The dining room has been a staple of home design for centuries, but in recent years, many homes are being built without a dedicated dining space. Open floor plans, kitchen islands that double as eating areas, and casual lifestyles have led some to wonder if the dining room is truly necessary in modern homes. However, there are still good reasons to have a dining room in 2023.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about dining rooms:
- Are formal dining rooms outdated? Not necessarily – while less formal dining spaces are popular, many people still use formal dining rooms for holidays and entertaining.
- Do you need a dining room if you have an eat-in kitchen? No, but a separate dining room offers more space and can be used beyond just eating meals.
- What’s the minimum dining room size? 10 x 10 feet is considered the minimum size for a functional dining room.
- How is a dining room different from a kitchen? Dining rooms are focused on eating and hosting, while kitchens are for cooking and prep work.
The Case for Keeping the Dining Room
Here are some of the key benefits of having a dedicated dining room:
- Entertaining Space – Dining rooms provide an area just for dining and entertaining guests. The table can be sized to fit more people than you could in a kitchen or living room.
- Family Gathering Spot – Having a special spot for regular family meals can bring everyone together and strengthen relationships.
- Multipurpose Room – Beyond mealtimes, a dining room can serve as a homework space, game room, office, or craft area.
- Design Potential – From built-ins like china cabinets to stylish lighting fixtures, dining rooms offer great design opportunities to reflect your personal style.
- Resale Value – Most home buyers still expect a formal dining room, so having one can help a home hold its value.
Dining Room Design Trends
Dining room design has evolved to suit modern lifestyles. Here are some of the top trends:
- Neutral, earthy color palettes – Moody hues like navy blue and forest green are out, while soft neutrals are in.
- Multifunctional spaces – Dining rooms now integrate home office elements or a sitting area.
- Minimalist style – Clean lines, unseen storage, and less clutter are popular.
- Bold lighting fixtures – Chandeliers and pendants make a statement.
- Natural materials – Wood, stone, jute, and linen add organic texture.
- Informal tablescapes – Mix-and-match plates and centerpieces keep things casual.
Tips for a Small Dining Room
Don’t have space for a large dining area? Here are some ideas for maximizing a small dining room:
- Choose furniture with slim or transparent profiles to take up less visual space.
- Stick with round or oval tables that fit better in compact areas.
- Look for tables and chairs with foldable or stackable options to store easily.
- Use lighter colors on walls, floors, and window treatments to open up the space.
- Add multifunctional or easily movable furniture like a storage ottoman.
- Use space-saving tricks like banquettes, corner benches, and hanging lights.
- Remove any non-essential furniture to avoid clutter.
The Cost of a Dining Room Remodel
Looking to give your dining room an upgrade? Here are estimated costs for common remodeling projects:
| Dining Room Remodel Project | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Paint walls and trim | $200 – $500 |
| Refinish existing hardwood floors | $900 – $3,000 |
| Install new hardwood flooring | $6 – $15 per sq. ft. |
| Update lighting fixtures | $75 – $300 per fixture |
| Custom built-in cabinets or sideboard | $1,500 – $10,000 |
| New formal dining table | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Reupholster dining chairs | $100 – $500 per chair |
| Window treatments (drapes, blinds, etc.) | $300 – $1,000 per window |
A minor dining room update like new lighting and paint can be done for $1,000 or less, while a complete renovation with new flooring, millwork, furniture and more can easily cost $10,000 – $30,000 or more.
Furniture and Decor Ideas
Ready to furnish or redecorate your dining room? Consider these stylish ideas:
- Dining Table – A round table saves space, while a rectangular or oval table seats more. Pedestal and trestle bases open up the look.
- Dining Chairs – Leather or wood chairs add warmth. Upholstered seats and backs boost comfort.
- Sideboard – This storage piece holds servingware. Look for integrated cabinets and drawers.
- China Cabinet – Display special dishes and glassware in a wall-mounted or freestanding cabinet.
- Rugs – Layer patterned or textured rugs under the table to define the space.
- Pendant Light – A statement light fixture extends over the table.
- Artwork – Hang bold paintings or photographs to personalize the room.
- Mirrors – Strategically placed mirrors visually enlarge the space.
- Greenery – A flower arrangement or living plants bring life to the room.
Dining Bench or Chairs?
Choosing between a bench and individual chairs depends on your needs:
- Benches are space-savers, allowing you to seat more people without extra furniture.
- Benches with backless stools take up minimal room when not in use.
- Benches make it easy for people to get in and out without needing to move chairs.
- Chairs offer more flexibility for rearranging seating or mixing styles.
- Chairs provide arm and back support that a backless bench lacks.
- Chairs can be stacked out of the way, while a bulky bench is fixed.
For families with kids, a bench often works better, while chairs may suit formal settings that require flexibility in seating arrangements.
Dining Room Paint Color Ideas
The right dining room paint color can enhance your decor and dining experience. Here are popular options:
- Neutrals like warm white, beige, and gray work well and won’t clash.
- Blues from light sky blue to navy foster relaxation and appetite.
- Greens like sage and olive lend an organic, earthy feel.
- Golds and ambers create a cheerful, inviting mood.
- Deeper shades like berry, emerald, or charcoal for drama.
- High-gloss paint reflects light and enlarges the space.
Aim for a finish that complements your decor and lighting. Matte or eggshell paint hides wall imperfections in natural light, while semi-gloss boosts brightness.
Make a Small Dining Room Look Bigger
If you have a tiny dining area, a few simple tricks can help expand it visually:
- Paint walls, ceilings, and trims white or light neutral colors to open up the space.
- Minimize wall decor. Too many small pieces create clutter.
- Use transparent furniture like glass-top tables and acrylic chairs.
- Employ reflective surfaces – mirrors, glass vases, polished metal. They bounce light around.
- Hang curtains high and wide to draw eyes up and make ceilings seem taller.
- Arrange seating near windows and skylights to utilize natural light.
- Position the table diagonally in a corner to free up floor space.
A few strategic tweaks to your layout, decor, furnishings, and lighting can work magic on even the smallest dining nook.
Convert Dining Room to Library or Office
If you don’t need a dedicated dining room, consider converting the space into a home library, office, or multipurpose room.
To create a home office:
- Add an L-shaped or U-shaped desk for storage and workspace.
- Include filing cabinets, shelves, and other storage solutions.
- Install track lighting or pendants for task lighting.
- Add a comfortable desk chair and accessories like a printer.
- Use a decorative screen or partial wall for privacy.
- Paint colors like navy, gray, and olive inspire productivity.
To make a home library:
- Built-in bookshelves on multiple walls hold all your volumes.
- Comfortable seating invites cozy reading spots under lamps.
- A window seat or nook creates a reading and thinking spot.
- Add a desk, cabinet, or table for puzzles or research.
- Look for rich, warm paint colors like burgundy, brown, and tan.
Get creative with how you utilize the space in a way that works for your lifestyle and hobbies.
Conclusion
While open floor plans have diminished the need for formal dining rooms in some modern homes, there are still great benefits to keeping this multipurpose space. Dining rooms allow for intimate family meals and large-scale entertaining in a way most kitchens cannot. The space also offers design potential to reflect your personal style.
If designed thoughtfully, a dining room can meet many different needs for years to come. Simple updates like new light fixtures or paint can keep it feeling fresh and relevant. But for those without a need for regular family dinners or parties, converting the unused dining room into a home office or reading room can be a smart alternative.
How you utilize the space should align with your lifestyle and priorities. But in most homes, the dining room still serves an important role as a place to connect over meals and on special occasions. While its look and function may evolve, the dining room itself is unlikely to completely fade from home design any time soon.
