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Ideas for dining room without table


What To Put In A Dining Room Besides A Table?

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Dining rooms are still an essential part of many homes and making the best use of them is important.

But before we get into the exact ideas, I first want to clarify something quickly.

Are you searching for other items to include in a dining room besides a table or are you looking for alternative ways to make use of a dining room?

Items to put in a dining room besides a table are chairs, centerpieces, artworks, shelves, cabinets, tablecloths, and carts. For alternative uses for a dining room, you can put a nook, a playroom, a second lounge, library room, home office, or a music room.

Either way, I really wanted to create a helpful resource for you so I’ve included a full list of ideas to solve both problems and you’ll surely find the answer to whichever one you’re looking for.

Here you’ll find great things to add to a dining room but you also find a quick list of dining room alternatives that will help you use this room in the right way for you.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Items To Put In A Dining Room

Besides adding a table to a dining room, there are many items that can be included to improve the decor. 

Here are the best items one should add:

Seating

The seating of a dining room is important. Not only does it have to fit in effortlessly with the table, you’ll also want to consider the side of the room.

If you have a small dining room, using only two chairs and a bench can make the room look bigger.

Otherwise, consider how many chairs and what style of chairs to use along with the table.

Centerpiece

The next thing to put in a dining room is a centerpiece for the table. This immediately draws your attention and it’s typically the highlight of the room.

You’ll want to make sure to pick a centerpiece that will complement the rest of the dining room decor and also take into consideration the size of the table and occasion.

One item, in particular, that should be included is candles and a flower vase. Everything else would just be like icing on a cake.

Artwork

Having beautiful pieces of artwork hanging on the walls of the dining room will be of great value to the interior design.

Dealing with bare walls is a problem in many cases but a simple solution to avoid the dining room from looking awkward and boring is to hang at least one large piece of artwork.

Pillows

If you want to create that homely feel, throw in a few pillows to rest on the chair.

This will also make uncomfortable chairs easier to sit on and these pillows will make the dining room feel more welcoming and appreciated.

Table Cloth

This is totally optional but it might make your table decor look even better if you use a modern tablecloth or even a runner which the centerpiece can sit on. It will also make the dining room feel more formal.

Plants

I’m always recommending adding plants to every decor as they can make a huge, uplifting change to a room.

Whether it’s a tall plant in the corner of the room or adding more plants in the centerpiece, this can really brighten up the decor and enhance positive feelings.

Rug

Pick a stylish and modern rug to go under the table. This will complete the look of the area and make your dining room have a more professional look.

Try to go for a rug that will match the rest of your decor but also avoid getting any rug that will be too loud or busy and steal all the attention away from the table.

Wall Shelves

Another item to put beside a table is wall shelves.

This is a great way to decorate the walls in a dining room that will complement and enhance the rest of the decor.

These shelves can be used to display collections, ornaments, family photos, or perhaps your dishware that will encourage the feel of an authentic dining room.

China Cabinet

If you have a large collection of china dishware, you might want to consider putting a cabinet to display your prized possessions or best dishware.

This will add to the decor and it’s a pretty popular item that can be seen in many dining room decors.

Serving Cart

Lastly, you could try having a serving cart on wheels in the corner of the room or next to the table.

This can be of great use during dinner parties or to simply store extra cups and dishes.

The great thing about a cart on wheels is that you can easily move it away if it’s not in use.

Other Ways To Use A Dining Room

Now that you have a good idea of other items you can include, let’s take a look at ways you can make use of a dining room.

If you and your family hardly ever use a dining room and you don’t want this space to lie empty and go to waste, turning this room into something else is a great idea.

Here are your best options:

Nook

There are plenty of ways you can still keep the dining room around but also create a recreational space you’ll enjoy hanging out.

To achieve this, you can turn the area into a nook.

Having a nook in the corner of the room or facing a window is the perfect place that will work really well.

Lounge

There’s no harm in having more than one living room or seating area and by turning this room into a lounge, you can alternate between the two depending on your mood.

A fantastic thing about this idea is that you can decorate this room in any way you like that is totally different from the rest of the house.

Playroom

Kids need their space and having a playroom can be a great way to use a neglected dining room.

The space is probably sufficient for a playroom for the kids but if you don’t have any kids yet, consider using this room as a game room instead!

Library

Have your own personal library at home by installing bookshelves, adding a cozy couch, and a few plants.

This can be the perfect place to relax and unwind with a nice cup of tea and a good book.

The perfect way to use a dining room in a fun way!

Music Room

For those who love to make music or perhaps just listen to music, this room might be the perfect place for you to spend time in.

Redecorate it in any way that will suit your needs and I’m sure you’ll be glad to have taken over this room and turned it into something useful.

Home Office

Working from home isn’t easy and you might need a place in your home that is away from distractions and can help you to get into the mood for work.

Using this room as a home office will be the best use of your time and you won’t even need much stuff except for a desk and chair.

Conclusion

Having these essential items in addition to a table can really increase the appeal of the decor. It can turn a bland and boring dining room into a space you’ll want to enjoy having dinner at.

It’s also surprising to see the useful ways you can make use of the dining room. 

Depending on your preferences or demands at the moment, most of the options are great alternatives to a dining room.

So, I hope this was exactly what you were looking for. 

If you have any further questions, don’t feel shy to ask. I’m always happy to help.

Before you, I’d love to recommend a few more articles you’ll probably find interesting:

Should Your Dining Table Always Be Set? (& How To Set It)

How Can I Make My Dining Room Look Bigger?

What Can I Put In The Centerpiece of My Dining Room Table?

What to put in a dining room besides a table? 9 essentials interior designers include |

(Image credit: James Merrell / May Wadsworth )

What to put in a dining room besides a table is an important question to ask if you're embarking on a new dining room design, and one that interior designers always tackle head-on when designing entertaining spaces.

While thoughts often turn immediately to the all-important dining table, there are lots of other dining room ideas that should be considered when it comes to the perfect dining space, from seating and dining room storage ideas to dining room lighting.

To help you answer the question 'what to put in a dining room besides a table' we asked interior designers for their advice on the key elements to creating the perfect space.

What to put in a dining room besides a table? 

There are no rules when it comes to what you put in a dining room besides a table. Which pieces you include depends on the desired functionality and the size of the room. So, before answering this question you must first examine what you need from the space, and with many dining rooms serving as multi-functional spaces, there's much to consider.

'The dining room has evolved in many ways, especially in open-plan spaces. From coming together for family dinners, to working from home or helping children with school work, it's become as multi-functional as the rest of our homes,' says Amanda Huber, owner of Dining Chair Co . 

'For those who do have a dedicated and more traditional dining room however, keeping this a defined space that is flexible is the key, working for casual family dinners through to more formal dinner parties.'

'When starting the design process, consider what the room's main function is. Do you want to create a smart and formal space, or one that doubles up as a desk and workspace? These decisions will dictate the furniture, colors and layout,' adds  Sarah Vanrenen of Vanrenen GW Designs .

So, whether you're looking to create a modern dining room which serves as an extension of your living space, or a space reserved for formal gatherings, these handy tips from leading interior designers on what to put in a dining room besides a table will help inspire you.

1. Add a console table

(Image credit: Project Tracy Morris / photograph Greg Powers)

When we asked interior designers what they put in a dining room besides a dining table the multifunctional credenza or console table was an item that came up time and time again. 

As well as offering a surface to serve food, it can double as a dining room storage idea for serving dishes, or as a drinks cabinet. Plus, when not in use you can style a console table with table lamps to give a warm glow or with decorative objects to create a display. 

'Dining rooms are being utilized for so much more than dining. Tables are being used for work and study. Add a buffet to allow for additional dish storage (or to store a printer!) and serving food,' advises interior designer Tracy Morris .

Interior designer Judy Pickett of Design Lines Signature agrees suggesting that, 'if space allows, adding a buffet or serving piece is always a smart way to add dimension to the room, but also offers such flexibility to be able to serve out of the space.'

If you have a traditional dining room Louise Wicksteed, design director at Sims Hilditch suggests that, 'an antique side table is a nice addition. It can be styled with a paired of elegant table lamps and a round mirror on the wall above. This not only looks great, but can make a room appear larger too.'

2. Fit a cabinet or dresser

(Image credit: Polly Wreford)

Continuing the theme of storage, interior designer Anne Hepfer suggests a cabinet makes a wonderful addition to a dining room. 

'For extra storage and a look of elegance, you can add a china cabinet or a small dresser. This can be easily styled with candles, fresh flowers, and lamps for a moody setting.' 

While open dressers have a lovely traditional feel, cabinets with closed doors or glazed doors prevent the need for constant dusting, plus, 'glass door cabinets work well for homeowners wanting to display their dishes,' says interior design Noelle Parks of Noelle Interiors .

There are plenty of freestanding cabinets and dressers available, alternatively, fitting alcoves with bespoke cabinets makes a perfect small dining room idea.

3. Go for upholstered dining chairs

(Image credit: Anna Spiro / Tim Salisbury)

Seating is an integral part of a dining room design and 'what kind of dining chairs are best?' is another key question to address during the design process. The seating you choose will depend on the atmosphere you want to create and ultimately what you find most comfortable. 

For those looking for a formal setting with a sense of occasion that you don't get from a kitchen diner, you can't go wrong with upholstered dining chairs suggests Simon Temprell of Neptune . 'Upholstered dining chairs are more luxurious, and they bring a feeling of softness and warmth into a space.'

'In terms of seating, traditionally, upholstered dining chairs are the go-to, but upholstered dining benches have also grown in popularity creating a slightly less formal set-up,' Amanda Huber of Dining Chair Co. 'The joy of upholstered chairs and benches is that once you've picked the shape and design of the chair or bench itself, you can then get creative with your fabric choices.'

4. Try benches for a casual atmosphere

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch )

When it comes to seating for a kitchen diner ideas, benches are a good way to evoke a more casual feel.

'If you have an open plan kitchen/dining room, then relaxed bench seating paired with a wooden table is a great idea, suggests Louise Wicksteed, design director of Sims Hilditch. 'A kitchen/dining room should be a social space that is designed to encourage people to spend time there, and comfortable bench seating does just that.' 

5. Think about lighting

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

Dining room lighting ideas are a key part of any interior, but are particularly important in dining rooms where having plenty of ambient lighting is vital for creating atmosphere. 

'Using layered lighting is a great way to make a dining space feel cozy. Oversized overhead lighting paired with table and wall lights allow the ambience in the room to be altered as required, creating a soft and inviting space throughout the day,' says Louise Wicksteed.

Similarly, when asked what to put in a dining room besides a table, designer Anne Hepfer suggested 'a fabulous light fixture to anchor the room.' Michael Sandsmark of Design West Interiors advises that, 'credenzas complemented with sconces for ambient lighting are a must for any cozy dining room.'

6. Add a bar 

(Image credit: Mary wadsworth)

‘Introducing a home bar idea within a dining room not only creates the perfect opportunity for after-dinner drinks, but on a more practical level it adds useful storage to conceal the less decorative and more habitually used tableware and practical accessories,’ says Clara Ewart, head of design at Kitesgrove . 

Here, Kitesgrove fitted a bespoke bar area complete with a wine fridge and have made a feature of it with a saturated, eye-catching teal which makes a fabulous backdrop for brass barware.  

Alternatively, if you don't have space for a bespoke, fitted bar area, consider a flexible bar cart idea which can easily be repositioned throughout the room or stored elsewhere and wheeled into the space for serving cocktails and aperitifs. 

7. Bring glamor with a mirror

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

Mirrors are wonderful dining room wall ideas. Not only does decorating with mirrors add a touch of glamor, it helps reflect daylight, making rooms feel larger, plus they amplify the warm glow of candles after dark creating a fabulously cozy atmosphere.

'A large mirror adds a certain elegance to a formal dining space, like the one pictured,' says Louise Wicksteed, design director at Sims Hilditch. 'Here, a round mirror adds a nice contrast to the space, offsetting the sharper edges of the panelling and the large adjacent window. This brings a softness to the dining room, making it a welcoming space.'

8. Style the table with flowers or a seasonal display

(Image credit: Oka)

Dining tables can be dominating features in a room and it can be hard to know what to do with them when they aren't in use. This is where dining table decor ideas come in. Decorating with flowers or styling a seasonal centerpiece on the table, or even hanging above it, can make for a wonderful focal point. 

'I like to use over-scaled floral designs to anchor a dining table that isn't in use – particularly in an open-plan setting where a large empty surface can create a hollow in the room,' says Natalia Miyar, founder, Natalia Miyar Atelier .

For a lovely fall table decor idea why not create an arrangement of pumpkins, gourds and candles as done here by Oka ?

9. Add lounge seating

(Image credit: Future)

If space allows, consider adding lounge seating or on-trend banquette seating ideas where guests can relax, suggests interior designer Phillip Thomas when asked what to put in a dining room besides a table.

'Dining rooms have the challenge that they do often only serve one purpose: dining. In my dining rooms, I try to create an environment where dining is just one of the many activities that can occur in that space. I like to build banquettes around the perimeter to create a lounge-like environment that can be attractive and useful during cocktail parties.

'I also like to create dining tables that can vary in size and shape. This can allow you to create a table that can serve not only for dining but also for other purposes, such as buffet or display,' adds Phillip.

Which dining table shape is best?

The best shape dining table is round, for small homes, and oval, for larger homes. This is because in losing the corners, you gain more floor space that will make moving around the room easier, and in the case of small homes, can make them feel larger, too. Both also encourage sociability since everyone is facing everyone else. Both these shapes do, however, mean less tabletop storage, so if you don't have a buffet or countertop on which to conveniently store all those serving dishes for second helpings or self-service, you may want to consider a small extra serving table – or swapping to a square or rectangular table.  

Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience. A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.

Stylish dining room: 7 secrets of success

TipsRooms

The dining room is the heart of the house. Here we gather with the whole family at the dinner table, receive guests, delight our loved ones with our culinary achievements. But how to combine the practical function of a room with cosiness, individual design, atmosphere, so that it can really serve as the center of the house? Often, simple tricks and solutions are enough for this. We have collected for you a few life hacks that will help to give a stylish look and uniqueness to any dining room.

UNUSUAL LIGHT

Original lamp or group of lamps above the dining table - 100% success. He will immediately attract the eye from the threshold and will become the main decoration of the dining area. It can be a classic chandelier, a single sculptural lamp, or even a whole light composition. However, when choosing lighting for the dining room, pay attention not only to the unusual design, but also to the functional component: the dining table should be well lit, and those sitting should be able to see each other well so that any meal takes place in the most comfortable atmosphere.

Apartment in Moscow. Project by Sergei Tregubov and Olga Savchenko. Dining area and kitchen. Draenert armchairs, designed by Gino Carollo, Dexter. The table is made of natural marble.

Photo
Sergei Ananiev. Style: Milena Morozova

Apartment in Paris. Designed by Jean-Louis Degno. French crystal chandelier, 18th century.

Photo
CHRISTOPHER TUEHER

TABLE ON SCULPTURE BASE

Sometimes it is not necessary to make the main accent at the top: on the contrary, you can decoratively strengthen the lower part of the room by placing a dining table on a spectacular sculptural base. Modern manufacturers have an abundance of such models, and in different price categories - from simple IKEA to author's, created to order by master cabinetmakers.

Project by designer Leyla Ulukhanli.

Photo
Photo: Mikhail Loskutov.

DIFFERENT CHAIRS

Different chairs are a fashionable trend in the design of a modern dining room. This technique allows you to give the room dynamics and a fashionable touch of bohemianism and informality. Don't be afraid to experiment, combine design icons with classics, and new items with vintage: the more different and dissimilar the chairs are, the better! Such a decision will make your dining group truly unique and inimitable.

Apartment of architects Natalia Trofimova and Vladimir Belousov.

Photo
Mikhail Loskutov

CABINET AND PLATES ON THE WALL

If you have family sets, a collection of coffee cups, earthenware lids or decorative plates, don't hide your treasures from your guests. On the contrary, put your dishes on display for all to see on the shelves of a display cabinet with glass doors - and let everyone admire it! Alternatively, you can hang the plates on the wall, creating a spectacular composition from them.

Designed by architect Vyacheslav Khomyakov. The sideboard is made to order based on English designs.

Apartment in Milan.

PLAYING WITH COLOR

Trendy warm natural shades will help create a cozy atmosphere in the dining room - olive, ocher, honey-caramel, beige, earthy. They go well with natural wood, wicker elements, colored glass. You can use paint not only for walls, but also for the ceiling: the trend to paint the ceiling has been gaining momentum lately.

Photo
@luksuslopperen

Mere Green #219 and Arsenic #214, all Farrow & Ball.

Photo
Tapet-Cafe

BRIGHT CARPET

The carpet helps visually highlight the dining area - this solution is especially relevant for the now popular combined spaces of the kitchen-dining-living room, where the carpet serves not only to create coziness but also for zoning. It can be a neutral model that almost merges with the floor, or a bright oriental kilim - it all depends on your tastes, preferences and style that you have chosen for your apartment.

Apartment in Moscow. Balcon studio project.

Photo
Anton Likhtarovich

LIVE PLANTS AND FLOWERS

The best decoration of the dining room (and of the whole house) is undoubtedly live plants, floral arrangements and flowers in vases. They decorate the room and enliven the interior at the same time, bringing a piece of nature into it. If you are not yet puzzled by the landscaping of your home, read our material that will help you understand the basics of home gardening.

Photo
@kirkarkitektur

photo, interior design ideas in 2022

Where to place the dining table

There are few options - this is a kitchen, living room or dining room. Of course, there are conditions when you have to fit everything you need for everyday life in one small room, even a stove and a bed at the same time. And then one can only dream of a comfortable dining area. But we are interested in considering options without such extremes. In the vast majority of cases, even in a very small apartment, it is possible to organize a space for a pleasant pastime while eating.

Photo source: http://polystroy.com

The most convenient option: dining room

The easiest way to make a dining area is in a separate dining room. This is real in a multi-room apartment or house. If you are building a house yourself, you should think about the dining room in advance.

In this case, the kitchen is located in the room next door, but separately - it is not at all necessary to observe the sink, refrigerator, food, inhale kitchen smells while eating. And you should implement the possibility of entering the dining room through two entrances, one of which leads from the kitchen, the second from other living areas of the house, so that your guests do not have to look at the usual kitchen clutter while heading to dinner at a gala reception.

Photo source: http://www.1stroitelny.kz

In a separate dining room, the table will become the central accent of the room. Requirements for it: sufficient size, reliability in operation, stability and ability to fit into the style of the room. There are no restrictions on the choice of style in this case - everything is at your discretion. It can be luxurious Gothic, and calm classics, and sunny Provence.

Photo source: http://www.myhome.ru/

The main thing is that the dining room should not resemble a hospital - boring and bare walls. The eyes of the person sitting should be comfortable - paintings on the walls, patterns on the wallpaper, decorative elements or the landscape outside the window should not strain. Only the installation of a TV should be avoided, which does not contribute to the peaceful absorption of food and conversation at the table.

Photo source: http://www.berlogos. ru/

Traditional kitchen

The dining area in the kitchen is the norm for most city apartments. And if this place is furnished with taste and comfort, then you will definitely have gatherings in the kitchen with friends or family, which will be extremely pleasant memories.

Photo source: http://vk.com/

However, the kitchen is not only a place of communication, but also a functional and actively exploited space. Therefore, for large kitchens, the following is relevant:

Work and dining areas should be separated by 1.5 meters.

Photo source: http://kuhnegrad.ru

In spacious kitchens, you can place tables in the middle of the room, or in any desired place. But, if the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthis room is less than 16 meters, most likely the table and chairs will not comfortably fit in the middle.

In order not to bump into corners while fussing in the kitchen, it is better to place oval or round tables here.

Photo source: http://mebel.postroyforum.ru/

Do not be discouraged if the room is very small: it is possible to equip a dining area even on four square meters. Of course, it is not suitable for guests, but for use by 1-2 family members it will be quite convenient. Ideas for a small kitchen can be found in the article Small Kitchen Interior: Ideas.

Photo source: http://www.zhitomir.info/

In a small kitchen, the dining area should be first of all comfortable and only then beautiful:

Photo source: http://uhouse.ru/

Photo source: http://secondstreet.ru/

Outdoor dining area or living room

The arrangement of the dining area in the living room or in the open space version provides for zoning, that is, the division of space into functional zones. It is likely to be soft, almost imperceptible, especially if the dining area is combined with a place to relax.

Photo source: http://womenitems.ru

Zoning achieved with:

Photo source: http://www.gress.ru/

The dining area should not be located in the corner and near the exit.

Photo source: http://www. domfront.ru/

On the other hand, a furniture dining set will look great in a bay window, near the window sills, in the center. A rectangular table will also look good if one of its narrow edges rests on a niche.

Photo source: http://www.domfront.ru

In an open space, a dining table is well placed between the kitchen and lounge areas.

Photo source: http://vash-dom.mirtesen.ru/

A few nuances: parameters, seating, light

Options

In addition to aesthetics and convenience, the kitchen and dining room must be safe, for this, when arranging furniture, it is necessary to use the principles of ergonomics. So, one person will need at least 0.7 meters for comfort at the table. The distance from the walls should not be less than half a meter. Convenient height - 0.8 meters.

Photo source: http://arx.novosibdom.ru/

Photo source: http://homester. com.ua/

For a family of 4, a table with a minimum area of ​​1.2 x 0.8 meters is suitable. A folding table can easily increase these parameters to such a size that it is convenient to receive guests.

Seats

These are not necessarily chairs or stools. Suitable sofas and benches, including in the form of corners. However, the latter are inconvenient to move away. But they can be placed permanently against the wall.

Photo source: http://home-secret.ru/

Light

The dining area in any room should have its own lighting. Its brightness and location depends on the style of the interior and your preferences: an intimate semi-diffused light of a sconce on the wall or a chandelier on the table, a shining chandelier on the ceiling, spotlights around the perimeter of the zone, a light curtain in the form of a group of lamps between the zones.

Photo source: http://www.

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