How to Interior Decorate a Dining Room

Dining rooms are a place to entertain family and friends.

Knowing how to properly decorate a dining room can mean the difference between a space where family and friends will enjoy eating, and one everybody avoids using. Taking measures to make sure the dining room is an appropriate color, is properly furnished and is not overly cramped with furniture are all key to creating a pleasant dining environment. Spend some time learning how to make your dining room work and then set to the task of decorating the dining space.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Paper
• Paint
• Paintbrushes
• Furniture
• Area rug
• Light fixtures
• Wall hangings

Instructions

1. Measure the dining room from wall to wall and make note of the measurements. Before you can begin decorating the space, it is important to know exactly how much space you have to work with. Take note of existing wall color and flooring material.

2. Choose a color palette and design style, such as formal or casual, French country or modern. Making these decisions before decorating will make the whole process more simple. Formal and casual both use neutral colors; French country makes use of soft yellows, blues and greens; modern dining rooms are often mixed-media spaces with hard colors like black and gray.

3. Choose a wall color that's appetizing and comfortable. Colors such as orange and red are rich, but unsettling colors and often inappropriate for the dining room if they're too bright. Calming colors such as blue, some yellows, green and neutral colors all work well in dining areas.

4. Prime then paint the walls with two coats of color, allowing time between each application. Apply more coats for darker shades. Consider installing crown molding around the top of the walls in a formal dining space for an added touch of elegance.

5. Select and hang a lighting fixture appropriate to the space. Chandeliers are ideal for dining rooms, though some homeowners prefer such fixtures as pendant lights or track lighting. Chose a fixture that matches the room's design and color palette.

6. Hang curtains, blinds or shutters over windows as desired. Curtains make rooms feel finished, so consider covering windows with curtains, even if they are only for looks and will not be used. Café curtains and valances are both ideal for dining rooms. Sheers produce a light, airy feel that make dining rooms more inviting.

7. Install an area rug in the dining room. Area rugs are not necessarily needed under tables in dining rooms with carpet, but they can add interest and make the dining room feel warmer and more finished.

8. Put a table of the appropriate size in the dining room. Make sure there is at least 3 feet between the wall and the chairs around the table.

9. Add other furniture, such as a hutch, buffet or china cabinet. If the room has any of these additional pieces, this should be taken into consideration before purchasing a table so that the table is not too large for the space. Matching wood furniture is ideal, but mismatched furniture creates eclectic appeal and can make the space more cozy.

10. Add the finishing touches, such as wall hangings, tablecloths and runners, and cushions. Display items in cabinets, such as dishes and flatware.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a type of paint that is washable for dining areas.

• Formal dining rooms are often larger and require larger furniture.

References

• HGTV: Dining Rooms
• Better Homes and Gardens: Dining Rooms