Tips For Decorating A Dining Room

9 designers share their dining room decorating tips

Expert tips to help you design a dining room that's both functional and stylish.

Aug 13, 2019 2:00pm

Whether it's a stand-alone room or part of an open-plan zone, the dining area is a place that should be practical, functional and beautiful. A place for family dinners, homework and dapper dinner parties, your dining room has the potential to be one of the most-frequented rooms in your home, if you get the design right.

To help, we asked the best Australian architects, interior designers and stylists for their top dining room design and decorating tips. Apply these tips to your own home for a delectable space that functions brilliantly for the whole family and guests, alike.

1. Choose the right table width

"1100mm is the ideal width for a table, which allows for perfect table settings: Platters of food, table decorations, glassware, candles, wine bottles and most importantly still encourages great conversation across the table." – Justine Hugh-Jones / Justine Hugh-Jones Design

2. Define the space with rugs

"Dining tables and chairs tend to become a little lost at times – placing a rug beneath them can help to prevent this. A simple rule to keep in mind is that the rug should be 600mm (23.5 inches) wider than the table on all sides." – Greg Natale / Greg Natale Design Studio

A vintage Beni Ourainv adds warmth and texture this dining room while creating a defined 'zone'. Photo: Maree Homer

3. Custom arrangement

"Consider having an outdoor table the same size as your indoor one so that you can bring them together for those special occasions." – Sonia Simpfendorfer / Nexus Designs

4. Consider height

"Check the dining chair and table heights together before you buy them. Old tables can look great with sleek, modern chairs but if you get the heights wrong it is very uncomfortable and no one will stay for dinner." – Sonia Simpfendorfer / Nexus Designs

5. Round table for flow

"If it's an open room, but not huge and other rooms lead off it, a round table can work best – it lends itself to a space that also acts as a thoroughfare. No sharp corners and soft edges for flow of traffic." – Louella Tuckey / Stylist

Curved chairs complement this circular table perfectly, keeping things smooth and streamlined. Photo: Eve Wilson

6. Essential lighting

"The key is a great light over the dining table. Pendant lighting adds a focal point and a decorative design element to the room, it helps define the space, and means downlights are not needed." – Mardi Doherty / Doherty Design Studio

7. Create interest

"I like to create dining rooms that have interest to them, rather than just being a room for a table and some chairs. There are many ways to make these spaces more creative by using different end chairs or carvers. Also, accessorise the dining table like you would a coffee table." – David Hicks / David Hicks Design

Fresh flowers or foliage, a scented candle and a beautiful bowl of fruit will bring your dining table to life. Photo: Maree Homer

8. Texture and warmth

"A chunky wooden dining table can anchor the room and give the space texture and warmth. have fun with your dining area. Mix up the colours, textures and levels of shininess." – Sarah Ellison

9. All about the chair

"Dining rooms are usually connected to the living room or the kitchen so they need to be thought through carefully in relation to these spaces. To me it's all about the chairs. Whether your style is modern or traditional or a bit of both, a sexy chair means a sexy dining room." – Romaine Alwill / Alwill Interiors