Styling your dining room can feel just as important as prepping the perfect meal for your guests. After all, the atmosphere sets the tone for every gathering. Unfortunately, some common missteps can take a dining room from inviting to awkward. Here are four mistakes people make when styling their dining rooms and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Table Shape for the Room
A mismatched table shape can disrupt the entire flow of your dining room. Wide-open spaces, for example, can feel hollow with a small round table, while tight dining nooks might feel claustrophobic with a massive rectangular setup.
Shape is a major thing to consider when choosing your new dining table. It’s best to focus on how the table will fit and function in your space. Measure your dining area, leaving adequate space for chairs to slide out and for people to move around freely.
Also, consider how many people you typically host and whether you need flexibility for larger gatherings. Rectangular tables work well in long, narrow rooms, while round or oval tables create a more intimate setting in smaller spaces.
2. Overloading the Room With Matching Furniture
Trying to match every single piece of furniture and fixture may seem like a safe approach, but it often results in a bland, lifeless space. A dining room drenched in one material or finish lacks dimension. Picture a dark wood table surrounded by identical dark wood chairs and cabinets. It feels monotonous, doesn’t it?
Instead, mix and match materials and textures. Pair a glass table with padded fabric chairs, or complement a rustic wood table with colorful painted chairs. Blending elements makes the room feel more personal and polished.
3. Using the Wrong-Sized Rugs
Using the wrong-sized rugs is another common mistake people make when styling their dining rooms. When guests push out their chairs, all legs should still fit on the rug. A too-small rug creates visual disarray and makes seating less stable.
To avoid this issue, measure at least 2 feet beyond the table on each side to determine the best rug dimensions. Additionally, keep the rug’s material low-pile and durable to handle all the food spills and heavy foot traffic.
4. Forgetting Lighting Layers
Dining room lighting should go beyond a single overhead fixture. This is because relying solely on one harsh or overly bright light creates a sterile feel. Poorly placed or dim lighting, on the other hand, leaves the room feeling unenergetic.
Instead, layer your lighting! Pair a statement chandelier with softer, ambient lighting, such as wall sconces, table lamps, or candles. Don’t forget to include dimmers for flexibility, allowing your space to switch from a casual family meal to an intimate dinner party.
