subject: Dressing Down Your Dining Room [print this page] Dressing Down Your Dining Room Dressing Down Your Dining Room
Formal Dining Is Rare
In many homes there is one particular room that simply does not get used that often.
There are usually one of two reasons for that. Either a) it is an awkward space due to size or shape considerations such that you never quite figured out what to do with it or b) the room is just too stuffy and impersonal.
The latter is the category that many formal dining rooms fall into. As they are reserved for use on special occasions only these spaces seem to have an invisible "no trespassing sign" across the door for much of the year, because they are so "perfect" no one quite dares enter.
Whilst it can be very nice to enjoy a meal away from the breakfast nook in the kitchen once in a while, maintaining a stuffy formal dining room that is barely ever used just makes very little sense these days. Why exactly should we just let all that space go to waste? Here are some helpful tips for "dressing down" your formal dining room without robbing it of its special occasion or holiday function.
Less IS More
One of the problems with many a formal dining room is that they are just too full of big pieces of furniture that just look a little too imposing. Removing one or two of them may lighten the mood in the room a little all by itself. The addition of a few more casual accessories can help as well. Switch those big velvet drapes for a lighter, airier set of window treatments and add a mirror or two to the room to lighten it up even further.
Sit Down, Relax
Many formal dining room furniture sets are big, heavy, dark and intimidating to say the least. And those silk covered formal dining chairs? Half the time people are afraid to sit on them for fear of ruining their host's "best stuff" . If your remodeling budget allows you should consider replacing that big old dinosaur of a table with a softer and lighter, more rounded alternative that is far more informal and welcoming.
If a new dining set is out of the question you can soften that imposing image with funky placements, interesting vases and even cute condiment sets.
Do Away With Your Dining Room
If you really want to make a big change that will allow you to make the most of the space occupied by your formal dining room you could consider getting rid of it all together and have a remodeling contractor come in and help you create a great room. The addition of a great room a combined living/dining/kitchen area is red hot in the remodeling world right now. In today's busy world it provides a central area for all kinds of family activities and often just makes better use of the space.
Keep in mind though that this is a major re-structuring of your home and should never be attempted by the well-intentioned amateur or DIYer. There are formal building regulations and inspections that must be done with such large works and you will be safer and happier with the results of using a professional home remodeling contractor.
