Whether it’s a formal dining space or a casual extension of your kitchen and living, the dining room requires (and deserves!) just as much thought and attention as the rest of your home!
Over the years the role of the dining room has certainly shifted in terms of priority and like many things in our lives, the impacts of the global pandemic has forced us to reconsider how many of the rooms in our homes function and the dining room is not immune. Today, we see the dining room become very much a multi-use zone – one where families not only gather to share a meal together, but also covert to the home office or school desk as the WFH life becomes norm for many households. With that said, it’s been kinda nice to see the return of the more traditional use of the dining table. There is no denying the pandemic has drastically altered our eating habits and rather than eating out, we have settled into routines that involve a lot more cooking, eating and entertaining at home AND the dining table is certainly getting a work out!
Today, we are we are delving into the key ingredients that go into delivering a beautiful styled dining table…
LIGHTING
No space is complete without lighting, and the dining room is the perfect space to make a statement! Whether it’s a single statement pendant or a collection of lights there are options out there to suit any style of home and dining table.
Despite the light itself, it’s always important to consider the height of the lighting and the colour/ temperature. In a dining experience you always want to opt for warm white lighting as it emits a softer glow which is not only more welcoming but compliments natural sunlight during the day and also enhances the ambience of the space as the sun goes down. We always like to suspend pendants roughly 800 – 900mm above the dining table, this length allows for enough lighting without it feeling too harsh as well as wont obstruct any views across the table.
You can even take it one step further and opt for some softer lighting in the form of candles. A soft flame will no doubt add to the ambient lighting and help set the mood for the day / night.
Our Raby Bay Residence
Design by Rob Kennon Architects
CENTREPIECE
Many of you will vouch for us in saying that the dining table is often the perfect home for a fresh bouquet of flowers…. Despite it’s name this styling piece doesn’t necessarily need to sit in the centre of the table. If you’re wanting to soften the look you can always choose a collection of elements and layer them together. Explore varying heights and sizes to ensure the styling is balanced.
If you’re opting for a more minimal look, go for a practical styling pieces that are often used when dining at the table. This will still allow for dining space to feel complete but without the need for causing clutter… if you’re one more a more minimal look be sure to check out our previous blog about styling with intention and meaning.
Our Broadbeach Holiday Apartment Residence
Design by Robert London Design
RUG
To some, it may sound like a maintenance nightmare, but truth is a rug under your dining table and chairs is the perfect piece to ground all the those furnishings.
It’s also important to keep size in mind also… how large is your table? You want to ensure you’re selecting a size that can allow for the chair legs to sit on the rug so that way when people are getting in and out it’s not catching on the edge of the rug.
These days there are extremely durable and high-quality rugs on the market, so be sure to do your research before you start your shopping…
Synthetic fabrics such as nylon are some of the most durable however, if you’re still opting for something super soft under the feet, you can’t go past natural wool! But even think beyond material is the style of weave. Being an area where chair’s will be sliding along you should opt for a style that is less textured and will allow for furnishings to be sit sturdy and in place.
One of its best qualities is its resilience, meaning it won’t tug and stretch underneath the furniture especially with chairs sliding in and out.
Design by Studio Schelp
Design by Decus Interiors
TABLE LINEN
Regardless of your home style, linen just works and when it comes to hosting family and friends, we love to go above and beyond to create a beautiful dining experience…
We’ve been obsessing with all the fourfold options and styles available at the moment and how it can really set the scene and theme! From table clothes to placemats to napkins… mix it up and have some fun!
Whether it’s a festive event or even someone’s favourite colour for their birthday integrating colour through your table linen will certainly elevate and personalise your styling without creating too much clutter on the table… Layering is another favourite way to mix up your styling, even look at different folding and display techniques – or try coming up with your own?
Design by Andrea Meirana and Studio Daminato
Table Linen by Bed Threads
COMFORT
Whether you’re more of a casual diner, or you love going all out, NOTHING beats comfort!! Opting for upholstered chairs will instantly provide your family and guests with more comfort for those long dinner conversations – but it’s important to delve a little deeper that just materiality – look at the overall shape and style of the chair as well – both the seat and the back, consider the height of the chair to that of the table as not all tables are created equal, even the number of chairs you can fit (or try to squeeze) around the dining table will make a difference to the comfort levels of your guests!
Our Ascot Residence
Design by Pierre Yovanovitch
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