Formal Dining Room Decorating Ideas
In recent years, casual dining has been in vogue; however there is a growing trend towards formal dining rooms in the home.
In a home that has a separate dining room and breakfast 'nook' or room, designing a formal dining room is an option that many homeowners are choosing.
Creating a formal dining room that doesn't appear stuffy, overbearing or cold can be a challenge. By brining in elements from the traditional décor style and some simple but elegant modern touches, creating a formal dining room does not have to be difficult at all.
Find Inspiration for your Formal dining Room
Any decorating project requires inspiration, and the formal dining room is no different. Do not make the mistake of relying on the over-done formal dining room your grandmother had. Instead, think of intimate gatherings of friends and family. What is the feeling you want to create? Warmth, elegance and comfort probably come to mind. Keep these ideas with you while you make decorating decisions for your formal dining room.
Use Color to Create your Canvas
As with any decorating project, the use of color is a key when creating a formal dining room. This is an excellent opportunity to bring warmth into the room. One great formal dining room decorating idea to keep in mind is that formal dining rooms have relied on darker colors such as blue or even eggplant.
These colors do add a feeling of warmth to the room but can often appear staid. Consider using a deep chocolate, jewel tone green or rich red. Colors like these will bring warmth to the room without making the room seem old.
If the space is small, darker colors can make a room seem even smaller. Avoid this closed in feeling by painting only one wall, or opposing walls, in a darker shade or use a lighter colored toe rails, chair rails and molding to lightening up the room.
Focus on Formal Furniture
Another great formal dining room decorating idea that you should remember is that the dining room table and chairs will be the focal point of any formal dining room. Elegance and comfort both come into play here. An elegant table, long and rectangular is an excellent option.
Keep the table style simple and wooden and avoid heavy pieces with intricate carvings. Chairs are a chance to bring comfort into the room as well as an interesting focus. Padded and upholstered straight back chairs are both classic and elegant. With the many fabric options, it is possible to personalize the chairs.
Another formal dining room decorating idea to keep in mind is to keep the fabric choice rich in both color and texture. If possible, use a color that contrasts with your walls. If you would prefer wooden chairs, high straight back chairs are exceptionally elegant.
Remember, it is important that all the elements of this room are unified. Don't mix and match chairs in an attempt to make the room feel more modern. This shabby chic idea works great in an informal dining room, but has no place in a formal setting.
Linens, Light and Centerpieces
Your choice of linens and light fixtures will have an impact on your centerpiece. Remember that a formal dining room is for formal dining and you will want linens and fixtures that reflect that. Napkins, table cloths and runners should be of a rich fabric like linen or silk.
Consider this formal dining room decorating idea: color choices should compliment or accent the wall color. Light fixtures can be elaborate or simple but should impart a soft glow reminiscent of candle light. Use these two elements to create your centerpiece. For example, a simple flower arrangement using the same color palette as your linens looks elegant in a crystal bowl.
Long tapered candles paired on each side will create the softness and intimacy so important in formal dining. Remember that your guests will want to be able to see each other easily, so avoid oversized arrangements that could interfere with this.
Place settings are Paramount
One of the key elements of formal dining is the formal place setting. Simply put, fine china, crystal and silver should be arranged according to the standards of etiquette. Add salad forks, desert spoons, wine glasses and water goblets accordingly. Simple silver napkin rings and a delicately folded napkin placed on the entree plate will add elegance to your place settings.
Creating a formal dining room will allow you to have a functional and beautiful room in which to entertain guests with flair of elegance. Following these few simple tips will allow you to create a formal dining room with ease and grace.
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