I think that the perfect way to create the perfect family dining space, when younger children are being considered at least, is to integrate it into the kitchen. Okay, so installing a breakfast bar, where little ones can enjoy their food as you continue to get on with another job whilst keeping an eye on them is simply not practical for everybody’s kitchen. Likewise, knocking through to create an open plan dining room and kitchen with the latest aluminium bifold doorways, which also opens up the space to the exterior, won’t always be possible either. However, there are things that nearly all of us can do with our dining rooms which won’t just make them more practical with youngsters, but more stylish too.
Dining Room Flooring
Carpets are great when you have little ones running around the place but think twice before fitting new carpet in a dining room with younger children around. As soon as kids get old enough to not drop food on the floor when they eat, there is nothing to stop you, but dining room flooring must be easy to clean first and foremost. Contemporary designs look fantastic with many of the hardwoods that are available these days and such floors can be mopped, wiped over and vacuum cleaned time and again without losing their appeal. Nonetheless, many attractive hardwoods are not that sustainable. An excellent alternative is to install bamboo flooring in a family dining room. This hard wearing material creates a distinctive look and, what’s more, it feels great underfoot when you tread on it without shoes and socks on.
Mix Up Your Seating
A dining table and chairs is the centrepiece of any dining room. However, like a modern bistro which has been skilfully designed, mixing and matching the seating can create a very dynamic look in domestic dining rooms, too. Look at pairs of wire-backed office chairs for either end of the table, as opposed to traditional dining room chairs. How about matching these with a bench on just one side of the table? Kids tend to enjoy eating on a bench which they can pull right into the table. For smaller dining rooms, benches tend to take up less space, too, because they can often be slipped right under the table and out of the way.
Image Credit : My Scandinavian Home
Lighting
The days of a single large light fitting suspended over a dining room table are over, although – in fairness – who knows when this style will make a comeback? Most contemporary reception rooms are now designed with recessed and hidden lighting which creates are more even spread of light throughout a room. Clever use of wall lights and LED lighting that have been installed into, or behind, dining room furniture like chests of drawers and sideboards, helps to create the ideal feel. Avoid track mounted LED lighting however, in most family home settings, because you tend to end up dusting and cleaning it on a regular basis. For the perfect multi-light source family dining room, it is better to opt for wall recessed cabling, whenever it is possible.
Image Credit : Cristy Brandriet
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Becky says
These all look gorgeous …some top tips!
Our Seaside Baby says
Great ideas – love the purple table and world map 🙂
MyBabyEdit says
Absolutely love the pictures and suggestions, – so inspiring. Only problem is only that I now want to completely redecorate our house!!