Basic Den Design

Basic Elements of Design for the Den

Dining rooms are an asset to any home. The design principles for creating a formal look work equally well in contemporary and traditional dinning rooms. Always use symmetry for the walls and furniture arrangements.  Dress up a dinning room with gleaming mirrors, gilt frames on art, lacquered finishes and crystal stemware and candlesticks.  Forget the fussiness. Nothing makes a stronger formal statement than furniture with classic lines.

A casual dinning room can be your own unique mix of fabrics and furnishing that will give your guest a warm and welcoming taste of your personal taste.  Use texture. Furniture of wicker, pine, and iron are less formal. Consider using a collection of unmatched chairs around the table. Bring colorful fabric to the table. Easy care colorful cottons make a casual dining room more approachable. Formal chairs can be dressed down with slipcovers.

Dining room furniture usually consists of the basic table and chairs and a side table if space permits. Any additional wall space could be used for spare chairs and storage. Make sure that there is enough space for people to circulate. When choosing a dining table remember to fit the area where it will be placed. Position the table so traffic flows smoothly around it. Allow 20 to 24 inches and 15 inches deep when placing each place setting. Large rooms can have luxurious curtains, small rooms might look better with blinds. Tablecloths are always an easy and inexpensive way to add to your overall theme and add color.

You usually need a 24 inch strip down the table's center for centerpieces and serving dishes. Try to have china that complements your color plan. When entertaining, little touches such as napkin rings and candlesticks add interest and diversity.  Choose pictures that encourage conversation. Dining rooms that are not used daily can look cold and uninviting. Add interest with a bowl of fresh fruit,  flowers, or a bowl of potpourri.