Do: Invest In Lighting
Lighting sets the mood in the dining room. A well-placed pendant light or chandelier can make the room feel special. Choose a fixture that compliments your furniture design. Install the lighting around 30-35 inches above the table, and for added ambiance, choose dimmable bulbs. If the area lacks natural light, you might add sconces or floor lamps.
Don’t Ignore Acoustics
They’re often ignored, but acoustics can make or break a mealtime, especially if your family or guests are the conversational types. Echoes and harsh sounds are distracting, especially in rooms with hard surfaces such as tile flooring or glass windows.
Do: Dress The Table
Even on non-occasions or “regular” evenings, a well-dressed table can elevate the mealtime. A tablecloth and a small floral arrangement, or a couple of well-chosen candles, can make the meal feel special.
Don’t Forget Seasonal Changes
Your dining room doesn’t have to look the same year-round. Embracing the seasons through décor can keep the space looking fresh. Swap out centerpieces and update the color scheme with new napkins or placemats.
A complete overhaul isn’t necessary, but a few thoughtful changes can keep the room feeling alive and responsive rather than static.
Do: Prioritize Harmony
Elements such as cutlery, plates, and centerpieces should harmonize. If your tableware is more modern with stainless steel and minimal ceramics, then candlesticks with clean lines and a contemporary look may be best. For more traditional porcelain plates and antique silver cutlery, ornate candlesticks with baroque or floral detailing will feel suitable. For those of the Jewish faith, Shabbat candlesticks are available in both modern and traditional styles in various materials such as aluminum, silver, ceramics, and gemstones.
Don’t Overcrowd The Room With Furniture
It can be tempting to fill the room with additional features like display cabinets, but less is often more. Too much furniture creates visual and physical clutter, making the room feel cramped. Instead, be intentional with carefully chosen furniture – maybe a functional sideboard that echoes the design of the dining table. Don’t make guests have to squeeze past chairs!
Do: Mix Materials
A dynamic dining room can contain a mix of materials: a wooden table with velvet chairs, for example, or metallic light fixtures and a ceramic vase. Contrast keeps the space feeling layered and interesting rather than flat.
Don’t Make Everything Too Perfect
When a room feels too uniform, it can look more like a showroom than part of your home.
Let your style breathe with a curated aesthetic. Still, consider harmony, but remember a little contrast adds charm and personality.
Do: Choose Art That Speaks To You
Art elevates any room – dining rooms included. Whether a large canvas or a gallery wall of small family photographs, art adds a personal touch and can serve as a conversation starter among guests or among family members looking back at favorite holidays or special occasions. Abstract or landscape paintings or black and white photography can all bring interest.
Don’t Forget Practicality
A beautiful dining room still needs to be functional. Make sure you can access plates, cutlery, serving utensils, and anything else essential. You might include a sideboard or some shelves to store plates, a tray, or cutlery. Remember, elegance and practicality can coexist.
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