine a deep-red dining room in the midst of a house that is predominantly yellow.

Step 2

The next step is to apply the principle of balance. This is the concept of visual equality in shape, form or color. It can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

The simplest choice of symmetrical balance in a dining room can be placing an equal amount of chairs on each side of the table.

An asymmetrical choice of balance can be achieved by painting vertical stripes at different levels on a section of the wall to attract attention. Usually, asymmetry gives the feeling of movement like the curving lines of a wave.

Step 3

An important element when designing a dining room is the choice of color. Not only should it be a color you enjoy, but because a dining room is the place you eat, but it also should be pleasing to your palate.

Imagine what a gray dining room might do to your appetite. Remember the boring cafeterias you’ve eaten lunch in, either at school or in some office environment? Remember how it made you just want to finish the meal and leave? As a general rule, stick to four color choices or less in any room design.

Step 4:

Accessorize the spaces. Open spaces do best with less clutter, but certain accessories can help define the lounge and dining areas.

A nice throw rug can help set off the living space from the eating space. Good lighting over the dining table and floor lamps near the armchairs in the living area emphasize each space’s unique purpose.

Step 5:

Add some visual interest to the walls. Open floor plans can tend to be minimalist. A major painting or some interesting textiles can liven up an otherwise bland backdrop. If you only have smaller pieces, try framing them in similar styles and grouping them for a greater visual impact.

Using these three principles and elements of design will help you create a dining room that is exceptional in taste and enjoyable for eating. The final suggestion is to pay attention to details. It’s fun to pick the big center of attention in the room, but it’s boring to make sure the pillows on the seat cushions exactly match this focal point.

When you see the big picture and mix in the small details, you will have the perfect dining room for your epicurean enjoyment.

Ends