4 Golden Rules for Dining Room Styling
Families come together to share meals, memories, and conversations in the dining room. Whether furnishing a new dining room or refreshing an existing space, understanding where to start can be daunting. Bluethumb’s Interior Designer, Alexandra Guglielmino, has four golden rules for dining room styling to help you create a welcoming and functional space. Plus, check out this week’s curation to see Art for the Dining Room.
1. Consider Your Dining Room Size
When styling your dining room, it’s essential to consider the size and shape of your room. “By taking the time to plan out your dining room design, you can create a space that is both functional and stylish,” Alexandra says. The table and chairs should fit comfortably without feeling cramped or too spread out. “If you have enough room, you can define the space by adding a rug underneath the table and chairs,” Alexandra suggests. This adds warmth and texture to the room and can also help anchor the dining area and create a cohesive look.
Primal Antics #5 by Carrie Matheson.
2. Be Bold
When styling your dining room, make at least one bold decision. “Don’t be afraid to paint an accent wall a bold colour or install patterned wallpaper. This pop of colour will draw guests inside,” Alexandra says. The dining room is the heart of your house, so make it lively! Plain, muted colours and too much uniformity can make a space feel sterile. Alexandra encourages you to have fun mixing materials and finishes and interestingly notes that your table and chair material doesn’t need to match.
Garden Visitor by April White.
3. Add a Buffet Table
“Not only are buffet tables great for kitchen storage, but they can inject more colour and texture into your dining room,” said Alexandra. “I recommend styling your buffet with books, greenery, and artwork.” Don’t have room for a buffet table? Don’t worry! Shelving is an excellent alternative for dining rooms on the smaller side. Adding foliage to the dining table’s centre can achieve a similar visual appeal.
4. Create an Artistic Focal Point
“Add interest with artwork and a feature pendant light,” Alexandra says. “Go big with wall art. Hang a large painting, photograph, or sculpture on one of the dining room walls. Or, depending on the space, you can create a gallery wall.” Displaying large-scale artwork in your dining area will draw the eye and serve as a conversation starter with your guests. Installing a unique light fixture above the dining table is a great way to introduce mood lighting. A chandelier, pendant light, or a cluster of hanging bulbs will elevate the space and help centre the room.
Blue Harbour by Cheryl Harrison.
Remember, your dining room should reflect your style and taste. Have fun with it, and be creative! Check out this week’s curation showcasing Art for the Dining Room.
