Formal dining rooms can easily become dull and outdated. Since life on the go causes most of us to eat our meals in the kitchen, it’s easy to overlook the dining room when it’s time to renovate.
Luckily, dining rooms are often an easy and affordable way to spruce up your home on a budget. And because the dining room isn’t used 24/7, you can be more creative when it comes to color and decor.
We love the idea of making our dining room a place where we want to spend more time. Here are four easy ways to update your formal dining space that will impress your guests without costing a fortune.
Create an Accent Wall
Even the smallest of dining areas can handle dark walls, pops of color, or patterned wallpaper. Since both wallpaper and paint are affordable and application is simple, this project is an easy way to instantly refresh the look of your dining space without undertaking any major renovations.
Start by choosing a focal point. Traditionally, the accent wall is the wall that is furthest away from the door or the first wall you see upon entering a room. Choose a wall that doesn’t have any windows or doors, so it really stands out without interruption.
If you’d prefer to keep your dining room more neutral, patterns and texture are the keys to keeping it interesting. Contemporary graphics and metallic prints can highlight your lighting fixtures and bring light into even the most minimalist room.
Add Warmth with Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood accents are a simple and trendy way to make a statement with appealing texture and color. Reclaimed wood adds a natural, raw allure and rustic beauty to otherwise routine, conventional dining rooms.
A reclaimed wood table top with a distressed finish adds an interesting focal point, giving your dining area that shabby chic vibe without traveling too far from a modern color palette. Simple and neutral finishes help blend easily with the rest of your living areas.
Not only does this give your dining space a unique sense of style, it sets it apart from the rest of the house. For plain dining rooms, this adds a much needed architectural element and subtle hints of farmhouse, rustic, industrial, or coastal style, depending on your personal preference.
Consider Statement Lighting
One of the simplest ways to update your dining room on a budget is to trade in that basic, simple light fixture for one that makes a statement. From unique chandeliers to large pendants, there is no wrong way to choose this aesthetic. Find a piece that feels authentic to your personal style.
First, consider the proportions of your dining area. Account for the size of the room and your dining room table. As a general rule, your light fixture should cover two-thirds of the table top. If your formal dining table seats a family of four, a chandelier would look best. If your dining room can seat 10 guests, you may opt for a row of matching pendants.
Don’t forget to light the room in layers so that the room’s light source doesn’t come from a single fixture. Consider ambient lighting in the form of accent fixtures, recessed lighting, and dimmers, to brighten dark corners while setting the mood.
Always Accessorize!
Accessories are an easy way to transform a drab dining room into an exciting staple in your house. Whether you opt for a statement wall piece or simple table decor, accessorizing is your opportunity to let your personality shine through.
When choosing accessories for your dining room table top, be sure to maintain a balance between visual appeal and clutter. A few finishing touches goes a long way, like a floral centerpiece or antique bar cart. If you’re working with a tight or dark space, a mirror with a beautiful frame can help catch light and visually expand the room.
Finally, have fun with it! Dining rooms are the one area in your home that gives you creative license to do the unexpected. Your home should reflect who you are and what you like, so don’t be afraid to mold the room with your individuality.
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