Creative Home

Dining rooms require as much thought and consideration as any other room in the house. There are plenty of things to keep in mind such as style, mood, atmosphere and color, and these will vary from person to person. But there are some basic elements that remain the same in every dining room. Here are some tips for decorating with the major elements of the room.

Dining Room Tables

When choosing a dining room table there are certain things to keep in mind. What kind of shape suits the room and the diners best? A round table is great for conversation, while a rectangular table can often fit more people and is a bit more space efficient. Also consider the material and finish that will work best. There are tons of options, so think about the desired style and mood that will be created.

A beautiful mahogany with a French polish is elegant and traditional, while a rustic pine is cozy and relaxed. Numerous woods, marble, glass, and other materials work well in dining room tables, so do some research and find out what’s out there before making a decision.

How to Choose a Dining Room Chair
Standard table height is 29” or 30” while standard seat height is 18”. It’s always best if the chair backs are higher than the table. (While stools and cube benches can look great at a dining room table, they’re not very practical for leaning back and relaxing during a long meal.) Be sure to test out chairs to make sure they’re comfortable. Many stores will allow patrons to take one home to test it out with the table. If the store allows, take advantage of this opportunity and try it out at home.

Dining Room Lighting and Chandeliers
Here’s the rule of thumb: hanging fixtures should be approximately one-third the length of the table and the bottom of the light should hang 30” to 34” above the table. Hanging fixtures have come a long way and there’s no reason why anyone has to have a traditional crystal chandelier.