A classic dining room design is characterized by an elegant and timeless aesthetic. These ideas are especially appropriate for formal dining rooms because they create a look and atmosphere that are authentic and inviting – the ideal setting for entertaining your loved ones. They will also make your dining room more resistant to passing fads by drawing on historic traditions and forms that have remained popular over time.
Whether you want a space for simple dinners at home or formal evening parties with guests, a classic dining room design is an ideal vantage point. From ideas for the walls, ceiling, furniture, and decor, these ideas will offer all the inspiration you need for designing a welcoming environment for both formal and informal dining for family and guests.
A classic dining room design should include elements that have timeless appeal and can withstand changing trends. As with all style advice, only implement ideas that suit your taste and space, as creating a functional and personal design is what makes it timeless.
Classic Color Palette
Embracing a classic color scheme in the dining room provides an excellent foundation for creating a timeless look. Opting for neutral tones such as warm whites, beige, taupe, and greige gives you a versatile backdrop that works with a variety of designs. The trend right now is to use more color in interior design. Colors like navy, deep green, and charcoal give the dining room a cozy and intimate vibe while still looking timeless and chic.
Choose the Right Dining Table
Selecting a dining table is one of the most important decisions you will make when creating a classic dining room design, as it serves as the primary focal point and foundation for the room’s primary activity. For a timeless dining room, choose a sturdy table made of high-quality materials, such as solid wood, durable metal, or stone.
Classic table shapes, such as rectangular, round, or oval, complement any interior design style. Turned legs, carved accents, and intricate inlays enhance the table design’s distinction and formality. The size of the table you choose should be based on the number of people you usually entertain. If you want to entertain more people for special occasions, consider using expandable tables. This allows you to extend the table as needed while maintaining the standard size for the majority of the year.
Personalize the Design with Dining Chairs
Classic dining chairs, like the dining table, should have a timeless shape and craftsman detailing, but you can also use them to express your personal style. Find a classic chair shape and color that complements or contrasts well with your dining room table. Consider upholstered, solid wood, metal, bamboo, or woven cane options.
Traditional upholstered chairs come in a wide range of high-quality fabrics, such as velvet or damask, but more casual options like linen and cotton are also suitable. Florals, toiles, stripes, and plaids will echo historic design and can also broaden your color palette when used on chair upholstery.
Statement Light Fixture
Adding a statement light fixture will improve both the aesthetics and functionality of your dining area, as the right piece will provide illumination as well as a prominent focal point. When selecting a light fixture, consider the size, scale, and style of your dining room. A chandelier or pendant light that is proportional to the room and dining table is essential. The light should be half to two-thirds the size of the table it is mounted above.
Choose a classic shape; lights with simple lines or intricate detailing are both suitable for timeless dining room designs. Light fixtures with historic shapes that are still being manufactured are sure to have longevity. Select lights made of high-quality materials, such as brass, nickel, bronze, or iron.
Create Wall and Ceiling Texture
Many historic dining rooms feature decorative wall and ceiling details such as paneling, millwork, and molding. This detail enhances the space’s depth, character, and refined appearance. Raised panels, beadboard, and picture frame molding are all examples of traditional wall paneling. Wood elements were traditionally used to create these paneling varieties, but more recent trends favor the use of less expensive materials such as MDF and vinyl.
For ceilings, coffered molding or decorative panels can introduce architectural interest. Other options, like crown molding, exposed beams, or decorative medallions, can also make a striking statement.
Add a Sideboard
A sideboard in the dining room serves a practical purpose by storing extra dining room essentials and serving meals from it. Begin by determining the appropriate size sideboard based on the size and shape of your dining room and table. Classic sideboards are primarily made of woods such as oak, cherry, and mahogany. Many of them have simple shapes with either straight or curved lines. Some traditional sideboards have elegant details, such as carved woodwork, intricate hardware, and decorative legs.
Pay attention to the sideboard’s storage options, which can include drawers, cabinets, and shelves. Make sure the storage accommodates your tableware and linen requirements.
Use Time-Tested Patterns
Incorporating patterns into your dining room elements is an easy way to add depth, visual interest, and personality to the room. Traditional patterns like florals, plaids, damasks, toile, and stripes have stood the test of time and still look fresh today. You can use these patterns on a variety of surfaces, such as curtains, upholstery fabric, wallpaper, rugs, table linens, and seat cushions.
Mix two or three patterns in the room to add even more variety to the design. Choose patterns that complement the color scheme and vary in size to avoid overwhelming the space.
Display Your China
Displaying your china and glassware not only provides a practical storage solution for your dining necessities, but it also adds a touch of elegance and personalizes the space. A built-in or freestanding china cabinet is the ideal display for your finest pieces. Arrange your tableware with the goal of optimizing storage and enhancing visual display. Mixing dishes, glassware, tea cups, and serving trays results in a dynamic yet curated look.
Add Interest to the Table with a Centerpiece
A well-chosen centerpiece can be a dynamic focal point in a dining room while also adding texture and color. Consider the various elements that can be combined to create a centerpiece for your dining table. Begin with a base, such as a tray, mirrored plate, or decorative runner, to anchor the centerpiece. Use a large vase or bowl to display natural elements such as fresh cut greenery, flowers, or fruit. Fresh elements will always result in the most vibrant display, but dried or faux pieces can also be used to create a long-lasting arrangement.
A single arrangement is sufficient for a daily centerpiece, but when creating an arrangement for a special occasion, consider adding candles such as pillars, tapers, or votives. Make sure to use elements of varying heights to add depth to your arrangement. To facilitate cross-table conversation, keep all centerpiece elements low so they do not obstruct conversation or views.
Ground the Design with an Area Rug
An area rug beneath a dining table can enhance the dining room’s comfort and beauty while also improving acoustics. When selecting a dining room rug, you should consider both function and style. Consider the rug’s size in relation to the table and chairs. You should choose a rug large enough to be able to comfortably pull out the dining chairs while they remain on the rug.
Choose low-maintenance materials like wool, jute, and sisal for your dining room rug to make cleaning easier. Synthetic fibers like polypropylene are also practical for the dining room. Whatever material you choose, make sure it lies flat and does not have a tall pile that will impede chair movement.
Look for rugs with classic patterns and colors. Oriental, kilim, and Aubusson rugs, as well as neutral woven rugs with simple geometric shapes, work well in classic dining rooms.
Dress Your Windows
Accenting your windows with window treatments is not always necessary in a dining room, but it is a simple way to enhance the aesthetics of the room. It also allows you to have more control over your privacy and the amount of light that enters the room. Window coverings such as curtains and drapes complement a traditional dining room design. Curtains with pinch pleats, panel pleats, or goblet pleats have a formal appearance, whereas curtain panels with unadorned tops work well in classic dining rooms that are more casual.
Other window treatment options include valances, shades, blinds, or shutters. Rather than selecting a single window treatment, layer two together to give your windows more depth and texture.