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Ideas for formal dining room


Alternative Formal Dining Room Ideas

Not everyone needs a formal dining room. If your dining room is gathering dust, perhaps it's time to turn it into a space you'll actually use. Here are 10 alternative formal dining room ideas to consider.

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TV Room

Would you rather have a no-screen living room and a separate place to watch television? Turn your dining room into an entertainment room where you can watch movies, sports and binge watch your favorite shows. Add some comfortable seating and the right lighting and you’ll have the perfect spot to relax. Consider these 10 things when creating a home theater.

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Iryna Kalamurza/Shutterstock

Library

If you’re a book lover, turn your formal dining room into a legit home library. Add bookshelves, a comfortable reading chair, proper lighting and a step stool if your bookshelves go all the way to the ceiling. Learn how to build a classic floor to ceiling bookcase.

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RimDream/Shutterstock

Play Area

It can be difficult to keep an eye on the kids while you’re in the kitchen, so turn an adjacent formal dining room into a play area. Add some shelving and storage so all those toys and books can be in one spot and you can keep an eye on the kids while you tackle kitchen tasks. Consider setting up a play kitchen so the kids can work on their pretend kitchen skills. These 15 toy rooms put the FUN in functional.

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Mike_shots/Shutterstock

Music Room

Do you dream about having a great record collection and somewhere to listen to them, rather than hosting a formal dinner parties? Whether you want a space to listen to music, play music or a mix of both, a dining room may be the perfect room in the house to crank out the tunes.

Can You Recycle CDs, DVDs and Other Disks?

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TORWAISTUDIO/Shutterstock

Exercise Area

Perhaps a space dedicated to exercise is a better use of your formal dining room. Whether you’re into yoga, running on the treadmill or kettlebells, turning your dining room into mini gym might make sense for you. Get a great workout with these helpful home gym ideas.

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Family Handyman

Guest Room

If you don’t have a traditional guest bedroom, but have frequent overnight guests, try creating a space in which your guests can be comfortable for the night. Your formal dining room can be turned into a guest room with a Murphy bed that opens when needed. This option works well when you also use the space as a home office or library.

Save Space With These 10 Stackable Storage Bins

Learn how to build a space-efficient Murphy bed and bookcase.

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Flamingo Images/Shutterstock

Craft Room

If you find yourself using your dining room table more for crafts projects than for eating meals, turn the space into an area dedicated to creativity. Since you already have a table and chairs, just add some storage for keeping your supplies handy. This IKEA hack will give you plenty of storage space for your craft room.

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Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock

Game Room

Instead of inviting friends over for a nice dinner, have them over for a game of pool or Minecraft. Yes, you can turn your formal dining room into a game room! Whether it’s a pool or ping-pong table, pinball or video games, you can turn your dining room into the ultimate arcade. Check out these 25 ideas for home game rooms.

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Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Cocktail Space

Instead of going out for cocktails, stay in and invite people to join you in your formal-dining-room-turned home bar. Whether you use a high-top table, build a home bar or add cozy seating and a bar cart, it may be your new favorite spot to grab a beer, glass of wine or your favorite cocktail.

Check out these tips and photos from readers who have built their own home bars.

Originally Published: October 10, 2019

Rachel Brougham

Writer and editor with a background in news writing, editorial and column writing and content marketing.

51 Formal Dining Room Ideas With Tips And Accessories To Help You Design Yours

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Sure, we take snacks at the kitchen island and light lunches in the dining nook, but there’s nothing quite like laying the table in a formal dining room to really set a festive mood. The formal dining room may be used frequently by a large family or mainly for momentous get-togethers and special holidays, but always for making memories. With that in mind, this room deserves a special kind of attention. It should be a space that feels magnetic, to draw family members and friends to it and make them want to linger awhile. This collection of 51 formal dining room ideas provides inspiration, tips and accessories to help you design yours.

Define your best features. This formal dining space draws attention to a set of elegant arched window frames by using a defining black paint finish that contrasts dramatically against soft white surroundings.

Use screens to set the scene. These arched window frames are softened by fine lattice screens, which lightly shade the influx of natural sunlight to make a mellow mood. The modern dining chairs bring in contrast to the scheme with their deeper shades.

Eclectic glamour and golden accents. Assorted upholstery covers these dining chairs with creative, eclectic flair, whilst gold coloured accent pieces introduce a luxe aesthetic.

Ensure even distribution of light. In large spaces with long dining tables, it‘s important to supply good light to the diners situated at each end of the table. These two elongated sputnik chandeliers spread illumination far and wide.

Earth colours. Despite their formality, chic dining rooms can still feel connected to nature. Select rich earth colours to complement a lush garden view and elevate with metallic accents, like this eye-catching golden circle chandelier.

Anchoring light installations. In an open plan living room arrangement, anchor a formal eating area with a commanding light installation like this cluster of unique dining room pendants.

Create neat zoning with a dining room rug. Flatweave rugs provide an island of colour and differential texture beneath an open plan dining room. Choose machine-washable options for easy maintenance.

Disrupt stuffy appearances with unexpected colour. Bring formal dining room schemes into the modern realm by introducing randomly interspersed accent chairs, multicoloured chandeliers, and colour-blocked paint effects.

Dripping with wealth. Nothing takes a sophisticated dining room design more upmarket than a fabulously oversized crystal chandelier–except maybe a classical work of sculpture. If you’re going all out, one of each makes a winning combination.

Clear foundations. Lighten the presence of your dining suite in an open concept by selecting a table or chairs with a clear acrylic or glass base.

Luxurious layers. Patterned dining chairs, floor-to-ceiling display shelves, an oversized chandelier, statement art, and a deeply textured feature wall all come together to create a feast for the eyes.

Ethereal eating areas. Crisp white drapes, clean white walls, and rose gold accents style a heavenly dining room decor scheme. A delicate dining room chandelier diffuses the light like wisps of cloud across the sun.

A great place for a piano. Whether it’s just to build a look of grandeur or to perform at an after dinner soiree, a piano makes an impressive and entertaining addition.

Living the high life. Draw attention to a high dining room ceiling with attractive wood panelling. Accentuate tall and narrow alcoves to further stretch the vertical plane.

Delicate additions. Slender slices of white marble and metallic strips thread between bookmatched wooden boards to create an exquisite feature wall. Decorative mirrors and a blossom-like chandelier add bright overlays.

Create your own architectural interest. If you want to get in on the arch trend, you don’t have to move home or rebuild. Fashion a partial arch with a custom-made, open-sided bookcase, which can work double duty as a light permeable room divider. The mid century modern dining table and chairs feel right at home against the arching backdrop.

Bring balance to decorative neoclassical settings with a simple, modern dining set. The decorative intricacies of classical boiserie should not have to compete for their rightful limelight.

Be there or be square. A square dining table is great for keeping conversation between the whole group whilst seating couples evenly side by side.

Be bold in black and white. It’s simple, it’s crisp, and most of all it’s highly effective.

The bespoke lighting plan. Mini pendant lights can be clustered or aligned to make a focal lighting feature that is as large or as small as you desire.

Create a courtyard connection. Art is nice, but Mother Nature’s own creation is unbeatable.

Curate a sculptural focal point with artistic dining room pendant lights.

When the table isn’t set for diners, it should be made presentable for the rest of the day. Decorative trays and bowls make simple centrepieces that are easily removed when meal times roll around once more.

Symmetrical style. Not only do these luxe gold wall sconces complement a stunning central light fixture, but they evenly flank a fabulous feature wall and gold trimmed buffet. Tufted accent chairs place a pop of mirrored colour at either end of the table.

Bask under skylights. This glass ceiling treatment allows sunlight to illuminate the warmth of woodtone panels behind an integrated bookcase.

Play with scale. If there is only space for a small dining set, make the area into a larger statement with a sprawling modern light fixture.

Create visual stops in a centrally situated dining space. Use striking storage units and mature indoor plants to slow the eye from gliding straight past.

Exaggerate a round dining set with a much larger round rug, the combination will create a visual pull toward the centre of the arrangement.

A striped rug contributes easy interest to a plain dining room decor scheme. Select a wireframe pendant light shade to complement the linear pattern.

Areas of attraction. It doesn’t take a lot to elevate a small dining area; select just one piece of 3D wall art and a striking modern fireplace to completely transform the essence of the room.

Where natural light doesn’t quite make it from the windows to the table, install high-gloss floor tiles to help light reflections travel.

Marvellous marble. Marble tables, artistic marble focal walls, and marbled rugs, we love them all.

Instate a stately dining room design with not just one but several exquisite chandeliers. Follow up with deeply decorative crown moulding, boiserie, gilded mirrors, and sensational dining chairs.

Colour kissed. Whilst boiserie remains under a graceful cloak of white, upholstered dining chairs and a floral mural add just a kiss of teal.

Counteract the linearity of a wainscot or boiserie panelled room with a round dining table and curved dining chairs. In this example, a modern buffet unit continues the curvaceous motif.

Be inspired by art, like this abstract, red accent dining room. The modern dining table and red chairs play their part beautifully in the overall setup.

Complement your architecture. Airy, open plan layouts and light filled dining areas require sizeable furniture sets, otherwise nothing makes sense to the eye. Team with a large area rug and a substantial buffet to amp up the impact.

Green, gold and glamorous. Emerald green dining chairs set a rich aesthetic alongside gold framed mirrors and a luxurious gold-trimmed sideboard.

White stone and simple lines fashion a formal minimalist dining room.

Where formal dining rooms are attached to the kitchen, create a cohesive flow with similar materials and complementary tones.

Sapphire accents, spectacular modern chandeliers, and marble flooring make striking companions for the counteractive industrial properties of a raw concrete feature wall.

Widen the dining party staging area with a double-width wooden dining table and a complementary wood slatted ceiling.

A racetrack shaped dining table will put your room bang on trend. Accompany the trendy furniture piece with equally curvaceous chairs and gently rounded alcoves.

Hitting on another popular trend, rattan dining chairs aren’t only for relaxed boho settings. Match this earthy aesthetic with a high-end table and designer pendant lights to retain an air of elegant formality.

Wooden dining chairs and tables sit well in industrial surroundings where they achieve a warming effect on cool metal elements, exposed brickwork, and raw concrete.

Look up. The view just gets better and better with atmospherically illuminated ceiling beams and a pool of overlapping circle chandeliers.

Grounded in grey, this suave dining room design is boosted by decorative wall mirrors, large light installations, and the iconic Easy Chair by Pierre Jeanneret.

Ruby red accents, art relics, and rounded motifs shape a unique dining room design with a deep allure. Luxurious Platner chairs surround the glass top dining table.

Let amazing views do the talking, and keep dining furniture on the down-low.

Choose one standout piece to mould your dining area. The white dining table stands out against the black chairs.

Pick an off-beat hue to give your dining room individuality and go all-out.

1. Upholstered dining chair 2. Platner dining chair 3. Wegner style chair 4. Sputnik chandelier 5. Long dining table 6. Tear drop dining pendant lights 7. Dining vase 8. Decorative mirror 9. Rug


Recommended Reading:  51 Luscious Luxury Dining Rooms Plus Tips And Accessories For Decorating Yours

For more dining room decor ideas, visit: 51 Dining Room Decor Ideas To Elevate Meal Times

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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.

21 dining rooms decorated for Christmas

Decorate your dining room with festive joy! (Lowe's Home Improvement)

It's only a few days until the holidays and you haven't decorated your house yet? Many do not have time to think over Christmas decor in advance, but even at the last minute, great options can be created.

First of all, you need to pay attention to the rooms that give the greatest visual effect when decorating. This is the place where you spend a lot of time with family and friends - the dining room! After all, she is always at the head of our holiday plans.

The readers of the Design Museum saw a lot of Christmas decorations. But often, when decorating rooms, the area near the dining table is overlooked from our field of vision.

But this place can make any family dinner magical.

Fun and Modern

So your home is filling with joy as you prepare for the holidays with these 21 inspiring designs. It is not necessary to use bright trinkets in the traditional manner of green and red flowers, bright garlands and lights in the decor. There are many other ways to decorate rooms and keep the spirit of celebration.

Recent trends are towards alternative uses for conifers. Scandinavian-style dining rooms are the most popular now. An interesting design can be modern Christmas decorations used in a room furnished in a traditional way.

For those who love innovation: festive decorations and frescoes on the walls! (Regina Gust Designs)

Sleek and contemporary dining room with shimmering Christmas tree (LUX Design)

Think sparkling cascading chandeliers that perfectly mimic the glitz and charm of Christmas tree decorations. Such additional elements will delight you for more than one season.

Use mistletoe; even a few random Christmas decorations and candles carefully placed around the space can brighten up your dining room for the holidays!

Scandinavian style design for a progressive dining area (30smagazine/Photo by Louise de Miranda)

A dazzling chandelier will add snowy charm to the dining area (Mindi Frang Designs)

Ornaments will add a festive atmosphere to the dining room (the gudhouse company)

A cheerful dining area in an eclectic setting Style (Lowe's Home Improvement)

All about wood!

Have you thought about adding a Christmas tree to the dining room? This option is for those who have enough space in the room where the whole family gathers for a gala dinner.

Why enhance the Christmas atmosphere with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree that will be the center of everyone's attention? Even if you don't have an empty corner for this purpose, you can move a closet or remove a couple of extra chairs to make room for a holiday tree!

Add Christmas tree charm to the dining room [Design: Dawn Hearn Interior Design]

Fabulous Christmas Ornaments for Contemporary Decor (AMR Design)

Stunning Dining Room Decorated for Christmas (SAJ Designs)

Even those with a smaller dining room can easily embrace the idea of ​​a Christmas tree. It is enough to place a small spruce or even tree branches on the table to create a dazzling center of attraction for all eyes.

Whatever the style or color palette of your dining room, a Christmas tree will easily elevate the holiday spirit.

Large dining room with wonderful Christmas decorations (Susie Watson Designs)

Decorating the dining room in gold is so festive! (Regina Gust Designs)

Cozy rustic dining area (Teakwood Builders)

Embrace the beauty of a white Christmas! (Michelle)

Lighting, decor and more

No matter how your dining room is decorated for the holidays, all efforts will be in vain without solemn lighting.

Learn more