Are you finding it hard to tell whether your dining room is becoming a cluttered, jumbled mess? Are there things in your dining room that just don’t fit the decor, or simply shouldn’t be there? You’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle with what should and should not be placed in this special area designed for hosting and entertaining. Here are some insights from some top tier designers on what nine items you must avoid displaying in your dining room.
High-Quality Fragile Rugs
One vital movement in this aspect comes from Kate Figler, an acclaimed interior designer based in Nashville, Tennessee, who strictly suggests that anything fragile or high-end, particularly luxurious area rugs, should not find space in a dining room. Dining rooms are meant to be friendly and relaxed venues. Placing things that can be easily damaged by an errant glass of wine or energetic children can ruin the laid-back ambiance.
Harsh Overhead Lighting
Another tip from Figler is to pay close attention to the lighting in your dining room. Aggressively bright overhead lighting tends to dampen the cozy atmosphere. She suggests using dimmers and investing in warm white bulbs of 2700 Kelvin or less. As an additional tip, Erin Tripodi, a Virginia-based designer, adds that warm yellow lighting has flattering effects, making everyone look younger and more relaxed, ensuring the success of your dinner parties.
Television
According to Figler, TVs are a no-no in the dining room, regardless of how well-hidden or built-in they may be. Dining rooms need to maintain its primary role: a space for dining and socializing, and not casual lounging or zoning out in front of the television.
Children’s Toys and Games
Turning the dining room into a kid’s playroom is another common mistake. Noted interior designer Valerie Darden of Ashland, Virginia, advises against this. Keep dolls, plastic toy kitchens, and Play-Doh out of your dining region.
Plastic Storage Bins
The dining room should not serve as a storage area. Using it to stash excess items like paper or craft materials is against its purpose and distracts from its aesthetics. According to Darden, these things should be stored in a closet or a designated home office.
Stray China
Designer Maggie Clarke of Memphis points out that china sets should be stored away neatly in a cabinet until they are needed. Clarke believes that all decor should have a function and should not be left out on display unless they are in use.
Pet Crates
Pet crates, regardless of how cute your pet may be, should not be displayed in the dining room, either. Dining should be a pet-free zone, keeping mealtime a human social experience, as suggested by Holly Hickey Moore, another well-respected Texas-based designer.
Family Photos
A neutral atmosphere in the dining room is more preferable when it comes to wall decorations. Family photos might be cherished memories, but they should be displayed elsewhere according to Carla Aston, a designer based in Texas. Instead, she recommends focusing on artwork and mirrors to create a sophisticated dining space.
Backless Benches
The final advice from Aston revolves around seating. She suggests avoiding backless benches to provide optimal comfort for your guests. Backless benches might be suitable for informal spaces, but most adults prefer having their own chair in a formal dining setting.
In conclusion, being mindful of what resides in your dining room is as crucial as what meals are served in it. It should be a dedicated space that encourages wholesome dining and engaging conversations, without distractions. The tips above will help create a room that tells a story of elegance, warmth, and sophistication. So, go ahead and start editing your dining room into a space that breathes comfort and style.
