There's talk that the dining room may be dead, but that's simply not true. In 2016, 78% of homes had a dining room—and since then, that number has only grown, with an increasing number of people showing interest in carving out a dining space in their own homes.
However, one challenge that often comes with this is limited space. Dining rooms aren't usually the most important rooms in the house, pushed aside for more practical ventures. Spaces left to become the dining room may seem small in comparison.
The truth is, you don't need a large dining room to make it seem grand. There are many tricks and tips you can use that can open up the space and make it feel much larger, just as there are no-gos you could do that would make the space feel much more closed off. They're mistakes you may not even realize you've been making.
Here are five ways to make your dining room look bigger, impress your guests and give your family a place to relax and connect. Combine these, and you'll never have to wish the room was bigger again.
1. Use Mirrors to Reflect Natural Light
Mirrors are the quickest way to make a room seem larger because they reflect natural light. Some well-placed mirrors can open up the space in your dining room and make it seem much larger than it actually is.
There are two potential approaches to accomplish this. You could install a large mirror on one wall of the dining room. A full-length or floor-to-ceiling mirror will create the illusion of a larger space by reflecting the room back upon itself. Place it opposite a window or a source of natural light to amplify the effect.
If you plan to incorporate mirrors in your dining space, make sure you don't have bulky furniture that will obstruct the light. Updating your dining area with luxury furniture, such as new chairs or bar stools, allows you to reorganize the space to best play up its size. For example, don't place a large dining chair in front of a mirror, instead angle it away so the illusion of a large space is maintained. Be mindful of the angles and placement to maximize the reflection and maintain an aesthetically pleasing balance.
2. Layer Lighting
You can also layer lighting in your dining room to create the illusion of more space. Lighting should be a focal point of your dining room decor regardless of its purpose, but doing it the right way can have multiple benefits—including giving the appearance of that larger room you crave.
Start with ambient lighting as the base layer, which can be achieved through a central ceiling fixture, such as a chandelier. Opt for a fixture that doesn't overwhelm the room but provides even, diffused light. Then install wall sconces on the walls around the dining area. These fixtures add a decorative touch and cast light indirectly, creating a soft and inviting atmosphere.
Make sure to position them around eye level, or they might cast harsh shadows.
Incorporate accent lighting to highlight architectural features, artwork, or decorative elements in the dining room. Recessed spotlights or track lighting can be used for this purpose. Directed lighting can draw the eye and give the impression of depth in the space.
You should also ensure you install a dimmer switch, so you can control the overall ambience of the space. Lights that are overall too harsh and bright won't be pleasant in your dining room.
Try to avoid floor lamps, as they can just make the space even more crowded.
3. Keep a Simple Color Scheme
The last thing you want is to make your dining room too busy, particularly if you're trying to give the picture that it's large and spacious. Make sure you pick a simple color scheme and keep the decor to a minimum.
It's fine for the bulk of your decor to be mirrors and lighting. Art pieces should be strategically placed along the walls, and shouldn't be too large or crowded. Anything minimalist in nature and matching the theme of the room will work well.
A simple color scheme has other benefits too. They tend to create a sense of elegance and sophistication. This can be especially desirable in a dining room, where you may entertain guests and want to create a refined atmosphere.
It will also create a more relaxing atmosphere for you and your guests, which will make the space feel less stifling. This alone could give anyone sitting there the impression that it's much larger than it is.
4. Emphasize Windows
Make sure to pay careful attention to your windows when decorating your dining room, as windows can be the make or break for a space feeling inviting and open or closed off. Choose lightweight and sheer curtains or blinds that allow plenty of natural light to filter through, and avoid heavy or dark-colored window coverings that can make the room feel dark and claustrophobic.
Try placing one of your decorative mirrors directly across from the window, bouncing that direct light.
You can also consider adding indoor plants around the window. They can make the space feel fresher and more green, making it feel like your indoor dining space is transcending to the outdoors. If you don't feel you have the green thumb to keep up with plants, pick low-maintenance species or opt for fake ones that don't need maintenance at all.
5. Choose Shelves
Although your dining room may need some storage for glasses or plates, cabinets are a bad idea. They take up too much precious space, no matter how nice they look.
Instead of cabinets, opt for shelves to display anything you want to. These shelves will take up less space and, if you so choose, they can be installed above eye level so they aren't infringing on guests' space at all. This will depend on how often you need to access the items on the shelves, so choose wisely and practically.
Shelves can be easily customized to fit your space and design preferences. You can choose different shelving materials, sizes, and arrangements to create a unique look that suits your style. Installing shelves is also usually less complicated than installing cabinets.
You can also further bring your other ideas together by using the shelves to hold mirrors and plants, or perhaps even installing a window shelf. They could be used to hold ambient lighting, or to hold string lights draped across them—all benefits you can't get with cabinets.
Make Your Dining Room Seem Larger With These Tips
If you're faced with a small dining room but desperately want it to be a space where you and your family or guests can connect, don't let the size deter you. With some simple tricks like lighting and mirrors, it's easy to cast the illusion that you're sharing a much larger space and let the room become beloved in your household.
Make careful and deliberate choices with your decor and color scheme, and you'll be surprised about the difference it can make. Don't be afraid to bring in outside eyes to give you a second opinion, and have fun with it.
