Decorate a dining room

Today's homes are built with practicality in mind. Kitchen and dining areas have become the hub of the home – a place to relax, grab a bite and enjoy time with family and friends. Dining room furniture is available in a variety of dining styles, all of which can be tailored to your own lifestyle and budget.

 

Dining with glitz

Want a dining room with a bit of glitz and glamour? Then start with a striking set of chairs and a stunning table. With all of the chrome, brass, brushed steel, polished lacquer, and aluminum creations that are on offer today, you can certainly achieve a setting that shines. Whether your tastes lean toward the streamlined or the sculptural, there are plenty of up-to-date dining designs to choose from.

Get creative with casual dining

Does your home, townhouse, or flat leave you challenged for dining space? Well, there's no need to compromise on style because you're short on space. Casual or bistro dining room groups are a fast growing furniture trend offering the same smart styling as their larger counterparts. Circular tables are back in vogue and easily fit into a smaller space, yet allow for more guests at a table.

jim howard

 

 

Cottage dining

Wicker, rattan, pine and cast iron are all less formal than glossy wood or sleek glass. Weathered and distressed objects will be right at home in a country atmosphere. If they look well loved, they will add the informal element you crave. In general, country dining tends to offer rustic textures. Coarse weaves evoke project the casual style. You will feel right at home with denim, canvas and homespun cottons.

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Be eclectic

A mixture of furnishings will relax your room. Consider six vintage one-of-a-kind chairs with a similar shape and size. Or match your chairs and throw in a completely different style of table. Even one oddball chair at the end of the table as a focal point will make a casual decorating statement.

Whatever informal style you choose, fabrics soften the edges. Dress down formal chairs and tables with slipcovers in textured fabrics and floor-length cotton tablecloths. Vintage table linens are still relatively easy to find in antique stores or even at your local flea market.

Choosing the right table

Always choose a dining table to fit your space. If your room is a long rectangle, a long table is a natural use of the space and won't leave unnatural gaps on either end of the room. Compact dining rooms require a small table. A square or rectangular table with a bench on one side might allow an extra guest to squeeze in.

Sometimes a round table will allow for more place settings without bumping too many elbows. If you're looking at a round table because of lack of space, look for one with a single pedestal in the centre rather than legs.

Keep in mind that the shape of furniture can affect the look of the room. A round table will soften a room with harsh corners. A corner cabinet is both space saving and softening. If you must have a large dining table in a small room, use decorating tricks to create the illusion of space.

Paint a narrow wall in a different colour to the other walls in the room to draw the eye and create the illusion of length. In a small room with a low ceiling, add multiple prints on one wall that go from table height to ceiling, paint vertical stripes on a feature wall or purchase a decorative cabinet that fits from floor to ceiling.

 

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