16 examples of dashing dining room designs

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
Rose St, House Couture Interior Design Studio House Couture Interior Design Studio Eclectic style dining room
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From fancy dinner parties and Sunday lunches to birthday celebrations, the ever-loving dining room is a space intended for many activities. And it doesn’t have to be of the social kind – just think about how many people use their dining rooms for work, studying, helping kids with homework, even going so far as to set up a temporary sleeping spot / guest bedroom in the corner for overnight visitors.

But like any other space, your dining room design is dependent on certain details. Such as:

• Chandelier: If this is your lighting fixture of choice, ensure its lowest part hangs no lower than 68 – 76 cm above your tabletop.

• Rug: To anchor your dining space, your floor rug needs to be at least 60 cm larger than the table on all sides. And don’t forget that apart from a soft underfoot sensation, a rug also helps to buffer sound. 

• Table: This should be big enough for each guest to enjoy a 60-cm-wide expanse. And to aid in comfortable movement for everyone, position your dining table at least 90 cm from the wall or nearest furniture piece. 

• Chairs: Your dining chairs should be about 45 – 48 cm from the floor.

• Décor: A single statement piece can really turn your entire dining room design around. From an eye-catching chandelier above your table to elegant patterns on your window treatment, find a piece or finish that’s going to brighten up your dining space. 

• Storage: Simple built-in shelving can store utensils, seasonal décor, and even some of your wine collection out of sight. And if your budget permits, look at the costs of constructing a buffet perfect for your dining room’s size. 

• Lighting: Layered lighting will ensure your dining room is properly and evenly lit. But take advantage of natural light too by, for example, placing your dining table in front of a generous window ushering in first-class views.

Now that you have a pretty clear idea of what to include in your dining room, it’s time to get super inspired by some past designs courtesy of our professionals.


1. A consistency in materials (like that pale wood) helps to neatly round off this design

2. See how neatly the entire dining set rests atop that floor rug?

3. That upholstered bench with accompanying bay window makes for the perfect architectural accessory.

4. How about replacing some chairs with a bench to help squeeze in an extra guest or two (or three)?

5. Modern pendants elegantly dangle from this dining room ceiling, stylishly anchoring this dinner-party spot from above.

6. From that remarkable lighting fixture to the exceptional table design, this dining room has so many conversation starters!

7. 10 out of 10 for this tranquil ocean view helping to style up this spacious open-plan dining area.

8. The secret to smaller dining space? Round tables take up less legroom!

9. An elongated dining space stylishly linking up this spacious kitchen and living room.

10. Hint: an open-plan dining room/kitchen design can boost that social factor.

11. A change in colour (and material) ensures this sleek little dining spot stands out from its soft-and-subtle backdrop

12. Obviously your chairs and table don't need to match 100%, especially not if you're keen to try an eclectic look.

13. Don't let a shortage of space bully you into thinking you don't deserve even a cute little informal dining spot.

14. Beat the monotonous look by pairing your neutral colours with interesting textures/patterns.

15. It's so easy to link up different parts of your open-plan layout with colour—like that deep blue of the chairs and charming chandelier.

16. Don’t leave your dining tabletop bare—even a slim runner in a standout colour can help emphasise your dining zone.

No sleeping space for your overnight guests? This is What to do if you have no guest bedroom

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