by Furnishly | Jun 2, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
Sarah Everett
Staff Writer
Sarah is a staff writer at Apartment Therapy. She completed her MA in journalism at the University of Missouri and has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Belmont University. Past writing and editing stops include HGTV Magazine, Nashville Arts Magazine, and several outlets local to her hometown, Columbia, Missouri.
by Furnishly | May 12, 2022 | Design Inspiration
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.
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.
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 bowls and vases 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.
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 sets 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.
Let amazing views do the talking, and keep dining furniture on the down-low.
Choose one standout piece to mould your dining area.
Pick an off-beat hue to give your dining room individuality and go all-out.
Recommended Reading: 51 Luscious Luxury Dining Rooms Plus Tips And Accessories For Decorating Yours
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by Furnishly | Apr 28, 2022 | Design Inspiration
Sunlight and refreshing connections with Mother Nature make these modern dining rooms into irresistibly inviting spaces in which to gather, break bread and linger for a good while longer. In this varied collection of 51 dining rooms that connect with light and nature, we’ll take a look at botanical dining spaces that are filled with living greenery, dining rooms with linked courtyard designs, glass walls that break open indoor eating spaces to lush gardens and poolside terraces, plus outdoor dining rooms for an authentic al fresco experience. We’ll cover many different aesthetics too, from boho and rustic to modern and industrial style, plus global inspiration from Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Mexico, and Brazil.
Stack it. Double-banked windows pull the sky into this modern dining room interior, where the rich wood tone of a stunning live edge dining table is complemented by walls of exposed red brickwork. A grey concrete floor cools the combo.
Paint a picture. Fully retractable doors turn this dining room’s garden view into a perfectly framed picture. Slatted panels cross a clerestory window to filter warm sunbeams upon a long wooden dining table. The light play and natural wood tone is complemented by a cluster of wicker dining room pendants above.
Bridges to nature. A wooden ceiling treatment seamlessly bonds this airy dining space with a terrace and lake panorama.
Multifaceted connections. Dual aspect windows and roofline windows crack open this large and light-filled dining space to different views of the garden and skyscrape. Glass walls retract to allow a through-breeze to flow freely, bringing with it the sounds and scents of the environment.
Blur indoor-outdoor boundaries. A concrete floor communicates both interior and exterior aesthetics, whilst a built-in barbeque grill provides al fresco flavours. The woodland landscape rushes right up alongside, creating a tangible vista.
Draw nature’s influence inside. Trailing plants trickle outside the tall windows of this dining space and some are nurtured inside of the home to obscure the border.
A nature sandwich. With open views of the environment on one side of the house, constructing an internal courtyard will sandwich your dining space between enriching natural scenery. More images of this home here.
This double-sided, nature kissed dining space features a majestic tree that pushes up through a centrally situated courtyard. This courtyard design also gives the dining room a solid connection with the rest of the home.
Dramatically draped. This sophisticated dining spot features a wide woodland view that’s flanked in heavy, dramatic drapes. A bold linear suspension light adds to the framed effect.
Take it to the water’s edge. If you don’t live by a lake, then create the waterside experience for yourself with a wraparound pool design. The water will make magical light reflections of walls, ceiling and floors.
Is there anything more perfect than having a fruit-bearing tree outside of a dining room? This lemon tree leans lushly toward the dining room doors, offering a fresh squeeze of citrus for salads and liquid refreshments.
It’s the chairs that bring a zesty lemon vibe to this enviable dining room setup. The brightly coloured upholstered dining chairs make cheerful companions for surrounding green views.
Sheltered and shaded. Outdoor eating areas have a special draw, bringing us closest to nature when we’re caring for ourselves in the most natural way. Adding a shelter over top means that we can continue the experience even in light rain showers or searing sunlight.
Another sheltered outdoor dining area, this time with a landscaped border to bring nature right to the fingertips.
You can also add a ceiling fan to tightly walled-in terraces to stir up a much-needed breeze.
Enjoy gardens to the fullest with frameless corner windows. The expanse of wraparound glass achieves an uninterrupted connection with the garden–without having to contend with the weather or the bugs.
Spectacular subtractions. The presence of this staircase design is minimised with a single stringer and glass balustrades that allow the garden panorama to push through. The double-height void of this spectacular dining room is a shapely circular cutaway in white stucco that smoothly reflects the light.
In this Vietnamese villa, the white ceiling space above the dining room is further emphasised by a contrasting dark wood clad counterpart above a cosy lounge area.
Curate a complementary materials palette. Natural wood cabinets, bookshelves, chairs and side tables branch off from a beautiful live edge wooden dining table here. Elegant indoor trees and Asian artwork instil a sense of zen.
Wood ceilings and wicker pendant lights make a harmonious match in tone and texture. This impressive, pitched ceiling opens wide to accommodate a compilation of five assorted pendant shades along the length of the dining table.
Inspired by nature’s palette, this modern grey dining set draws influence from the grey tree bark just outside of edge-to-edge windows.
Not an inch wasted, these custom-made windows are full stretch of a high-ceilinged dining space that receives a flood of natural light throughout the day and the changing seasons.
Mimic the landscape. An undulating roofline mimics the sloping silhouette of trees.
Pleasant pond views. The wide window sill in this minimalist dining room design also serves as a window seat. Here, the home owner can take a moment to rest or have a quick sandwich at the very edge of a raised pond. The raised position of the water feature also puts it at prime viewing height from the dining table.
Turn up the colour contrast. When decorating with botanical themed decor elements or natural greenery, hot red and orange accents make a perfect punchy colour contrast.
TImber and smoke. With swathes of wonderful wood tone, it’s possible for the look to become a little boxy. Set the look on fire with smoky grey and charred black elements to create zoning and striking definition.
Beautiful inside and out. This wood slatted ceiling makes a fitting companion for the outdoor upper fencing.
Make room for nature. This large living room is split down the middle with a glass interlude that accommodates a native tree.
- 31 |
- Architect: A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons
- Designer: Ryan Leidner
Dull dining spaces can be brought to life with a well-placed skylight.
A round skylight imitates the sun.
You don’t have to choose between panoramic views and wall space for art. A slimline letterbox window gives you the best of both worlds.
Exposed brick walls translate the outdoor essence into interior spaces.
Stone walls bring deeply textured rustic and boho vibes.
Sounds of nature increase serene ambience. Think fountains and bubbling fish ponds, like the one in this fabulous modern Indian house.
Use garden views as a stunning canvas to build upon, as in the unique staircase design of this open plan dining space. The curved treads create playful moments of light and shade over the dining set and beyond.
Take your dining area to the lightest part of the house with the best garden view, even if that’s by the front entrance.
Of course, you don’t have to own a garden when you have a plethora of flourishing indoor plants.
Don’t stop at just a few pots when you can go all out.
If you only have a small yard, then consider nurturing a vertical garden wall to grow yourself a lush green dining room view.
- 43 |
- Designer: DZINE Concept
In an upstairs apartment, take it to the treetops.
This dining banquette will be the prized seat of the house, dinner time or not.
Stepping out. Adding staircases through the brush allows you to plant an outdoor dining room on sloped terrain without having to build up the foundation. More images here.
Instead of having a clutter of indoor planters, carve out one neat channel in the floor.
Even the narrowest garden border can contribute to an effective wraparound result.
The interior of this modern Mexican house makes deep chocolate brown contrast with the fresh green environment.
Seaside dreams. The ethereal white stucco that surrounds this light dining room design adds to the dreamy effect of its mesmerising seascape.
Sweet symmetry and natural materials achieve peaceful balance in this luxury Indonesian villa.
A boho spirited interior and a luxurious pool terrace are linked together via wide patio doors in this pretty villa design. A stone feature wall drops in an outdoor essence that complements the invigorating flower-filled vista.
Recommended Reading: 51 Luscious Luxury Dining Rooms Plus Tips And Accessories For Decorating Yours
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Share it on any of the following social media channels below to give us your vote. Your feedback helps us improve.
by Furnishly | Apr 20, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
Sarah Everett
Staff Writer
Sarah is a staff writer at Apartment Therapy. She completed her MA in journalism at the University of Missouri and has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Belmont University. Past writing and editing stops include HGTV Magazine, Nashville Arts Magazine, and several outlets local to her hometown, Columbia, Missouri.
by Furnishly | Mar 30, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
In our endless search for small-kitchen storage solutions, we are always on the lookout for folding tables that are both stylish and versatile. Folding tables are fantastic pieces for anyone living in an apartment or house without a formal dining area or who also doesn’t want to sacrifice precious kitchen space for a bulky table. When it’s time to eat, these small-space dining sets expand to a full table, but when you’re done, you can drop the leaves back down. And we are happy to report that we have come across what we think might be one of the best folding dining tables out there: the Tiptiper Folding Dining Table with Storage Racks. With over 500 five-star Amazon ratings, this budget-friendly dining table is ideal for anyone in a small house or apartment who wants a smart entertaining and storage solution.
The Tiptiper Folding Dining Table with Storage Racks first caught our eye because of how compact it is, and we were very impressed with the added storage space thanks to the two-tier shelving underneath. At its largest, this expandable table can comfortably seat four to six people. After dinner, fold it back down and it’s chic enough to use as a console table, an entryway table, or as a side table in your living room. Or leave one leaf up to create a dining table for two or a perfect work-from-home desk. Six wheels on the bottom make it easy to move it from room to room.
What makes this foldable table even better is that it has two shelves underneath that stay in place whether the table is folded or unfolded. Use them for kitchen items like glasses, plates, or cookware; as a makeshift pantry; or as a landing spot for books or electronics.
Many reviewers rave about how convenient this table is, especially for the price. Unsurprisingly, tons of people who live in close quarters praise it for its size. “If I could give this a 100/100 I would! We’ve been looking for a table that fits in a small apartment but can sit more than 2 people! We can fit six comfortably. I highly recommend!” one customer wrote.
Another shared, “I absolutely love this product! It perfectly meets my needs for a fold-away/roll-away dining table. I have a small 1 bedroom apt and use this as both a dining table and serving table for parties. I also like that it has storage space for table games, china, or whatever else I want to store. The quality of the tabletop pieces far exceeded my quality expectations. I highly recommend this product!”
Customers are also finding tons of unexpected ways to use this piece, like for a kids’ playroom or even as a compact dining option in an RV. “This is the perfect table in my craft room. You need only lift one side for a smaller project or both for larger. Love that it has wheels too. So compact when not in use. The two shelves are perfect for holding supplies,” another happy customer wrote.
Whether you live in a small space or you’re just in need of extra surface space, this affordable folding dining table will make your life easier and less crowded. Now it’s time to start planning your next (first?) dinner party!
Buy: Tiptiper Folding Dining Table, $125.99
Erin Cavoto
Commerce Writer
Erin writes about all things shopping-related for The Kitchn, including highlighting small cookware brands, testing cool products, or scoping out need-to-know sales. She’s also a regular at the Trader Joe’s cheese section and has a never-ending supply of tea at home.
