The elements that make up an inviting dining room can be some of the exact ones that make for successful entertaining. Just look to these examples from Canadian House & Home for a little inspiration:
- Give guests seating options instead of rigid matching chairs. Couples can sit snug on a bench while others can spread out in a cushioned armchair.
- A tablecloth can soften the room and make it feel more inviting than a bare table.
- A casual atmosphere can make guest feel comfortable. Try playful pieces, invite the children, and dress the table in something lively and bright.
- Create interest with scale. Large branches for centerpieces or an oversized lamp above can really up the wow factor.
- Come together. Even if you're in a small apartment without a designated dining table, bring a bunch of smaller surfaces together so everyone can gather 'round. Borrow pieces from friends and neighbors in advance if you need to.
Images: Canadian House & Home
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I love the bench and colors in #1. We have a bench at our dining table and have loved having it. I've been thinking about adding a pillow on top of it, but I was concerned about it sliding. The vases in #1 remind me of the trash cans I use in my bathrooms.
that 2nd dining room is pretty!
Love the spherical lamp in the first picture. Anyone know where it's from?
The highchair is amazing. Do you have to sell your firstborn to afford it?
Another hide rug in a dining area! From the perspective that rugs get dirty, it is a little odd.
... that tablecloth looks ridiculous.
I love the fabric that's draping off the white table on the first picture. It's SO beautiful. Anyone know a source?
@ whatmatchesblack:
The spherical pendant lamp is the Random Light and is available at Design Within Reach--
http://www.dwr.com/product/lighting/ceiling/pendants-chandeliers/random-light-small.do?sortby=ourPicks
Does anyone know the name of the plant in the first pic?
I don't find benches at dining tables inviting. Inviting implies being able to lean back to me.
Benches are not at all inviting.
Guests are forced to either climb over or scoot the bench back and forth all together - and there's no leaning back...
...and providing benches for guests while reserving the armchairs for the host and hostess at the ends of the table? Frankly, as a guest I would find it insulting.
Upholstered armchairs all around are the most inviting and practical seating options for a dining space - they ooze comfort and warmth, and inspire one to linger after the meal with a glass of wine and great conversation.
bepsf and reef -
I generally agree that benches are not inviting. For example, pic 1 - bench looks gorgeous to me but not practical.
BUT.
The way its done in the 4th picture seems very comfy, like a booth at a restaurant - pillows and bench against the wall allow for leaning back and sighing contentedly after a delicious meal.
Lovely ambiance in #1!