Transform your dining room with these strategic design updates that make a major impact. Even small changes can refresh the entire space.
Refresh Walls with Bold Paint
A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to revive a dining room. Opt for a striking, saturated hue on the walls to make the space feel bold and inviting. Deep blues, greens, and berry tones work well in dining rooms. Painting the ceiling a lighter neutral shade also helps open up the space.
Upgrade Lighting for Ambience
Lighting has a huge effect on the mood of a dining area. A statement chandelier or pendant light over the main table adds character. Install dimmers so you can adjust the brightness for different occasions. Layer in accent lighting like sconces and picture lights to highlight artwork and architectural details.
Bring in a Rug with Personality
An area rug under the dining table is a must for adding visual interest, comfort, and sound absorption. Look for a rug with an ornate, geometric, or abstract design in rich colors like jewel tones or earth tones. The rug should be large enough to fit the table and chairs, with about 18 inches of floor showing around the edges.
Style the Tablescape
Dressing up your dining table makes it feel curated and inviting. Invest in high-quality table linens, dinnerware, glassware, and flatware. Mix different textures, patterns, and colors for your place settings. Use decorative chargers, runners, napkin rings, and fresh floral arrangements. Candles also add warmth and ambience.
Install a Statement Light Fixture
A dramatic chandelier or pendant light over the dining table draws attention and becomes a focal point. Opt for a fixture that aligns with your room’s style- glamorous for traditional, minimalist for modern, organic for bohemian. Make sure it is sized appropriately for the scale of the table.
Bring in a Sideboard for Function
A sideboard or credenza offers a spot to store dining essentials and display your favorite pieces. Look for one with cabinets, shelves, and drawers to hold linens, serveware, and barware. Place the sideboard along a dining room wall or behind the table as a buffet station.
Add Architectural Interest with Molding
If your dining room lacks character, install crown molding, chair rail molding, or wainscoting. Moldings add traditional architectural details on walls and ceilings. You can also highlight built-ins like cabinetry by framing them with decorative trim work.
Make a Bold Statement with Wallpaper
Take your blank dining room walls up a notch with stylish wallpaper. Try something dramatic like grasscloth, faux concrete, or geometric patterns. Limit wallpaper to one accent wall to keep the look polished. Top it off with trim for extra dimension.
Bring in a Showstopping Backsplash
The area behind a buffet station or china cabinet is the perfect spot for a materials-driven backsplash. Use natural stone, metal tiles, or glass mosaics to add eye-catching texture and shine. Install lighting above the backsplash to put this design detail in the spotlight.
Use Mirrors to Reflect and Enlarge
Strategically placed mirrors visually enlarge a dining space and reflect light. Hang a statement mirror on the wall opposite any windows. Or frame the dining area with two identical mirrors along both sides. Keep the mirrors simple and substantial in shape and size.
Add Warmth with Accessories and Art
Don’t forget the finishing touches that make a dining space feel homey and polished. Incorporate textiles like curtains and pillows. Display collections of plates or bowls. Hang artwork that aligns with the room’s palette and style. Add personal photos, plants, books, and candles.
Conclusion
With a few thoughtful upgrades and additions, you can transform the look, feel, and function of your dining area. Focus on changes that have significant visual impact like a new lighting fixture, area rug, or wall color. Elements like molding, wallpaper, and mirrors also go far in elevating a basic space. Incorporate your personal style into the dining room with accessories and artwork for a polished, inviting space you’ll enjoy entertaining in.
