Many homes still have formal dining rooms. Some actually use the area for dining, but most are used as showrooms or once-a-year eateries, while, others convert their dining rooms into playrooms, offices/computer or gaming areas. But today’s busy households can still use this room for dining by making it family-friendly, relaxing and casual. Take the formal out of your dining room by using the following suggestions...
Sit Comfortably! Chairs with hard seats and/or backs may be nice to look at, but are not always comfortable. Add padded cushions to the seat (and/or back) or change to more tushy-friendly seating. Look into bench or banquet seating for a super informal and comfortable feel.
YOU WILL NOT USE YOUR DINING ROOM IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE!
Light it up! Harsh lighting is for tasks, not for a relaxing dining experience. Put the chandelier on a dimmer and/or exchange high-wattage bulbs for colored light bulbs. Try yellow, orange, red or a mixture of all three for a warm relaxed feel.
YOU WILL NOT USE YOUR DINING ROOM IF YOU ARE NOT RELAXED!
Add a Rug! Worried about carpet stains? If your floors aren’t family-friendly, then change them. If new flooring isn’t in the budget, add a rug under the table (or at the very least, under children’s seats). Check discount stores or carpet distributors for remnants - they’re much cheaper than formal rugs.
YOU WILL NOT USE YOUR DINING ROOM IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT SPILLS!
De-clutter the Room! If you can’t pull or push your chair out without hitting something, the dining room is too crowded. Take out and/or replace some of the furniture with wall-hugging pieces. Replace big storage pieces with narrow bookshelves. Saw an old table in half-lengthwise (keeping just the front two legs) and attach to the wall for an interesting and space-saving sideboard. Invest in corner shelving and curios.
YOU WILL NOT USE YOUR DINING ROOM IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ROOM TO MOVE!
Table It! Water stains, scratches, UGH! Dining tables are meant to be used, not just looked at. The choices are unlimited, nowadays, so find a table you can actually use without worry of staining or scratching. Think farmers table or a user-friendly laminate. Shop garden centers for more cost efficient outdoor (and waterproof) furniture. Can’t afford to replace the table? Change the finish or use a tablecloth (nothing fancy and no “dry clean only”).
YOU WILL NOT USE YOUR DINING ROOM IF YOU ARE AFRAID TO PUT FOOD OR DRINK ON THE TABLE!
No Matchy Matchy! The “every piece of furniture matches” days are over. It’s too stark, too formal, and way too boring. Buy pieces, not suites, and make sure to buy pieces that are functional and user friendly. Want to save a little money? Borrow furniture from other rooms or the patio. Think bedroom chest of drawers for storage or family room shelving for displaying dishware. Paint old pieces with fun faux finishes. Mix and match seating. Shop flea markets, garage sales and discount stores.
YOU WILL NOT USE YOUR DINING ROOM IF IT FEELS TOO FORMAL!
Update the Accessories! Stow away unused formal china and display everyday ware. Replace formal chandeliers and candlesticks for more casual pieces. Relocate expensive family heirlooms to a lesser used area. Take down silk curtains and replace with machine washable, kid-friendly window treatments. Remove formal centerpieces and replace with a basket of napkins or a lazy-Susan. De-clutter.
YOU WILL NOT USE YOUR DINING ROOM IF IT IS OVER ACCESSORIZED!
Open it up! One of the best ways to make your dining room more casual is to open it up to the kitchen. If this isn’t an option, make a pass-thru or remove the soffit over the entryway. Replace the window with patio doors. Add a big mirror at the opposite end of the kitchen, living room or window to give it an open feel. At the very least, remove bulky and in-the-way furniture to make the dining room easily accessible.
YOU WILL NOT USE YOUR DINING ROOM IF YOU CANNOT GET TO IT!
Copyright© 2011 by Lisa Gregor. All rights reserved.
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