How to Decorate a Dining Room Table
Wondering how to decorate a dining room table?
Tired of your table being a landing pad for your kids’ book bags, mail, and other unsightly items? Then it is time for you to take your table back! Define your space with a timeless design or a revolving seasonal display to ward off those who perch their possessions in such an unsavory manner!
In the United States, 75% of adults grew up eating dinner at the dining room table. By 2019, only 50% of us sit at the dining room table for dinner. We are trending toward smaller numbers with our social habits these days, but we do not have to settle for overlooking the opportunity to dress our table for company, the occasional celebration or just because the dining room deserves to shine.
What Is Your Style?
“How to decorating a dining room table?”, the best advice is to go with the style that reflects your home’s current vibe.
Just starting out? There are many styles that are currently popular.
BOHO(short for Bohemian): where kitschy, free spirited items are added with macrame and simple florals. Think flower child all grown up. This style allows us to be a bit less controlled in our design. The visual balance in this design is created by smaller like items that complement each other such as a hand knit runner anchored by a large hand thrown ceramic vase in the center of the table. Add height with bamboo sticks (being aware not to block anyone’s view). Smaller vases containing one simple flower can be placed at every seat, finished off by a hand embroidered napkin tied together with a ribbon.
Shabby Chic- English countryside and fragrant flowers. Vintage China, teacups and lace are accented by whitewashed wood and muted metals. Add a linen floor length tablecloth to your table and it’s time to show off your grandmothers China! If you are not blessed with being the recipient of your grandmother’s China, but crave the shabby chic look, pick up mismatched plates, glasses, cups, silverware and even linens at garage sales or thrift stores. (This solution takes away any guilt of breaking a piece).
Modern Farmhouse: The successor of Shabby Chic. Simplistic design with milk glass, iron, hand hewn wood and stone. Modern farmhouse is clean lines, feminine glass and florals anchored with a masculine stone or iron. Add a linen runner atop your farmhouse table and space identical medium height dark metal candlesticks with bubble glass cylinders encasing chubby candlesticks. Next, add a seasonal garland, weaving through the base of the candlesticks to soften your table.
Mid-Century Modern: Think Frank Lloyd Wright. Simple, clean lines, warmth, but no bulk. Mid Century modern style decorating is truly a minimalist style. In MCM, the table is the art piece. Any additional pieces are added more as a single vase or vintage serving set, an interesting pair of salt and pepper shakers or a serving dish. A simple, no-nonsense runner can be added, and a small group of candlesticks will do the trick.
How Much Space Should a Good Design Take Up?
No matter what your style of decorating, be aware of how much of your table can or should be decorated. When thinking about how to decorate a dining room table, the only consideration is that your table can still function with the decor intact. Tall centerpieces with any substance must always be clear as not to block the view of your guests. If you are looking for height, and a glass vase isn’t your style, introduce tall, thin candlesticks as not to block anyone’s view.
Also take into consideration that the decor on your table doesn’t break the lines of any permanent light fixtures above your table. A dining room table with a low hanging chandelier or accent light should be decorated with ample space for your light to shine.
What Design Works Best for the Shape of Your Table?
If you love to ponder negative and positive space, you are probably wondering what the equation is when working with different shapes of tables. While there are no mathematical equations for this question, if we re-phrase it to what flow works best for the shape of my table? The answer is simple. When working with a square or round table, concentrate on a circular footprint in the center. When working with a rectangular or oval table, feel free to utilize the length, minus any seating space at the ends of the table.
What Belongs on a Dining Room Table?
The traditional floral arrangement, candlesticks or fruit bowl are the simple answer. However, if you want to add interest to your dinner party, consider adding your favorite finds from your recent travels or family heirlooms.
What colors work when decorating a dining room table?
As all colors are welcome at the table, the only advice is to use complimentary colors to the colors currently in your home.
Do Seasons Matter?
When decorating your dining table in Milwaukee, take into consideration if you are a serial decorator or want to ‘spiff up’ your everyday design. Most of us live in an environment where seasonal change brings us falling leaves, sprouting buds or beautiful blooms. Don’t be afraid to bring in these blessings to share with your friends and family. Not only are they free, but they celebrate your hometown and delineate the line between indoors and out!
We hope this has shed some light on how to decorate a dining room table.
If your dining room table needs more than a facelift and you are in the Milwaukee area, let us at BILTRITE Furniture-Leather-Mattresses help you find your new addition!