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Dining room decorating ideas for apartments


Dining room ideas for apartments: 11 ways to style a small dining space

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(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

There are a host of dining room ideas for apartments that can maximize space without compromising on aesthetics.

'When styling a smaller dining room in an apartment, it’s important to strike the balance between function and form,' states Sue Jones, OKA Co-Founder and Creative Director.

And Wayfair’s Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill, agrees: 'It’s essential to create a space that is easily adaptable, somewhere you can play host, dine alone or even spend time focused on hobbies and mindful pursuits such as crafts or reading – all while looking chic.' 

Dining room ideas for apartments

From utilizing large mirrors to bounce light around the room to installing practical but pretty banquette seating, there are so many dining rooms ideas you can use for small spaces.

'Designing a dining room in an apartment can be challenging, especially if you are limited on space,' says Louise Wicksteed, Design Director at Sims Hilditch . 'If you are working with a smaller space, we suggest choosing a room with lots of natural light, this helps to open the room up and sets an inviting and social mood.'

1. Make the table a stand-out piece

(Image credit: Albion Nord)

Bring a whole new meaning to table talk, and make the table itself the star of the show in a small dining room. After all, it's the piece you gather around to while the away the hours making memories with loved ones.

'Of course, the most important piece in a dining room is the dining table itself and so the key is to make this a stand-out feature in the room,' says Camilla Clarke, Creative Director at Albion Nord . 'In our recent project in Holland Park (above), we have used strong sculptural shapes and natural materials to add tactility and interest. 

'Oversized live edge timber tables are especially effective if you want to create a showstopper piece or put focus on your dining table decor. '

2. Opt for a round or oval table

(Image credit: Polly Wreford)

Apartment ideas for living can sometimes be shorter on space, so a round or oval table is a practical choice. As well as being sociable – you can always squeeze one more in – it's a more compact and versatile shape.

'For a sociable set up, consider a round table; they are great if you’re limited on space,' suggests Sue Jones, OKA Co-Founder and Creative Director. 'Finish the look with a selection of velvet cushioned chairs – the comfiest accompaniments to leisurely evenings with friends.'

And Elliot Barratt, of Elliot James Interiors , concurs: 'Oval dining tables are great for apartments where space is often at a premium as it removes any corners and allows for easy access around the dining space.'

3. Keep your color scheme curated

(Image credit: Violet & George)

'The dining area is often linked to another room or between two rooms so it is important that the decor and furniture choices link the spaces together,' advises Cherie Lee, of Cherie Lee Interiors .  

Louise Wicksteed, design director at Sims Hilditch , emphasizes the point, adding: 'If your dining room is attached to the kitchen in an open plan design, then keeping a similar color scheme helps to create flow between the two.'

This beautifully designed room by Violet & George (above) shows how keeping a similar scheme throughout can open up the space and create a cohesive look. We love how the matte black table and pendant ties in with the dark kitchen island and door framing; even the artwork is in keeping with the sleek look.

4. Choose stylish yet space-saving banquette seating

(Image credit: Simon Brown )

A built-in bespoke banquette seating area can often be added to a kitchen and is a great space-saving dining room idea for an apartment. As well as being sociable and practical, you can also use it to add color and pattern to the room with beautiful fabrics and cushions.

And if you don't want to go fully bespoke, you can always make the most of bench seating by positioning it flush to the wall to save space.

Interior designer Raili Clasen suggests: 'For apartment style dining, installing a small bench up against a wall is a great look and space-saver. Add a cool treatment such as wood siding or wallpaper to the wall and the small space becomes a visual moment.'

5. Don't be afraid to add ornate details

(Image credit: Violet & George)

You don't have to live in a sprawling country manor to enjoy a dash of grandiose detailing. Use ornate dining room wall ideas to dress up the space.

The space designed by Violet & George above is a lesson in how to dress a dining table. Plus, it shows how you can create a grand aesthetic with brass wall lights, rococco mirrors, vintage art and a pretty ceiling pendant. Velvet chairs add a sumptuous finish as well as a splash of color.

Nicky Mudie, of Violet & George, says: 'The key thing is that the dining room is likely to be in the centre of the living space as there often isn’t a separate room, so it needs to look fantastic and not only be a functional dining table but also a good looking central hub for hanging out and playing games.  

'You need to be able to dress it beautifully to elevate it for special events – and make it functional the rest of the time while ensuring it looks good in the centre of the living space.' All it takes is a few good dining table styling tricks to nail the aesthetic.

6. Play with print and color

(Image credit: Studio Duggan)

Breathe life into an apartment dining room by adding colorful printed fabrics to the seating. This works particularly well on bench and banquette seating, and helps to create mood-boosting visual interest, especially in a modern dining room, as shown in the space by Studio Duggan above.

7. Put an emphasis on comfort with oversized chairs and sofas

(Image credit: Violet & George)

Substitute a bench for a small sofa to make your dining room ultra-inviting, or use large, squishy chairs in place of traditional choices. 

Large, armed, comfortable dining chairs help to create a statement in any space, and they give the impression of a larger space in a kitchen diner or open plan scheme. What's more, they can also double up as additional living room seating when required.

8. Make the most of multi-functional furniture

(Image credit: Cherie Lee Interiors)

Ensure your dining room works as hard as possible by utilizing clever furniture. 

'Multi-functional furniture is a must have for making clever use of the space,' says Wayfair ’s Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill. 'Opt for extendable tables, sideboards and shelving units , perfect for storing extra cutlery and dinnerware for last minute soirees when you are feeling extra sociable.

'A stylish serving trolley or drinks cabinet decked out with refreshing tipples, twinkling candles and draped greenery makes a showstopping addition to any apartment dining area, ideal for cozy nights in.'

9. Use lighting to create defined zones

(Image credit: Kitesgrove)

Dining rooms in apartments are often part of an open-plan space, so using lighting to help define your separate spaces is a handy design trick.

'Pendant lighting or chandeliers over the table give the dining area a focal point, help to zone it off, and also give it a more intimate feel,' says Elliot Barratt.

This stylish room by Kitesgrove (above) perfectly highlights how a statement pendant  not only adds chic flair to the space but also fully defines the 'dining' zone.

Below, K&H Design used lighting to great effect in a London apartment. Katie Glaister and Henry Miller-Robinson, Co-Founders of K&H Design, explained: 'In this New York loft-style apartment in Knightsbridge, we created a sophisticated dining area by zoning the space with an elegant Lambert & Fils Dot Line Suspension pendant in brushed brass, by day it disappears into the background and by night it creates moody and atmospheric lighting to dine by.'

(Image credit: K&H Design)

10. Utilize large mirrors to give the illusion of space

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

Oversized mirrors will help to bounce light around a room, helping to give the illusion of space and make it feel bigger.

If you're feeling daring, take a tip from the designers at Sims Hilditch and create a whole mirrored feature wall for a dramatic style statement that really opens up the space.

11. Embrace bar-height dining

(Image credit: Brent Darby / Future)

Is your apartment particularly space-starved? Don't panic, you can create a 'dining room' in your kitchen with a kitchen island or breakfast bar. 

'Bar height dining is perfect for an apartment,' says Cox & Cox Product and Creative Director Dani Taylor. 'It can be used for dining, or indeed as a bar if you're entertaining. Perfectly compact for a smaller space, stools can be tucked under out of the way.'

Or choose statement, comfortable bar stools if you have the room; try adding a printed, colorful fabric, or sumptuous velvet for an elevated finish.

How can I decorate my dining room apartment?

Dining room ideas for apartments may be short of space but can still make a stylish impact in your home. A carefully designed studio apartment that incorporates plenty of bespoke and multifunctional furniture that is tailored to the space can achieve a sense of comfort and convenience that belies even the smallest dining room.

Select a dining table and chairs that are in proportion to the size of your room – oversized cabinets, banquettes and armchairs can make a small room feel narrow, so instead look out for benches and foldable seating. Furniture that is the same color as your walls tends to blend into the wall, making it look wider, and make sure you hang mirrors on your dining room walls to create the illusion of space in the room.

Ruth Doherty is an experienced digital writer and editor specializing in interiors, travel and lifestyle. With 20 years of writing for national sites under her belt, she’s worked for the likes of Livingetc.com, Standard, Ideal Home, Stylist and Marie Claire as well as Homes & Gardens.

Apartment dining room ideas - 10 stylish designs to inspire

(Image credit: Nicole Franzen)

Apartment dining room ideas don't necessarily mean small spaces. Some of us might have dedicated dining rooms with large tables that fit plenty of guests while some of us might only have enough space to squeeze in a tiny table into the corner of the living room or kitchen. Whatever size your apartment is, there's always an opportunity to create a wonderful dining spot to enjoy a solo morning pastry or a candlelit dinner with your best friends.

Now's the perfect time of year for some spring cleaning, rejigging and re-decorating, but decorating an apartment takes time and consideration and sometimes it works best to take it room by room. Creating a dining space could be a great place to start if, like many of us, you're bored of the last couple of years of isolation and you're ready to make your home a lot more sociable!

From zoning and creating focal points to creating the right ambiance, the world's best designers give us their insider tips and tricks on getting your apartment dining space right. Read on to discover 10 stylish dining room ideas that might work in your space.

1. Set the mood and create a talking point

(Image credit: Ema Peter)

When designing a space for apartment dining, whatever the size, from luxury dining room ideas to something more modest, before anything else is considered you should first decide on two things: the mood and the amount of time seated around the table.

'Mood is unique to each person, so ask yourself if you prefer a dining atmosphere that’s dark and intimate, bright and rambunctious, or quiet and calm? To find what mood speaks to you, try writing down how you imagine your dream space would feel,' suggests Ben Leavitt, creative director at PlaidFox . 'I like to find a single item in my mind that evokes that mood and then use that as an initial building block that I can build the dining area around. For me, it’s often the chair; the chairs control the mood of the room.' 

'Functionality and aesthetics need to be equally considered, but how do you make the dining table a conversation piece? Include one item that is completely outside of your comfort zone. Whether it’s a light fixture (something asymmetrical, larger than you expect, or a more traditional style of light fixture in a modern room to create a juxtaposition) a piece of art, or a vintage life-size panther - the room needs something that catches the attention of all those who enter. Give guests something fun to talk about.'

2. Embrace color and pattern

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

Siblings Suzie & David Lucas of Lucas interiors studio designed this informal dining space to function mostly for wine (& tequila) tasting. The Lucases carefully chose pops of color and interesting materials and patterns, including several custom tiles from Mexico and Morocco, to bring life and vibrancy to this space. A circular table and rug help define and zone the space as a dining area, with a home bar idea nestled next to it.

Fresh, inviting and unexpected, the interiors are filled with durable textures and bespoke furnishings. 'The homeowners wanted this home to explore color, pattern and the art of the mismatched,' explains David. 'We chose several custom furniture [pieces] and modern, bold finishes to complement the contemporary artworks from our clients’ diverse collection,' adds Suzie. 

The play with texture, color and scale enhances every painting and photograph within the home without competing in an atmosphere that is distinct and eye-catching yet not overwhelming. 

3. Make it warm and inviting

(Image credit: Sean Litchfield)

This loft, complete with modern dining room, located in the SoHo area of NYC is soothing and serene and has a timeless appeal that exemplifies iconic New York loft living. 'I wanted to create a home that had a peaceful and calming aura - something that’s an inviting escape steps from SoHo, and a perfect place for guests can gather or relax,' says Justin Charette, founder of Justin Charette Design .

'I was challenged to create a bachelor pad that was cool in tone, while still remaining warm and inviting,' the designer says. 'The client wanted the overall vibe to be a zen escape from the fast pace of NYC, while complementing the colors from nearby buildings. The biggest challenge for a loft generally is keeping the space open and airy while introducing properly scaled furniture and artwork, that maximizes utility but also emphasizes the volume and vastness of the space.' 

'The home was designed to balance luxury with easy maintenance. I used a variety of light-colored leathers and neutral rugs with soothing patterns and textures to create different zones in the loft,' he adds. 'Color-wise I wanted to keep the space airy and light. To add warmth I incorporated wood tones that complement the original wood beams/columns scattered throughout the home. Hints of chrome and glass add a reflective quality.'

4. Create a focal point

(Image credit: Aaron Leitz)

The exposed brick, wooden beams, high ceilings, large old windows and open layout of this Pearl District loft, are reminiscent of the building’s past. Built in 1910, the structure used to be a warehouse before being transformed into apartments. The best spot for a dining space in this apartment was in the middle of the kitchen, instead of a kitchen island. The absence of upper cabinets makes the kitchen and the big and comfortable dining table idea with offset legs is the key piece of the dining area.

The soft neutral palette is based on the Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist tone that pairs perfectly with the concrete flooring, pale grey tiles, warm white oak furniture and pastel-colored textiles. Several decorative elements are pink for a feminine touch. 

'We wanted to create a home that hugs you in all the right places without feeling restrictive — a place to curl up and daydream one day and host an animated book club gathering the next,' says Mira Eng-Goetz, Interior Designer at Jessica Helgerson Interior Design . 'To achieve this, we designed spaces that facilitate a lot of different ways of living. The rainy day nook is perfect for alone time while the kitchen dining table is large but casual, which is great for dinner parties and for that single bowl of oatmeal in the morning.'

'When we first met the homeowner, we discovered with delight that she collects mobiles and it seemed only natural that we would find a new mobile for her collection' Mira adds. 'As soon as I came across this mobile by GamFratesi , I knew it was perfect for the space with its soft colors and upholstered fins. When you’re seated at the dining table, the mobile moves very slowly above and it has a wonderful presence— both calming and playful.'   

5. Mix old and new

(Image credit: Brian W. Ferry)

Mixing vintage with modern pieces is one of the biggest interior design trends and one that works particularly well in dining spaces, whether that's mixing different era chairs, finding a chunky table that contrasts against a sleek kitchen or combining an old family heirloom with a modern statement light. If your apartment dining room is part of a bigger space, then mixing old and new helps blur the boundaries of the space too.

Floor-to-ceiling hand-finished maple bookshelves with a writing desk and lower cabinets flank the central corridor that leads to the dining room. 'Rather than creating an open floor plan, a single monolithic millwork ‘block’ creates distinct zones,' explain Nicko Elliott and Ksenia Kagner, architects and founders of building and interior design studio Civilian . In the kitchen dining space, a steel island features an Arabescatto marble countertop and hand-finished maple millwork including storage, a writing desk, a wet bar shelf and built-in fridge. 

'The home incorporates a playful and eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary design very much in line with our design’s studio desire to convey both elegance and a sense of levity across every project,' Nicko and Ksenia express.  'The theme for the dining room is John le Carré’s era in West Berlin.'

6. Zone the dining space with wallpaper

(Image credit: Matthew Williams)

Zoning a room with wallpaper is a great way to help separate one space from another despite being in the same room. In apartments this is especially important to try and create a sense of distinct, separate areas.

‘The tricky part was getting more light into quite a tall, narrow building,’ explains Jennifer Mowery Marsh, architect and co-founder of Mowery Marsh Architects . Floor-to-ceiling glass was chosen in the dining space to help bring sunshine deep into the space and light floods down into the center. Once the architectural elements were complete, interior designer Elaine Santos came on board. 

‘They’re a young family didn’t want anything to feel too precious,’ adds Elaine. ‘So we used high-performance fabrics and integrated natural materials wherever we could via woven rugs and fun wallpapers. The Cole & Son wallpaper in the dining room was a way to symbolically bring the outdoors in and give a little depth and dimension to a space that would otherwise feel very narrow,' Elaine Santos says. 

'I was really influenced by the juxtaposition of pieces; a very traditional wallpaper with contemporary furniture, because that's what the architecture was doing; it's a traditional home with modern clean lines,’ adds Elaine Santos. ‘I bounced off of that.' 

7. Go for perfectly fitting bespoke dining furniture

(Image credit: Hanna Grankvist)

Japandi-style trend minimalism meets a Central American-influenced color palette in this update of a home in Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights with its cute dining space just off the living area and besides the kitchen. Nathan Cuttle, founder of interior design practice, Studio Nato , revamped the house for a young professional couple the brief here was to, ‘open up the spaces and maximize light’ to create a relaxed and welcoming home. 

‘We’re really looking to design for living,’ says Nathan, ‘creating warm, inviting spaces that bring people together. Most of our clients have dogs, cats or little kids, so they want nice comfortable homes. But I always tell them: live in the house, really embrace it, invite people over and enjoy it. A home should be where we build memories, especially for young families. And you can’t be too precious.’

One of Studio Nato’s signatures is to design a piece of bespoke furniture for each project and here it was the dining bench – made from white oak and leather, the banquette is generously long so the owners can extend the table when guests are over. ‘It’s very comfortable, I imagine people fighting over who gets to sit in it when they have a dinner party. It’s so relaxing, you could stay there for hours. ’

The couple clearly agrees – despite converting two of the bedrooms into offices to accommodate pandemic WFH, Nathan says more often than not one of them gravitates to this spot: ‘I’ve noticed they often have the laptop at the dining table. The space has good light, the proximity to the kitchen is really nice and the dogs are always running around.’

'I love the dining room,' he adds. 'It’s where families gather. It’s where I spend most of the time with my family and my extended family. It’s where we converse, it’s over food, it’s a beautiful place…

8. Get the lighting right

(Image credit: Nicole Franzen)

Finding the perfect illumination (natural and artificial) and statement lighting for any room, let alone a dining area is incredibly important as it's what sets the mood and turns a space into somewhere to feel energized or to relax and unwind. 'Every single light fixture in the home was carefully chosen,' says Arianna De Gasperis, interior designer and founder, And Studio . 'I look at them as little sculptures that sprinkle the home with light.'

The vision here was to preserve and amplify the space’s character while layering in modern functionality, depth and warmth,' the interior designer says. To do so, she started to elevate many of the home’s original details, including the oak herringbone flooring, crown molding, stained glass windows and wooden staircase while the walls — finished with textured diamond plaster — were created in collaboration with Jersey Ice Cream Co .

'The dining room is moody. It has the perfect dimmed lighting and dark walnut furniture to set the mood for an intimate dinner party.'

9. Work with an open layout

(Image credit: Brooke Holm)

In New York City, architecture studio Worrell Yeung and interior designer, creative director and founder Jean Lin of Colony joined forces to highlight the beauty of a historic loft. It took 12 months and a gut renovation to make the most of this loft where the perimeter walls and existing columns were the only elements that stayed. The dining table stands proud in the middle of the living space, taking center stage. 'The dining room gives a feeling of airiness and grandness,' says Jejon Yeung, co-founder of Worrell Yeung. 

'Like all of our work, we [were] interested in using classic, natural materials [such as white oak, marble, brass metal and plaster] throughout, but detailing and articulating a decidedly new and unexpected fashion.'

'Worrell Yeung designed an open, airy and ultimately monumental space, which we juxtaposed with furnishings and interiors that lend themselves to the smaller signatures of home,' says Jean Lin. 'We worked to create layers of texture, color and comfort, while embracing the open nature of this loft style apartment.'

10. Add visual interest

(Image credit: Max Kim Bee)

Adding visual interest to your dining room décor is about creating a perfect finishing touch, whether that's through beautiful crockery, fresh flowers or statement objet. 

'A smartly placed piece of decorative table décor to add visual interest and break up the plane of the table. If it’s a minimal table, maybe add two staggered bowls with one slightly taller than the other, or stagger two differently sized vases with florals. You want to create visual depth and interest on the dining table, and you achieve that with multiple heights, textures and colors,' explains Ben Leavitt, creative director at PlaidFox Studio.

How do I build a dining room in a small apartment?

If your apartment is particularly small, fear not - a beautiful dining space can still be achieved. Build in a bespoke bench in the kitchen to create a mini dining nook, or a bespoke table that's either standalone or a continuation of your kitchen worktops. Be constantly on the hunt for small furniture (and remember, the dining table doesn't have to specifically be a dining table) and consider sharing your desk space with your dining space. 

To make even a small dining room idea feel special, buy gorgeous crockery. 'The biggest mistake in a dining room is not having dishes that fit with the masterful vibe you have created. A beautiful table with ugly plates is almost like wearing a wedding dress with muddy boots. It may seem like a small thing, but it’s the last 10% that can make or break the design,' says Ben Leavitt , Creative Director, PlaidFox Studio.

(Image credit: Mikhail Loskutov)

Can I use my living room as a dining room?

Many people have their dining spaces within their living rooms, whether that's through choice or lack of it and it can work really well. According to Ben Leavitt, it's about picking chairs wisely, whether that's an upholstered design or more of an accent chair.

'If you’re like me, and the dining table is where it all happens, then comfort is a key component to keeping guests happy and supported. If you want a chair that is both elegant and comfortable, try opting for something with a tapered or rounded back vs. the slab back, then it’s providing back support in a way that’s still interesting,' he says.

You might want to zone the dining space so it feels totally separate to your living area or maybe you want to make the whole space feel united and in harmony. 'To pull it all together you need a fabric to add warmth, color and texture (in the soft furnishings, the rug, or the chairs),' explains Ben Leavitt. 

As the Houses Editor on Livingetc, Rachel has been obsessed with property ever since she was a kid. With a diploma in interior design and more than a decade working on interior magazines under her belt, she feels very at home sourcing the best contemporary houses the world has to offer for Livingetc. It's not just the day job either, she admits she's spent a scary amount of her own time researching schemes for her own renovations - scrolling Instagram, stalking Rightmove and Modern House, flicking through magazines and snooping in other peoples' windows - so she really does live and breathe houses on a daily, if not hourly, basis. Before Livingetc, Rachel had a stint finding homes for Ikea Family magazine where she was lucky enough to gallivant around the world on shoots meeting and interviewing interesting people, all with a very keen eye for blending high-end design with everyday items from Ikea. It inspired her to not be afraid of mixing new and old, expensive and affordable, vintage and modern and so Rachel's current Victorian terrace in north London is very much an updated, contemporary take on a period property; think open-plan modern kitchen with concrete floors, feature fireplaces and her grandmother’s paintings on the walls. Rachel is currently crushing on reeded glass, large gingham prints, squishy curved furniture; like Buchanan Studio’s Studio chair, and vintage wall sconces; she especially adores Retrouvius for sourcing antique finds and feels inspired by Lonika Chande, Beata Heuman and Matilda Goad and already can’t wait to start planning her next home, wherever that might be.

Interior design of a dining room in a private house, apartment

A separate dining room in the interior design of a house seems to us an innovation. In fact, this is a well-forgotten old one. During the Soviet period, apartments appeared with small kitchens, in which there was no place for a full-fledged dining room. Until the 19th century, having a separate dining area was considered a sign of good taste.


Project by Veronika Solovieva

Dining room layout options

Dining room - a room in the house intended for eating. Traditionally for today's society, it's just a table with chairs somewhere in the corner, in the kitchen. This part of the house is unfairly deprived of attention in design. After all, it also carries a certain functionality.

The interior of the dining room reflects the owner's lifestyle and habits. Therefore, according to the location in the house can be divided into:


Project by Darya Bikunova

Separate dining room

In the Middle Ages, a whole floor in the house was given over to the dining room to show the status of the owner. Now they do it for their convenience and allocate one room. Such an idea is suitable for interior design of a dining room in a private house or provided that the apartment has extra square meters. The advantage is that you can receive a large number of guests and effectively set the table. Minus: most likely, the dining room will be used only for special occasions or Sunday dinners.

A separate room is a great option if you often receive guests and you need a solemn atmosphere for a reception. And also if it is customary in your family to gather at a common table for every meal.


Project by Veronika Solovieva

Kitchen-dining room

The most common arrangement type. Traditionally, the kitchen simply allocates space for a dining group. This is a way out for owners of small-sized housing. Two rooms unite and zone the space.

Suitable for those who like to cook and gather the whole family around the table for everyday meals or who do not have the opportunity to separate the dining room. The kitchen-dining room is made in interiors for small families who need a small dining area.


Project by Olga Dorokhova

Kitchen-living room with dining area

The design combines the functions of cooking, eating and relaxing. In a private house or apartment, it is possible by demolishing a wall or combining it in one space.

In such a room you can hold sumptuous feasts, fun parties. You don’t need to sit at the table all the celebration, you can sit on a soft sofa and at the same time remain in the company. For large families, this is a great way to combine life and communication with children. Of the minuses: it will not be possible to retire in the living room and a mess in one place means a mess everywhere.


Project by Evgeny and Maria Latyshev

Organization of the dining room

At first it may seem that you can't think of anything interesting in the design of the dining room. Set up a table with chairs and you're done. A common mistake is not to pay attention to this zone. It has the same function as all the others. Let it not play a major role in the interior, but it is the final touch in a harmonious design. The wrong style of furniture or its placement can spoil the whole picture. Therefore, we will analyze the components of a successful project in an apartment and a private house.


Project by Inna Malova

Planning decision

The concept of the dining room and its appearance depend on this. Determine its location according to your needs. If this is a separate room, then you can choose any style. If combined with a kitchen or living room, make the same design.

Any combination of functions in one place implies zoning. For this technique, you can use both partitions and furniture. It is not necessary to completely demolish the wall during redevelopment. You can make an open opening, which will add air and space, but at the same time there will be separation.

In the kitchen-living room place the dining group between the cooking and rest areas. So much more practical. If a private house has a panoramic wall with access to the terrace, place a table in front of it. It will turn out very atmospheric and unusual.


Project by Maxim Lapshin and Maria Kosolapova

It's a good idea to make a dining room in the hall. This is especially true for apartments with a small kitchen.

With limited square meters, the dining area can be placed in a corner and linear version. Instead of a window sill, make a tabletop with bar stools. On one side of the table, put a bench or original bench. This will increase the number of places for guests. In larger rooms or a private house, you can install a table in the center of the room. Add a bar counter, an island or a U-shaped kitchen set, which is convenient for breakfast and snacks.


Project by Inessa Ternova

Finishes and colors

The dining room is considered a residential area, so there are no restrictions on the choice of materials for design. Except when it's a small kitchen and the wet area is very close. Then ceramic tiles and thick vinyl wallpapers on non-woven base are suitable.

The finish depends on the chosen style and color scheme. In a separate room, walls in one tone look spectacular, and accents can be made with decor and furniture. Most often, the table is in the middle, which already stands out.

Use different textures and colors for zoning united rooms. The dining area can be distinguished by wallpaper, decorative brick, plaster or clapboard. The table against the background of such a wall looks original.


Project by Artem Gorenechev

Lighting

Light is one of the methods of zoning. He is also able to increase the space, change colors, highlight interesting textures. The dining room needs proper lighting.

The light should be soft and slightly subdued. Enough lamps with a power of 50W.

The ideal spot for lighting fixtures is above the dining table. Designers advise hanging at a distance of 170 cm from the floor or 70 cm from the countertop. This arrangement will not interfere and shine directly into the eyes. If you are building a private house for yourself, then be sure to design natural lighting.


Project by Marina Trach

Dining room furniture

Of course, the main objects of the dining room are the dining table and chairs. The most popular table options are round and long rectangular. They are often found in private homes. For small spaces, choose oval and corner. There are also semicircular models with one straight edge that is attached to the wall.

An island or a peninsula, a bar counter, in continuation of the worktop or instead of a window sill, are suitable for the kitchen-dining room.

Made of materials, wood is a classic. Modern styles use glass and plastic. For luxurious designs, stone countertops are also available.

The transforming table is convenient for large companies. If the area allows, the dining group is best placed in the center. This will provide free access to the table from all sides. For a small kitchen, a good option is a window seat.


Project by Maxim Lapshin and Maria Kosolapova

Dining room chairs are not only functional furniture, but decor. If square meters allow, you can choose massive chairs, with armrests or semi-chairs. Banquettes and ottomans give uniqueness to design.

In a modest room, chairs should be light and compact. For a small kitchen, you can put a corner dining set. The built-in sofa on one side of the table looks original. It is not necessary to make a niche, you can simply put high racks or cabinets on the sides.

Many people have forgotten about such attributes as sideboard, console and cabinet. This furniture is designed to store festive dishes, textiles and cutlery. More often used for separate dining rooms in private homes.


Project by Vlad Sedov

Decor

Dining room interior design also has the right to be boring. A symphony of textures and facades, beautiful textiles and an unusual form of furniture can be found in this area.


Project by Alexey Ivanov

Dining table size tips

The right size dining table not only brings convenience, but also harmoniously fits into the interior. First of all, you need to determine for how many people the dining area. For a small family and frequent guests, a transforming table is perfect. Extra chairs can be placed around the room. For a large family, choose a table that is large enough for everyone to have enough space. But for combined rooms, you need to take into account the proportions. A huge table can spoil the interior and become a place to store unnecessary things.


Project by Vlad Sedov

Calculation formula

According to the laws of ergonomics and etiquette, there should be 60x35 cm for each person at the table. This allows you to put a dinner plate, cutlery on the sides and the necessary wine glasses. Approximately 20 cm must be left in the center of the table for dishes and decanters.

Table size by number of persons:

Number of persons Square table size cm Round table diameter, cm
4 90*90 110
6 150*90 130
8 200*110 150
10 260*110 170
12 320*110

Add 75 cm on all sides from the edge of the table to the wall or other furniture to the indicated measurement. This distance is necessary to make it comfortable to move the chair and get up.

Styles for the dining room


Anna Krivonozhkina's project

Classic

Classic style requires a chic crystal chandelier above the dining table. The table itself is made of wood.

General decoration in soft colours. In modern classics, stone and metal can also be used.

The main components of the classics are modesty and muffledness. Curtains are selected from multi-layered fabric, canvases are symmetrically draped. Paintings with landscapes, different-sized vases, a composition of delicate flowers on the table are welcome.


Project by Alexey Ivanov

Art Deco

Art Deco style turns the room into a grand dining room. The style is characterized by luxurious furniture and decoration. The interior is decorated in neutral colors: white, black, beige, gray, brown. Accents are placed in gold, silver, red and burgundy.

Expensive natural materials, wood, stone, natural leather prevail in the design. In furniture and decoration, use mirrors, varnished and glossy surfaces. The highlight will be crystal tableware, arranged in stained-glass windows with backlight.


Project by Evgeny and Maria Latyshev

Minimalism

A laconic interior that pays attention to functionality. Monochrome, strict furniture, free space, ascetic decor are the hallmarks of a minimalist interior.

It is better to make the walls plain and play with texture. Alternate matte with glossy, rough with smooth. It is permissible to combine different textures: concrete, porcelain stoneware, natural linen, wood, metal.


Project by Marina Trach

Country

Country is characterized by a lot of textiles. Chairs or a small bench, decorated with pillows, are placed at the table. A tablecloth or path is selected on the tabletop. The decor is complemented by curtains, carpets.

Country furniture made of dark and light wood. In the decoration of the walls, lining and wallpaper with a pattern are used. Choose from floral prints, stripes and checks. A fireplace is traditionally installed in a country house.


Project by Irina Novikova


Scandinavian style

Nordic style is characterized by simplicity, functionality, cold palette, restraint in decor. The smaller the room, the less furniture.

The Scandinavian interior does not tolerate heaps and disorder. There should not be glossy and shiny surfaces - only matte.

Use light pastel colors for decoration and decor. The walls are not necessarily only white, light gray, pale blue, olive are also suitable.

The base material must be light wood. For textiles and upholstery, choose linen, cotton, and other textured fabrics. For an accent, you can use bright colors, geometric shapes and patterns, a woolen carpet and fluffy pillows.


Project by Elena Tsareva

Loft

Industrial style fits perfectly into the studio space. Brick, concrete, cement, decorative plaster, stone are suitable for finishing. Such cold and brutal materials need to be diluted with bright, but at the same time complex colors: burgundy, indigo, olive, mustard. The contrast with delicate pink removes the masculine character in the interior. Luminaires can be made in metal or be without a ceiling. The wiring can not be hidden. A dining table and chairs made of wood with black iron legs will look good.


Designed by Tatyana Chernyaeva

Modern

For traditional modern interiors, it is necessary to use wood of the same shade in furniture and decoration. The concept is based on smooth lines and soft transitions.

The perfect dining table - round or oval. Modern modern allows you to choose a table made of glass and marble. Antique furniture and decor fit into the interior.

The design of chairs can echo the Middle Ages or be more modern. Models with high rounded backs, textile or leather upholstery and carved legs are characteristic. An alternative is chairs with a metal frame and a wooden seat.

82 best interior ideas from SALON.ru

Combining several functional areas in one room is a current trend. This allows you to turn any planning features into advantages and create an ergonomic and comfortable environment, regardless of the available space. About what to pay attention to when decorating the interior design of a living-dining room in an apartment or a private house - in this capacious guide.

Combining the living room and dining room: pros and cons

Benefits

1. Possibility to arrange a dining group. Moving the dining room into the living room allows you to get around the lack of space in the kitchen - and find a logical place for the dining table.

Photo: Nomad Makleri


Design: Be In Art


Design: Daria Mayer


2. Creation of a functional public area. Lounge and dining area in one room is a logical and harmonious combination of functions. The result is a multifunctional public part of the apartment.

Photo: decoholic.org


Photo: deardesigner.co.uk


Photo: Dmitry Livshits. Architect: Antonina Sinchugova


3. Space saving. The combination of two or more functions within one room helps to save space. And if a redevelopment was made for this (for example, combining a kitchen with a room), then visually the space becomes much wider.

Project author: Yulia Piskareva


Interior photo: Ivan Sorokin. Project author: Kirill Ponomarenko


Photo: kitka.ca


4. Comfortable reception of guests. It can be inconvenient to receive guests in the kitchen for various reasons, and moving to the living room after a feast is not the most comfortable option. The living-dining room is an ideal outlet for those who often invite friends and relatives to soulful gatherings.

Architect: Tatyana Mironova. Photo: Dmitry Livshits


Authors of the project: Boris Uborevich-Borovsky, Irina Selezneva, Maria Mikheeva, Vladimir Sarukhanyan, Oksana Lobanova


Instagram @leandrogarciaarq


5. The convenience of spending time together. For a large family with a different schedule, the dining-living room is an extra opportunity to spend time together. Some can enjoy a late dinner, others can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the lounge space, and at the same time nothing will interfere with communication.

Interior photo: Ivan Sorokin. Project author: Ivan and Veronika Komogortsev


Design: Zoya Tomilina


Project author: Kirill Ponomarenko


6. Additional dining group functions. In continuation of the two previous points, the dining table in the living room can perform other functions:

Design: Design Point

Project author: Anton Korneev Photo: Mikhail Stepanov


Authors of the project: Dmitry Korshunov, Elena Korshunova


Authors of the project: Boris Uborevich-Borovsky, Irina Selezneva, Maria Mikheeva, Vladimir Sarukhanyan, Oksana Lobanova


7. Relevance. Interiors that combine several functional areas at once are in trend.

Design: SpaceStage


Photo: thebillionaireshop.com


Design: Anna Pavlovskaya


Design: interior design studio "Atmosfera"


Drawbacks

1. Limited options for the location of zones. The most reasonable option is to place the dining group as close as possible to the kitchen (or to the kitchen area if it is located in the same room). This imposes certain restrictions on the configuration of space.

Photo: Instagram @yenmaison.vn


Design: Bureau Iva


Project author: Kirill Ponomarenko


2. The need for zoning. In a room that combines two or more functions, one cannot do without zoning techniques. Which, in turn, can increase the estimate and repair time.

Interior photo: Zinon Razutdinov. Project author: Pavel Romanov


Photo: Instagram @sophiepatersoninteriors


Authors of the project: Dmitry Bykov, Evgenia Furmenkova


Project author: Dmitry Voyunkov


3. Possible inconvenience when serving and cleaning the table. Ideally, if the kitchen is located in close proximity to the dining-living room, or even in the same room. But this is not always the case, and the need to carry plates from the kitchen to the kitchen every day, even for relatively short distances, is not pleasant.

Design: Irina Grave


Design: Louis Henry


Project author: Aram Gevorgyan


Author of the project: Olga Freiman


4. Possible need for redevelopment. Not all standard apartments can boast of impressive room sizes. It may turn out that it is possible to equip a comfortable, spacious living-dining room only with the help of redevelopment.

Design: Igor Kurkin


Authors of the project: Alexey Vyazminov, Evgeny Koblov, Anna Goloukhova, Yulia Borisenko


Authors of the project: Anna Pakhomova, Oleg Azovsky


Design: Nadia Zotova


5. Possible inconvenience when using the zones at the same time. Combination of functions can be a plus when spending time together - but turn into a design flaw when privacy is needed. Agree, it’s not very comfortable if in one part of the room someone is passionate about a movie or TV show, and in the other there is a lively conversation over a late dinner or heated discussions over a board game.

Design: BK Interior Design


Project author: Anton Petrov


Author of the project: Maria Vasilenko


Design features

1. Space configuration

The best option is to place the dining area as close to the kitchen as possible.

Design: Donolux


Project author: Ksenia Ivanova


Photo: Zinur Razutdinov. Architect: Dmitry Bykov, Dmitry Korshunov, Marina Kiyko, Svetlana Golovina. Furniture making: Fedor Gallimulin. Construction Manager: Vasily Nosov


2. Stylistics

Combining the living room with the dining room (and even with the kitchen) does not conflict with any stylistic trend, be it modern, retro or classic. You can be completely free to choose.

Project author: Alina Makurina


Design: Igor Sirotov


Authors of the project: Anna Belyaevskaya, Natalia Smorgonskaya


Design: Alexey Bochkov


3. Not tied to the type of housing

Contrary to a common misconception, a design move with a combined dining-living room is appropriate not only in a private house, but also in a typical city apartment (the photos below demonstrate this).

Project author: Svetlana Gavrilova


Author of the project: Valeria Veselova


Photo: Anton Likhtarovich


4.

Lack of strict space requirements

Dining and living rooms can be found in the interiors of typical apartments, spacious private houses, and small Khrushchevs: designers prove that it is possible to combine these zones even on a rather modest area.

Instagram @leandrogarciaarq


Instagram @mayconalteraarquiteto


Design: Zacalata Maria


5. If there is absolutely no space…

In a situation where the room allocated for the living-dining room is quite small, a few design tricks will help out.

  1. Bar counter instead of a table.
  2. Temporary dining group (folding chairs and table).
  3. Transforming table (for example, transforming from a coffee table into a dining table).

Authors of the project: Alexey Nikolashin

Project author: Victoria Vlasova


Author of the project: Anna Ishutova


Zoning of the living-dining room: the best design hacks

1.

Physical zoning

Static and mobile partitions, columns, arches, sliding, transparent, combined will help in this matter. As well as furniture - racks, TV consoles, cabinets, storage systems.

Design: Alexandra Fedorova Bureau


Design: Victoria Kosareva and Andrey Nadtochy


Authors of the project: Dmitry Mudrogelenko, Zlata Mudrogelenko


Project author: Tatyana Mironova


Authors of the project: Anna Pakhomova, Oleg Azovsky


2. Dividing by finishing

By laying out the floor in the dining room with tiles, and in the living room with engineered board, you will quite obviously divide the room into parts. Different wall finishes work similarly: in the dining room it can be paint, and in the lounge space, for example, wallpaper.

Instagram @leandrogarciaarq


Author of the project: Alena Totskaya


Design: Julia Andrievskaya


3.

Different levels of floor, ceiling

Another method of zoning is a combination of different floor or ceiling levels in one room. So, the dining room, located on the podium, will be visually separated from the rest of the room - and at the same time, the amount of space will remain the same.

Design: Marc Koehler Architects


Author of the project: Anna Razumeeva-Smirnova. Photo: Sergey Ananiev


4. Highlighting zones with color

Decorating different parts of the room with different shades or creating accent surfaces is an effective and simple zoning technique. At the same time, walls can be highlighted with color (one or more, completely or partially), floors, ceilings, niches, columns, partitions, furniture.

Project author: Natalya Shirokorad


Photo: Instagram @pedroharuf


5. Zoning with light

Light is another assistant in zoning. Moreover, you can use not only different light sources and lighting scenarios (for example, a chandelier over the dining table and a floor lamp in the lounge area), but also temperature and light intensity.

Design: MSSM ASSOCIATES


Design: Enjoy Home


Project author: Svetlana Pashkova


Design: Smart Interior


Authors of the project: Anna Belyaevskaya, Natalia Smorgonskaya


6. Location of zones, taking into account the peculiarities of the layout

A complex technique that professional designers skillfully use in their projects is zoning, taking into account the peculiarities of the layout of the room. With this approach, it seems that the room itself “suggests” the placement of functional parts. For example, a kitchen set in a niche, a dining table in a bay window, a sofa between the columns.

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