The dining room is often neglected when the time comes for redecoration and remodelling, largely because it is not considered a room for everyday use. However, this doesn’t have to be the case and you can transform your dining room into a welcoming space where friends and family meet. Whether you’re on a tight budget or have money to spend, read on for some simple decorating advice for beautiful, functional dining rooms.
The Multi-Functional Room
If your dining room doesn’t get a lot of use, consider putting the space to a variety of different uses. Your dining room could double as another sitting room, a home office or a playroom for young children. As long as you invest in some good storage solution so that papers and files or children’s toys can be stored away when guests arrive, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t turn your dining room into a multi-functional space.
Furnishing Your Dining Room
The most important item is the dining room table, and these are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you have a small dining room but intent to entertain there, a round table is an excellent option as you can fit more people round it while taking up less room. Dining room tables that fold down to half their size are also popular, as you can extend them when you have guests and fold them when you need the space for other purposes. High quality dining room tables can be quite pricey, so it’s worth searching car boot sales and second hand sites online to find old pieces that are no longer wanted. If you are in a position to buy new, oak is the classic hardwood choice that will last throughout your lifetime, and possibly that of your children too. Oak dining tables are available from retailers like Fortune Woods and their sturdiness means that they will continue to look great as the years wear on. It’s also worth investing in a good sideboard or dresser for practical reasons. You’ll need somewhere to store table linen, crockery, cutlery and glassware for those special meals where old friends and extended family are invited.
Colours and Accessories
Don’t hesitate to go bold when choosing a colour scheme for the dining room. If you’re using antique furniture or a pair of beautiful drapes as a starting point, the shades you pick should compliment these. Otherwise, there are no restrictions on the appropriate tones. Make sure you choose lampshades, cushions and framed prints that fit in with your colour scheme to give the room a cohesive appearance.
