Asking how to decorate a dining room table for everyday living is valid. There are many different ways dining room tables are used in our lives today. Each household will use its dining room table slightly differently, depending on the people in the house and how they live.
Dining room tables can be dumping grounds, workspaces, craft tables and, of course, a place to eat. All of this can make creating a welcoming dining room more difficult.
So, for those of you who want to make your dining room table feel more special on a daily basis, this is the post for you.
How to decorate a dining room table for everyday living
Show off your tabletop
The first thing to think about is your tabletop. Is it worth showing off? By revealing the tabletop, you will change the feel of the room. A timber tabletop would warm a room if left to be on show. If this is not an option for you either because it wouldn’t work for your family or the tabletop you have is not very pretty, then don’t worry; there are other options. A runner will work well to add some interest to the table and can help to conceal any part of the table you do not want on show. A tablecloth is something I would use carefully. They work with some interior styles, but not all, and I would not recommend it for family life as it is harder to clean than wiping a tabletop. But if you have one you would love to use, go for it.
Use a vase to create a centrepiece
Creating a feature in the middle of the table will give your eye something to land on when you walk into the room and give the room a feeling of grandeur. One way to do this is to use a large vase. You want this piece to fill the space reasonably well in height and width. A standard round vase will work well if you have a round or square dining room table. However, suppose you have a rectangular or oval table. In that case, it is better to use a longer-shaped vase as this will help create a centre feature without taking up space on the table.
Use multiple objects to create a cluster
Another way to create a feature in the middle of the table is to use a cluster. The cluster could be made up of three vases but will also work well with sculptural objects and plants. You want to make sure you vary the height of the objects as this will make sure that the centrepiece has some interest and that your eye can travel around it smoothly. You also need to make sure there is a relationship between the objects you are using. The best way to do this is to choose a colour palette and stick to that when you pick your objects, as this will ensure that the centrepiece feels cohesive.
Hide everyday items in a tray
A decorative tray within the centre of your table can work well if your dining room table becomes a dumping zone. Not only is it a way to group a few objects within the middle of the table, but it is also a place to put everyday useful items without taking over the table. It is also a way of protecting the table from any plants that could mark it; this is especially important if it is a timber table.
Set the table simply
Having the table set all the time will not only make setting the table easier but also give some interest to the table when you are not using it. Using placemats that have some texture or colour will add to the interest they will create. If you want to avoid having the placemats out constantly, you can pile them up and use them as part of the centrepiece. They could be one of the objects in the cluster, or putting them in a tray is an easy way to keep them out of the way when they are not being used. You can also use this technique when people come over but not for dinner. Place some nibbles and glasses on the table for people to use. You can move the items from your centrepiece to create a more extensive cluster with items to serve.
Use plants to create some interest
Plants will always add something special to a room. They make the room feel cared for and brighten up the space. Adding some plants to your dining room table is a great way to decorate for everyday living. This could be a bouquet of flowers in a beautiful vase, but it will work just as well with some greenery or simple branches from the garden. The main thing you need to think about is how the plants will work with the rest of the space and anything else you use to style your table. Plants are usually best when they create some height to a cluster in the middle of the dining room table.
Related Post: Artificial Plants Decor | Everything you need to know
Candles will create a cosy atmosphere
If you want to create a relaxing atmosphere in your dining room, the best way is to add candles to your dining room table. There are so many different ways you can display candles that they will work with any interior style. For a more traditional interior, candlesticks with tapered candles will work well. However, there are a lot of modern candlesticks you could use as well. If you want to create a coastal interior, a hurricane candle holder is the best choice. If you have decided to create a cluster as your centrepiece or have included a tray in your table design, then a jar candle is the best way to go. They are very simple and will not impact the rest of your design but will help to create a cosy atmosphere.
This post has been all about how to decorate a dining room table for everyday living.
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