Ways to Spice Up Your Dining Room
The holidays are just around the corner and it's that time of the year again to gather around with loved ones. Here are a few ways to make your dining room company-ready.
Swap out chairs for a bench. A bench, especially a cushy upholstered version like the one shown here, provides more comfort and room for sitting than a pair of chairs. If you’ve been wanting to break up a matched dining set, this is one simple way to do it.
Add a big potted plant. Fresh greenery is a wonderful way to revive the dining room. A large potted plant like a ficus, split-leaf philodendron, rubber plant or fiddle leaf fig cleans the air, adds height and drama and can make your space feel bigger to boot.
Add cushions or throws to chairs. In the winter, we crave extra softness and comfort. Make your guests want to linger at the table with the addition of soft throws or seat cushions. Try faux sheepskins, plaid blankets, or felt or velvet cushions.
Create a black-and-white photo wall. A neat grid of photos always looks good, and it’s even better in black and white. For the most impact, choose frames with a generous white mat and hang them on a wall with a rich color. Precision does matter here, so get a friend to help you, and use a level to be sure you’re getting the grid straight.
Layer artwork on a shelf. Not ready to commit to a permanent art display? An art shelf is casual and easily changed, making it perfect for tweaking a collection with the seasons. Start with a few larger pieces in the back row, layer in medium-size frames, and finish by tucking in a few small frames at the front. To focus attention on the art, hang gallery lighting on the wall above the shelf.
FULL ARTICLE
Swap out chairs for a bench. A bench, especially a cushy upholstered version like the one shown here, provides more comfort and room for sitting than a pair of chairs. If you’ve been wanting to break up a matched dining set, this is one simple way to do it.
Add a big potted plant. Fresh greenery is a wonderful way to revive the dining room. A large potted plant like a ficus, split-leaf philodendron, rubber plant or fiddle leaf fig cleans the air, adds height and drama and can make your space feel bigger to boot.
Add cushions or throws to chairs. In the winter, we crave extra softness and comfort. Make your guests want to linger at the table with the addition of soft throws or seat cushions. Try faux sheepskins, plaid blankets, or felt or velvet cushions.
Create a black-and-white photo wall. A neat grid of photos always looks good, and it’s even better in black and white. For the most impact, choose frames with a generous white mat and hang them on a wall with a rich color. Precision does matter here, so get a friend to help you, and use a level to be sure you’re getting the grid straight.
Layer artwork on a shelf. Not ready to commit to a permanent art display? An art shelf is casual and easily changed, making it perfect for tweaking a collection with the seasons. Start with a few larger pieces in the back row, layer in medium-size frames, and finish by tucking in a few small frames at the front. To focus attention on the art, hang gallery lighting on the wall above the shelf.
FULL ARTICLE
