The dining room has undergone a lot of changes in recent years. It is no longer reserved just for dining or used only when company is expected for dinner. Today, your dinning room can meet a multitude of needs. It can be casual office or studio space, a spot for your children to do homework or access the computer, a quiet reading nook and of course, a place to gather, entertain and eat. How you choose to utilize your dining room depends entirely on your needs, but a few decorating tips can help you make the most of this versatile room.
*The main attraction of any dining room is the table. When selecting a table, consider the available space as well as how you plan to use it. A glass-topped table may be perfect for a modern room that will be used primarily for dinner parties, but it may not be the right choice if your children will be using it for projects. Tables come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including oblong, square, and even octagon; measure your space before shopping to help you pick a table that fits your dining room. An extendable or drop leaf table will allow you to have a smaller table for day-to-day use, then larger when you have guest. Sit on the chairs before buying a dinning set to make sure that they are comfortable.
*Traffic flow is another consideration to keep in mind. Make sure that you allow enough space around the table for a small desk, comfortable chair or other furnishings that you might need.
*Don't forget the floors. Wall-to-wall carpeting may not be the best choice in a room that will be used for eating, but you can make the room cozier by adding an area rug. Just be sure that it is large enough that the dining chairs fit on it. You don't want the front legs of the chair to be on the rug and the back legs to be on the bare floor. This can feel unstable when sitting and make it difficult to move the chair.
*The right light is important in the dining room as well. A dimmer switch is an ideal option to create various moods - bright when the kids are doing homework and soft for a dinner party, but not too dim; you want your guests to be able to see each other and what they are eating. The dining room has undergone a lot of changes in recent years. It is no longer reserved just for dining or used only when company is expected for dinner.