Dining rooms are one of those spaces that is going to be different in almost every home. Some have formal dining rooms, whilst others are more open plan, and small spaces tend not to really have one at all, and instead are incorporated into the kitchen. No matter which yours is, you can add a touch of your own style to it, with some items being more expensive than others. Here are some things to think about when styling your dining area.
1. table 2. chairs 3. bowl centrepiece 4. coasters 5. placemats
Start with how.
How you use your dining space is really going to make a big difference on what you might buy and how much you might want to spend. If it’s a part of the house that’s central to the way you live, then you might treat it differently than if it was a spot you only visit when you have guests. If it’s somewhere you do everything from run your business to homework and craft time than you might need different things than if you generally sit on the couch to eat.
Think about size and shape.
Before you start circling your dream dining tables and chairs, first you need to think about how they will fit in your home. Even the most beautiful chairs in the world will make you feel annoyed if you’re tripping over them every day. Think about the flow of the space and even draw up a floorplan before getting your heart set on something that just doesn’t fit.
Next think budget and time.
Now that you’ve thought about how the space is used (and even how it could be used better) and thought about the size and shape of the space you’re working with, it’s time to think about your budget and whether you want to save and buy all at once and do a big makeover, or do what you can with the money you have now. Either could work, depending on what your goals are.
Pick for your home and for your life.
Now you can start looking at products that you might like and that go well together. But be careful to remember that what looks great in a perfectly styled picture, may not work for you. Remember to stick to what you like and what will work for your family. Styling your home doesn’t have to mean that it would look perfect for a photoshoot on demand (I don’t think there are many homes that do). Stick to your decorating style within your budget and you’ll be happier than trying to recreate something that isn’t the best fit for you.
Double check.
Before deciding to buy, whether it’s for a big makeover or if you’re looking for some new things to make your existing dining area look a bit fresher, double check that the size of the items will fit in your home and look as you think they do on your computer. If you have the time you could do a trip to check these things before buying, or at least check the descriptions on the online products carefully so you’re sure that green is really the green you think it is. (Haven’t we all been caught out with that at least once?!)
Order, Buy and Install.
Once you’re ready and you’ve checked everything over, now you can order the pieces you chose and buy them. Some you will need help with transporting home, like tables and chairs, and others will be easy to buy and bring home on the day, like placemats and vases. Next you will need to clear out what you are replacing and start the install process. If it’s just table top things, it might be a 5 minute job, but if you’re redoing your whole dining area and building some flat pack furniture, you might need more time (and even your imaginary patience hat).
Out with the old.
If you haven’t already, it’s now time to remove the old pieces that you are no longer using. Some may be appropriate to give to charity or friends and others might need to go to waste. This can be the trickiest part sometimes as you just want to enjoy your new (looking) space, but it’s worth getting the last bit done so you can really enjoy it, guilt free.
What’s one thing you’d love to have in your dining room?
Great tips Dannielle!
Thanks Sarah! x