10 Dos and Don’ts For Decorating Your Dining Room

The dining room is the heart of your home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual family meal, it’s a space for socialising and making memories.

In this blog, we explore the dos and don'ts of styling your dining room. With the help of our expert designer, Kelly Collins, these tips will help you blend functionality and style to set the perfect stage for every mealtime.

Do

Select the right table for your space.

As the centrepiece of your dining room, you must choose the right dining table for your space. Firstly, consider size. A table that’s too large can make the room feel cramped, and one that’s too small can feel underwhelming. You can utilize the space by choosing a versatile dining table; consider an extendable table. A table that makes hosting easy, without impacting daily life.

Don’t

Overcrowd with furniture.

A modern dining room features a range of furniture items. A dining table and chairs are the most common, alongside functional pieces such as sideboards or console tables, used to store crockery and tableware. However, being selective with your pieces is crucial because you want to avoid disrupting the natural feng-shu of the room.  

Overcrowding with furniture can make it hard to host, and reduce comfort for guests with limited personal space or having difficulty accessing seating. Opt for appropriate furniture pieces which compliment the space.

Do

Choose a rug that compliments the space.

Interior designer, Kelly Collins, recommends selecting a large area rug to sit underneath your dining table. You want to be able to pull out your dining chairs without them falling off the rug, so opt for one that is larger than the table and chairs.

As you can imagine, accidental stains and spills are highly likely in the dining room, so choose an easy-wash fabric. Avoid long pile rugs as it’s easy for food to get trapped and stains to form.

Don’t

Clutter the surface.

Of course some well-considered decor is key to creating a beautiful dining room, however, don’t go over the top with tabletop decor. Displaying table decor, while the dining room table is not being used, is guaranteed to gather dust, and you’ll only have to move it when you come around to host a dinner. A centrepiece in the middle of your dining table, like a vase or bowl, should work perfectly alongside any useful pieces for your meal like placemats, napkins or coasters.

Do

Mix and match chairs.

You can’t go wrong with mixing and matching your dining chairs. This approach creates a more relaxed and informal dining atmosphere while injecting personality into the space. You can keep the difference between chairs subtle by having the same style but in different fabrics or finishes, like our Dining Chair 01 collection.

Don't

Neglect comfort.

Avoid sacrificing comfort for aesthetics. Consider your style, but also ensure seating with adequate back support and comfy seat cushions. You may be spending long periods in your dining room, so comfort is key.

Do

Use a range of lighting.

Lighting is important for any room, but when it comes to the dining room creating the right ambience is key. To avoid harsh overhead lighting, Kelly recommends chandeliers, pendant lights, and dimmer switches as they can instantly create a luxurious feeling. Decorative lamps add layers to the space while providing a soft, intimate glow to the room for romantic date nights.

Don't

Ignore your window dressing.

Look at a window dressing that allows you to control the lighting; this will help change the feel of the space and create different moods. If you’re looking to make the room feel more expensive, include floor-to-ceiling curtains or Roman blinds. Avoid short curtains and roller blinds as they don’t offer the same luxurious look.

Do

Include storage solutions.

As mentioned, sideboards and console tables are great additions to your dining room. Selecting ones with built-in storage provides a space to keep your finest crockery or any other dining room supplies you need. You can also use the surface to add decor, which brings the room to life. A top tip is to ensure these are the same height or higher than your dining table. If they’re lower, they can make the room feel out of proportion.

Don't

Neglect personal style.

Your dining room isn’t just a space to eat, you want it to feel welcoming by adding personality. Inject your style with artwork, plants, and other decor. When it comes to the colour palette, Kelly advises that neutrals should be dispersed with rich accent shades for a more expensive look.