Tips for Decorating a Cohesive Dining Room

There’s a lot to consider when designing a dining room – the type and style of rug, the table and chairs, the light fixtures, and the decor. Get tips for decorating a cohesive dining room in this video by The Kinwoven Home:

1. Rug: A rug grounds the space, especially when you have an open concept floor plan. If you have a circular table, get a bigger circular rug; if you have a rectangular table, get a larger rectangular rug. When it comes to size, a good rule of thumb is that the chair legs should remain on the rug when the chairs are pulled out. If you get too small of a rug, it can actually make the space feel smaller. Also, make sure that the material you pick is not too precious and that it can also be vacuumed. As the dining space is a high-traffic and high-spill area, get a flat weave or low pill rug.

2. Table: When choosing a table, it should not only seat the number of people you need to seat but also allow a lot of extra space (2-3 feet) for maneuvering around it so it doesn’t feel so small. You can choose a rectangular, square or circular table, whatever is best for the amount of space that you have. A dark table can make a room feel smaller, so you may want to select a lighter table.

3. Chairs: You can mix and match chairs, but it all depends on the style of the chair and your own personal style. If your style is more vintage and more romantic, you have the most freedom to mix and match different kinds of chairs. If your style is more minimalist, it is best to stick with one or two different style chairs; have one style at the ends of the table and the other style along both sides of the table. Make sure that the textures and colors are in the same realm unless you have a super eclectic or Victorian design style. A bench is a good option if you have children. If you want to experiment with color, sage green is a good choice as it’s organic and not too bold, and it blends well with indoor plants.

4. Light fixtures: Besides serving a practical purpose, like rugs, light fixtures also help define a space. It’s also a piece of art and the focal point of the space. Make sure that the fixture you pick goes along with the style of the other elements and is the right size and height. It should not be larger than the table, and it should be centered on the table. If your light box is not centered over where you want to put your table, you can either move the light source or swag it. The fixture should be 30-35 inches above the table.

5. Storage: If your dining space is large and you have enough wall space, get a buffet table or a credenza. Just as with chairs, a credenza does not necessarily have to match the table; it depends on your design style.

6. Decor: A centerpiece should not be so tall that it obstructs the view across the table. Span the length of the table with small vases. When it comes to vases, think outside the box and get containers with a large mouth like cookie jars or canisters. Decorate the walls with art. Finally, don’t forget window treatments. Put your curtains on the outside of the window so they don’t distract from the view.