Have you ever cooked a wonderful meal, only to feel the setting didn’t quite do it justice? I know I have. It’s a common feeling, but it highlights just how important our surroundings are to the dining experience. Your dine in room is so much more than just a place to eat; it’s the heart of the home where conversations flow, laughter is shared, and memories are made. A thoughtfully designed dine in room can transform everyday meals into special occasions and make hosting friends feel effortless and joyful. In this guide, I’ll be sharing my personal tips on everything from choosing the right colours and furniture to perfecting your lighting and selecting wall art that truly speaks to you. Together, we’ll turn your dining space into a place you genuinely love.
List of Contents
- Setting the Mood with Colour
- Choosing Furniture for Comfort and Style
- Perfecting Your Dine-In Room Lighting
- Personalising with Wall Art and Accents
- Smart Storage for a Clutter-Free Setting
Creating a Space You'll Love to Eat In
1. Setting the Mood with Colour
Colour has a powerful effect on our mood, and this is especially true in a dining space. To create a welcoming and appetising atmosphere, I often lean towards warm, earthy tones that are so popular in UK homes. Think of soft greys, muted greens, and warm beiges. These shades create a comforting backdrop that makes everyone feel relaxed. A specific shade I adore is Farrow & Ball's 'Elephant's Breath'; it’s a gorgeous warm grey that feels both contemporary and timeless.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, why not try a bold accent wall? A deep navy or a rich terracotta can add wonderful character and make a large dine in room feel more intimate. As an article from Houzz highlights, deep blues can add personality while maintaining balance. Before you commit, ask yourself: what feeling do you want your space to evoke? My most practical tip is this: I always suggest getting a few tester pots. Paint large swatches on the walls to see how the colours change with the natural daylight and your evening lighting. It’s a small step that prevents costly mistakes in your dine in room.
2. Choosing Furniture for Comfort and Style
The dining table is the undeniable centrepiece of your dine in room, so it’s worth taking the time to choose wisely. In UK interiors, solid oak remains a favourite for its timeless, rustic feel, while ceramic-topped tables are gaining popularity for their modern look and incredible durability. The shape of your table also matters. A round table is fantastic for a smaller dine in room, as it encourages conversation and creates a cosy, intimate feel. On the other hand, an extendable table offers brilliant flexibility for when you’re hosting Christmas dinner or a big family get-together. Once you’ve chosen your table, it’s time to think about seating.
Remember, comfort is paramount if you want guests to linger over dessert and coffee. Upholstered chairs add a touch of luxury, while mixing and matching different chair styles can create a wonderfully eclectic and personal look. For a more casual dine in room, a bench is a stylish, space-saving solution that’s great for families. Finally, a crucial tip on layout: always aim to leave at least 90cm of clearance around the table. This ensures people can move around easily without having to squeeze past. The right furniture provides a beautiful canvas, and you can find stunning pieces to complement your new setup by exploring a wide range of art prints for the wall.
Choosing the Right Dining Table Shape
| Table Shape | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rectangular | Larger families and formal hosting | Seats many people; classic look | Can feel imposing in small rooms |
| Round | Smaller spaces and encouraging conversation | No sharp corners; creates an intimate feel | Less seating capacity than a rectangular table of a similar size |
| Oval | Narrow rooms and flexible seating | Combines the intimacy of a round table with more surface area | Can be harder to find in various styles |
| Extendable | Versatile hosting needs | Saves space day-to-day; expands for guests | Mechanism can be bulky; seam is visible |
3. Perfecting Your Dine-In Room Lighting
Lighting is everything when it comes to creating atmosphere. A great dine in room needs layered lighting, which is just a simple mix of ambient (overall), task (focused), and accent (highlighting) light. Let’s start with the main feature: a statement pendant light or chandelier hanging over your table. Think of it as ‘ceiling jewellery’ that’s both a light source and a stunning focal point. My one non-negotiable tip here is to install a dimmer switch. It’s a small change that makes a massive impact, allowing you to go from bright light for homework to a low, intimate glow for a dinner party.
To complete the layered effect, add other light sources. A floor lamp in a corner or a pair of wall sconces can cast a soft, warm glow that eliminates harsh shadows. Wall sconces are also perfect for illuminating artwork, and you can explore different gallery wall colour schemes to see how light and art can work together beautifully. And of course, don’t forget to make the most of natural light during the day to keep your dine in room feeling fresh and airy.
4. Personalising with Wall Art and Accents
Now for my favourite part! Wall art is what gives a dine in room its soul. It’s the final, personal layer that transforms a functional space into a true reflection of you. For a peaceful, calming atmosphere, I recommend a large-scale abstract painting with soft, blended colours or a serene series of botanical prints. If you want your dine in room to have a more dynamic, energetic feel, a single, bold piece of modern art can be a fantastic conversation starter.
This is where your dine in room truly shows off your personal style. When it comes to placement, a common mistake is hanging art too high. My go-to professional tip is to ensure the centre of the artwork is at eye level, which is roughly 145cm from the floor. For a large, empty wall, either go for one oversized piece or create a curated gallery wall to make a real statement. If you're looking for pieces that work beautifully together, you might want to browse these framed wall pictures for the living room, which are just as stunning in a dining space.
And if you're unsure what style to go for, I've written more about choosing prints for living room spaces that can help you find your perfect match. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed mirror to reflect light and create an illusion of spaciousness.
5. Smart Storage for a Clutter-Free Setting
Let’s talk about the practical side of things: storage. A tidy space is a serene space, and keeping clutter at bay is essential for a relaxing dining experience. The classic sideboard or buffet is a stylish and highly functional piece for hiding away dinnerware, tablecloths, and cutlery. For smaller UK homes where floor space is precious, consider modern alternatives like floating shelves to display your favourite ceramics, or a tall, narrow cabinet.
A 'larder' style cabinet can offer ample storage while taking up a minimal footprint, keeping your dine in room beautifully organised. Here’s a personal styling tip: I love using the top of my sideboard as another decorative surface. Style it with a table lamp for soft light, a couple of leaning art prints, and a vase of fresh flowers to bring life and personality into your dine in room.
More about…
Embark on a journey of creating your dream dining space. Learn how to choose the perfect art that speaks to you. Join us as we explore the topic of Stylish Ideas for Your Perfect Dine-In Room. Click here to uncover more inspiration and tips for decorating your personal sanctuary.
Pro Tips…
Feeling inspired? Sometimes seeing is believing! If you'd like to explore different styles and see how these ideas come to life, I recommend browsing through our Content Hub.
If you want to see these ideas in action, our Content Hub offers plenty of visuals to guide you. Discover inspiring Home decor tips and trends to suit a variety of styles and moods.
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I hope this guide inspires you to view wall art as both a decorative element and a powerful tool for creating a sanctuary tailored to your relaxation needs.
Which style are you leaning towards? Let me know—I’d love to hear your ideas!
