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They were once a household staple where families gathered for all the important conversations.
But our once-beloved dining room seems to have gone out of style.
In fact, the dining room is one of the most neglected rooms in the house.
According to a Toolstation survey, 25 percent of homes that have a dining room no longer use it.
Does this mean we have seen the death of the dining room?
Heart of the home: a family enjoys lunch in a traditional dining room, but 25% of households that have a dining room no longer use it
“I’ve seen a big change in attitudes towards the formal dining room,” says Katy Raywood, interior design consultant at Howson Design.
‘One of the main reasons is due to the modern work-life balance.
‘Most couples work, which can mean working different hours and longer hours. This makes eating at different times more normal.
“And if you have kids, the dining room table becomes a dumping ground for crafts, homework and toys.”
So how can you bring your abandoned dining room back to life?
Dual purpose
Unloved dining rooms can be transformed into multi-functional spaces for working, studying, being creative or making a cocktail.
Consider how to accommodate at least two functions in your dining room, says Aarti Popat of Aarti Popat Interior Design.
“If you prefer to keep the room for entertaining, incorporate a bar into the space,” he says.
To make room to add a bar, eliminate the outdated sideboard and traditional display case.
If the room is small, consider a compact accessory like a gold wall mirror with bar shelf from Rockett St George for £130.
If you’ve got the space and fancy adding a bit of sparkle to your dining room, Popat suggests splashing out on a freestanding mirrored bar for £1,895 and gold stools from the same company.
Homewares boutique Audenza has a range of fun accessories to give personality to your bar (from £30).
By adding a sofa to your dining room, it can function as a comfortable or playroom for the kids to watch TV.
If you prefer to keep the room media-free, add a statement chair and reading lamp to create a quiet corner to get lost in a good book.
Regards: A Rockett St George bar shelf, £130
Hero tables
Even if you want to get rid of the formality of the room, the dining room table and chairs (always aim for comfort) should still be the focal point of the room.
A sturdy family table that can accommodate the kids’ homework or a craft session can still be a standout feature.
“A wood table works perfectly for the family because of its rustic nature,” says Raywood.
“It doesn’t matter if it is marked or knocked, you can customize it with different chairs of your choice.”
She recommends Hemming & Wills’ Bespoke collection, with retail prices from £220.
A folding table and banquette seat are a good space-saving option and the perfect compromise for using the dining room as an office when not in use.
Danetti.com has a range of extendable dining tables in a neutral palette starting at £494.
Immerse yourself in decoration
“Metal accents are a great way to make dining rooms look more luxurious and modern,” says Victoria Foster, interior stylist at ScS.
“Consider adding touches of brass or stainless steel to create more interest through shelving, framed mirrors, or the legs of your furniture.”
By changing light fixtures and switches or introducing a sculptural lamp, updating wall art or adding decorative pieces like vases, you can instantly give the room a fresher feel.
To update your color scheme, Foster recommends choosing rich colors like olive green or royal blue.
“Creating a statement wall with bold wallpaper is also a popular option, just make sure it’s a pattern you’ll love for years to come.”
Open or closed?
The open plan is still popular, but it’s not for everyone. Estate agents Strutt & Parker say homeowners should think twice before knocking down walls because some buyers still like the option of having a private dining space.
Traditional dining rooms were often located in the brightest part of the house with the best view.
Consider relocating your kitchen here instead of knocking down walls.
If you want an open plan element, but don’t want the space between the kitchen, dining room and living room to be completely open, you can partially knock it down and choose sliding doors to create a division.
Sliding doors are sliding doors that, when opened, disappear into a compartment in the wall.
“Alternatively, you can knock down the wall and add glass partitions or double doors that can open up the space when you need it,” says Popat. “My favorites are Crittall doors, sliding or folding.”
Focus on the ground
If you’re a fan of an open-plan kitchen/dining room, you can add definition between rooms using zone flooring.
It is the combination of two flooring designs that can be safely joined together, explains Anastasiia Kudashova, senior design director at flooring experts Quick-Step.
In kitchen spaces, a concrete-look floor would help denote a work area, while one with a contrasting wood effect could be used for living and dining spaces.
“This design can help divide larger spaces and help compartmentalize rooms without the need for walls or barriers,” he adds.
Consider a herringbone or chevron pattern for the dining room and living room and water-resistant flooring, such as laminate and vinyl, to help deal with common spills and mishaps.
