It’s where you talk for hours after you’ve finished, keep the holiday festivities going, and forge bonds over good food and great company. But whether you’re starting from scratch in a new space or doing a mini home renovation, getting the perfect dining room can be a little daunting.
Add a couple of personal touches and the right pieces — like one of those gorgeous Serena & Lily outdoor dining tables — and you’ve got a room that’s equal parts comfortable, functional, and with all the right style.
Let’s walk through how to bring that vision to life.
Start with the Dining Table
It’s the heart of the room. Everything works for it. Pick a table that not only fits in the space but also fits your life. Do you have the whole extended family over for dinner all the time? Invest in a nice, extendable table. Do you have a smaller group, or do you like to have a little extra space for twirling your spaghetti? A round or a smaller rectangle might be right for you.
Home has become the new vacation destination because more and more folks seem to prefer dining outdoors rather than indoors. Outdoor dining tables are just as well-crafted and hardworking as their indoor tables, not to mention beautiful. Plus, they’re made to weather the elements, so we know they can definitely hold up in a dining room.
Light It Up
This is where you set the tone. Soft and warm enough that you want to hang around and eat that “just one more” cookie. A chandelier is a rad move if that’s your style — or how about a row of hanging pendants? Either way, get that dimmer working so you can make the shift from brunch to dinner (or froyo to another scoop) as fluid as possible.
Let the table reflect the sun’s mood. Sheer curtains or woven shades can dial back the intensity while still making sure that the space is adequately lit.
Mix and Match Seating
You can play with this a little. It adds dimension and something extra. Bench on one side, upholstered chairs on the other — or mix them up. And don’t be afraid to have a little fun with color or texture here. Rattan, velvet, linen, even metal — pair it, mix it, enjoy it.
Make It Personal
The perfect dining room is going to look like you, so unleash your inner creativity to the fullest. Add a rug under the table to anchor the space. Hang up some art or photos. Put your pretty ceramics and candles out on the buffet. Plop a big glass jar filled with lemons to add a color pop. Keep it functional, but don’t be afraid to add a little flair.
Don’t Forget the Walls
These big, blank spaces can make your room feel a little like a jail cell. Throw a mirror up and double your glorious light. Or go wild with a dining room wallpaper — maybe moody florals, a funky-shaped geometric, or a timeless stripe. Floating shelves can act as extra dining room storage, making a style statement when filled with a curated collection of glassware, books, or art.
Keep Things Flowing
You need your dining room to work as hard as it looks pretty. So, there should be plenty of space to scoot out of your seat without hitting a wall and navigate on foot between the table and the sideboard. Around the table, try to have at least 36 inches of space — more if it’s a high-traffic area.
If you’re working with a small space, consider clear chairs or a pedestal table to open up the room’s look.
Try Bringing the Outdoors In
There’s something about al fresco vibes in a dining room. Easy, breezy fabrics, earthy tones, natural woods, and wicker. And this is where Serena & Lily furniture stands out. Their classic-modern coastal-inspired designs bring the indoors and outdoors together so beautifully, which allows you to create a dining aesthetic that’s laid-back but pulled together all at once.
And some of their outdoor dining tables are so cute — it’s kind of a no-brainer to use them indoors. Plus, they are incredibly durable for everyday use. Think weeknight dinner, arts and crafts with your kids, or an impromptu gathering with friends, to name a few.
Styling Tips for Everyday Elegance
Maybe your dining room is less a tablescape and more a dumping ground. The good news: it takes a few key players to dress a table in style. Placemats, linens, linen napkins, a simple centerpiece, and a table runner are all you need.
Final Touches To Your Outdoor Dining Area
A beautiful dining room isn’t just about good furniture — it’s also about how it feels and what it smells like, such as the lighting. It’s the waft of fresh bread on the table, the glow of candlelight, and the sound of laughter filling the room.
So go ahead, mix and match textures, find the perfect lighting, or snag one of those outdoor dining tables. Instantly transform your dining room into a memory capsule with these stylish tips and tricks.