Combining a Formal Dining and Living Room
- By Jessica Ackerman
- Published 01/29/2012
- Home Management
- Unrated
Many homes, smaller ones especially, do not have a formal dining room. However, it is possible to fashion a formal dining room where there is none by sharing it with the living room. Adding a dining room area into a living room is very simple, and this technique will also work if the home has a formal dining room that is seldom used. By moving it into the living room, the former dining room is freed up for another purpose, like a home office or a media room.
Transforming the Space
To make this transformation, study the current living room and notice which portion of the room looks like it would work the best to house a dining table and chairs. Sometimes tucking a dining table against the wall works quite well, and when space is tight, the long side of the table can be placed directly against the wall. Placing a table that is narrow and long against the living room wall can work as part of the living room décor most of the time, and when the homeowner has a need for a formal dining room, the conversion is quick and easy. Place the dining chairs at either end of the table, and sprinkle the remaining chairs throughout the room or house. For a round or a square table, placing it in the corner of the room works very well and makes it all but disappear when not needed. A small round table can usually seat four adults quite comfortably, and by select
ing a table with a removable extension, seating for four can be extended to six or even eight.
Selecting Furnishings
Keeping the table and chairs on the smaller side, lets the dining room slip unnoticed into the existing living room. When trying to incorporate a large table and chairs into an existing living room, the room can become cramped and uncomfortable. So unless the living room is extremely large, it is best to choose a slim profile for the table and chairs to keep them from taking center stage in the room.
A Cohesive Room
Designers use some simple techniques to blend these two spaces into one cohesive room, even though the two areas function differently. Selecting dining room furniture that is constructed from the same materials as the living room furniture lets the two areas relate to each other while still being separate. Adding an area carpet under the table and chairs is also a way to create a visual space within a space. When placing the table against the wall, adding a high shelf over the table creates a finished look for the area. Hanging a light directly over the table is another way to anchor the dining room furniture in the room. When not in use consider using a table runner on the dining table instead of a tablecloth, to keep it looking streamlined. Add a vase of flowers to the table to add a touch of color to the room, and the room will be multifunctional and ready to use whenever and however the homeowner wishes.
Transforming the Space
To make this transformation, study the current living room and notice which portion of the room looks like it would work the best to house a dining table and chairs. Sometimes tucking a dining table against the wall works quite well, and when space is tight, the long side of the table can be placed directly against the wall. Placing a table that is narrow and long against the living room wall can work as part of the living room décor most of the time, and when the homeowner has a need for a formal dining room, the conversion is quick and easy. Place the dining chairs at either end of the table, and sprinkle the remaining chairs throughout the room or house. For a round or a square table, placing it in the corner of the room works very well and makes it all but disappear when not needed. A small round table can usually seat four adults quite comfortably, and by select
Selecting Furnishings
Keeping the table and chairs on the smaller side, lets the dining room slip unnoticed into the existing living room. When trying to incorporate a large table and chairs into an existing living room, the room can become cramped and uncomfortable. So unless the living room is extremely large, it is best to choose a slim profile for the table and chairs to keep them from taking center stage in the room.
A Cohesive Room
Designers use some simple techniques to blend these two spaces into one cohesive room, even though the two areas function differently. Selecting dining room furniture that is constructed from the same materials as the living room furniture lets the two areas relate to each other while still being separate. Adding an area carpet under the table and chairs is also a way to create a visual space within a space. When placing the table against the wall, adding a high shelf over the table creates a finished look for the area. Hanging a light directly over the table is another way to anchor the dining room furniture in the room. When not in use consider using a table runner on the dining table instead of a tablecloth, to keep it looking streamlined. Add a vase of flowers to the table to add a touch of color to the room, and the room will be multifunctional and ready to use whenever and however the homeowner wishes.
Jessica Ackerman
Jessica Ackerman is a freelance writer and works for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com. She shares her wealth of knowledge on Tuscan Italian country decor and decorative contemporary art sculptures.
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