Erroneous Decor Choices in Dining Rooms that Warrant Correction Prior to Your Upcoming Gathering
Erroneous Decor Choices in Dining Rooms that Warrant Correction Prior to Your Upcoming Gathering
whether you're planning a stylish dinner party or a casual hangout with pals, your dining room is likely the spot where you all hang out and eat. but there might be some things in your dining room that make it less than welcoming for your guests.
lucky for you, with a few expert-approved dining room design tweaks, you can make your room cozier, more comfortable, and better looking—all set for your next party.
- Liz Goldberg from Carolyn Leona Design
- Malka Helft from Think Chic Interiors
01 of 07## awkward chairs
if you're looking to make your dining room a space for chatting over meals and late-night conversations, hard and uncomfortable chairs aren't ideal.
consider swapping out those hard chairs for ones with cushioned or upholstered seats, or just add a chair cushion. you might want to look for machine washable chair cushions, or use a fabric guard spray to make cleaning stains easier.
02 of 07## chairs that don't fit
while we're on chairs, make sure that the ones you choose actually fit under and around your table. "you don't want them to bump into the dining room table legs," says Helft. "if you're using armchairs, check how high the arms are and how low the table goes. it could potentially go lower than the arms, and you won't be able to push the dining chairs underneath."
one possible solution: Helft recommends considering a pedestal table, so you won't have to worry about the legs. but make sure there's enough table overhang beyond the pedestal to sit comfortably.
03 of 07## too-small rugs
a rug can make your dining room more cozy and put together. but a too-small one means that chair legs can get caught on them when you're pulling chairs in and out.
"we like dining room rugs to be large enough that when the chairs are pulled out, all the chair legs stay on the rug," says Goldberg. ideally, that requires at least two feet of additional rug past the edges of the table.
just like with chair cushions, look for a rug that's easy to clean. "make sure you're getting a cleanable rug, whether that's indoor-outdoor, rug tiles, or a high-quality wool rug," says Helft.
04 of 07## too-large round tables
round dining tables can be versatile for different-sized dinner parties and allow for easier conversation. but if the table becomes too big, it may not fit everyone comfortably.
"a lot of people choose a 72-inch table," says Helft. "at that size, you will really not be able to reach anything in the center of the table."
05 of 07## choosing a table that's too narrow
dining room tables have been trending a bit narrower lately, with some as narrow as 40 inches. but a table that narrow can make it hard to fit plates, glasses, and any food or centerpieces in the center of the table.
if possible, look for a slightly wider table to give everyone a little more breathing room.
06 of 07## too much clutter
whether it's paper stacks on the dining room table, excess chairs pushed to the corners, or a large collection of collectibles, too much clutter can make your dining room feel cramped.
Helft recommends getting rid of extra chairs and using high-quality folding chairs that can be stored elsewhere. if you need to store paperwork or other non-dining room items, opt for closed storage like a sideboard or cabinet to avoid a cluttered look.
and while you should showcase special items like vintage china, Goldberg recommends a careful edit of them. "when display too many pieces of dinnerware and furnishings that have been passed down, the room can feel cluttered," says Goldberg. "feature special pieces in the dining room to really highlight the favorites."
07 of 07## lighting fixtures that are too high
when hanging your dining room chandelier or light fixture, you'll ideally want it to be a little lower than you expect—just 32 to 34 inches higher than your table, says Helft. "you shouldn't hang it close to the ceiling like your other light fixtures—you're missing the point of it," says Helft. "the fixture serves you by lighting up the food when you're sitting, not when you're standing."
When enhancing your dining room, Decorating Tips and Techniques from RealSimple can provide valuable insights. For instance, hard and uncomfortable chairs could hinder conversations, so consider replacing them with cushioned or upholstered seats or adding chair cushions for comfort.