It’s no secret that we eat with our eyes first, so when it comes to dining rooms, you have every reason to pull out all the stops.

Reclaim the Space

Over the last year due to working from home, those of us with dining rooms have had to make it a multifunctional space: homework hub, makeshift office, crafts table and everything in between. But as we begin to settle into the new normal, slowly adjusting to new rhythms and routines, it’s important to consider the ways in which to reclaim the dining room for its core purpose: a place to bring family and friends together to share a meal. So, how exactly does one go about doing that?

Consider clever storage solutions for your laptops, books, papers, the children’s things, and anything else that has made its way on to the table over the last year. Using moveable dividers, colour-coded cardboard boxes and trays will help you pick everything up and store it in cupboards or shelves at the end of each day. With an organised and clean dining room, you’ll feel more motivated to return to invest in the space again, and above all, make time for sit-down dinners.

Starting from Scratch

If you’re looking to revamp your dining room, there are a few things to consider: How big is the space, how often are you planning on using it, and how much foot traffic will it need to handle? Asking these basic questions will guide you in deciding what materials to invest in, how big they ought to be, and how well the items will all integrate into the rest of your home’s interior.

Picking the perfect dining table should be the starting point. Measure the space, and allow for at least 1.8 m around it to allow for chairs as well as easy movement to and from the table (for dining chairs, there should also be at least 60 cm of space between each one for comfortable seating). For a space that’s particularly tight, look at round dining tables with glass tops, and dining chairs without armrests.

If you’re social at heart and anticipate having varying numbers of people at your table, invest in a dining bench that can not only be moved around easily, but will allow for more people to sit rather than classic dining chairs. It’s also a great way of seating a few children comfortably.

Building on what You Have

You want the space to be as beautiful as it is functional. So, if you take the time to have the basics covered, you can start looking for timeless accessories that will help to completely transform your dining room.

A sideboard is a good example of one of these accessories. Not only do they serve as excellent storage spaces (especially for when you need to rid the space of laptops and children’s homework), they can also act as a serving counter for drinks, dishes and condiments, so that the main table isn’t crowded.

If the space you want to use is a bit dark and feels stuffy, try playing with light. Firstly, invest in a low-hanging pendant light above the table to create an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy. Add mirrors around the table to create the illusion of extra space in the dining area. And remember, no dinner table is complete without candles – a good candelabra makes a statement and can become an heirloom over time.

Must-Haves

The dining room should be an escape within your home, so invest in items that add comfort and luxury. The beauty of these final touches is that you can collect them over time – so that they fit your personality and your wallet.

Glassware

Other than drinking glasses, invest in good-quality salt and pepper shakers, oil and vinegar dispensers as well as a water jug – all in glass. These won’t age as quickly as other materials, ensuring that you have timeless additions to your table.

Metallics

Add life to your table with additional metallic tones. With your cutlery, you’re already halfway there! Salad tongs, an ice bucket and napkin rings will all bring a touch of pizazz to the table. Gold chair legs are also great for a sleek finish.

Wood

You can never go wrong with a touch of wood. Wooden tables bring a warmth to the room, while a simple board for bread and cheese adds a rustic element to starters and sides. It’s also convenient for quickly clearing the table between courses.

Words: Daniel Bouwer | Photography: Unsplash