Many different problems can arise when you're decorating a dining room. What wall color should you choose? What style of furniture do you want to pick? And where on earth are you going to put your mother in-law's favorite rug? For many people, these issues aren't as big as trying to fill empty space in the dining room. We've researched dining room decor to let you know how to fill empty space.
There are several ways that you can fill empty space in your dining room. The most common methods include:
- Adding artwork
- Expanding the size of your dining room table
- Adding a china cabinet
- Adding a carpet
- Painting the room
Part of figuring out what you should add to extra space in your dining room is knowing what each option does for the decor. To learn more about maximizing your dining room's aesthetics, please keep reading.
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Does Your Dining Room Need To Be Full?
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A dining room isn't one of the rooms in your home that must be filled. Dining rooms are seen as a primary space for entertaining. This means that you should have enough space for people to move around, display delicious foods, and lounge about.
How Much Space Do You Need For A Dining Room?
This all depends on how many people you want to seat and the table's total size. Ideally, you will have at least 36- to 48-inches of clearance space for a dining room table. This means that you should have the following minimums for each family size:
- Small families of two to four people will need a room at least 11-feet on each side. This will give you enough space for a 3-foot by 3-foot table.
- Families who want a table that sits four to six people will need a rectangular table at least 2-feet 6-inches by 5-feet. If you have a circular table, you will need at least a 4-foot diameter. This means your dining room will need to be 10-feet 6-inches by 13-feet at a bare minimum.
- Families that want to seat eight to ten people need a table that's 4-feet 6-inches by 10-feet in diameter. This translates to a room size of 12-feet 6-inches by 18-feet for maximum comfort.
Are Dining Room Setups Going Out Of Style?
If you don't have enough room for a legit dining room, don't panic quite yet. Studies show that most Americans are starting to prefer eating inside their kitchens or in their living rooms near the TV. This is actually one of the more subtle ways our society is changing, and it's a sign of how casual we're becoming as a whole.
While dining rooms are still fairly popular, they're not the necessity they once were. With that said, a breakfast nook or a larger living room is often more than enough for typical family use.
Filling Empty Space In Your Dining Room
If there's one thing that happens to be visually jarring, it's a dining room that is too large for the table that it contains. Thankfully, there are several ways to make your dining room feel less empty. To make things easier, we parsed things out by the type of space you are furnishing.
How Should You Fill Up The Floor Space In A Larger Dining Room?
The easiest way to fill up floor space is to upgrade the size of your dining room table. By having a larger table, you get a better focal point for your room, ensure your guests have a comfortable place and balance your room size. Besides, a large dining room table is a status symbol.
Click here to get this dining table set from Amazon.
Another thing you can do to "fill up" your dining room is to add a carpet. Carpeting helps add a splash of color to any room and can act as a way of making the room look slightly smaller. Choosing a patterned carpet will tie your room together and also emphasize your home's architecture.
Click here to get this carpet from Amazon.
One of the more common methods people use to fill in their dining rooms is to get a china cabinet or similar item. Display cabinetry can help you store excess glassware and also give your visitors a place to put their wine bottles if the table gets overrun with food. These tend to work well when tucked away in a corner.
Click here to get this display cabinet from Amazon.
Speaking of display cabinetry, there's another go-to option for people who want to add fullness to their dining rooms we haven't discussed yet, buffet tables. As the name suggests, these tables are located on the outskirts of your room, ideal for placing dishes that don't quite fit on the dining table. They're wonderful for entertaining!
Click here to get this buffet table from Amazon.
Finally, another good way to boost your dining room's appearance while also giving it a more filled-in look is to add some plants. Studies show that adding houseplants elevates your mood, gives your home a fresher appearance and can help mitigate foul smells from food. A ficus tree would be a great pick for a dining room.
Click here to get this ficus tree from Amazon.
How Do You Fill A Large Empty Wall Space In The Dining Room?
There are a couple of easy ways to fill empty wall space in your dining room. One of the best (and fastest) ways to improve empty wall space is with some artwork. While it may be tempted to go a little crazy with your artwork, there's no need to do so if it's not your style. Sometimes, having a single piece of artwork on your wall can be more than enough to make a statement. However, if your living room has a lot of artwork, it may make sense to match your dining room to your living room's ambiance.
To max out your wall's space, we suggest getting a series of art prints that can be spaced out and act as a focal point for your room. This landscape will add a rustic splash of color in no time!
Click here to get this gorgeous art on Amazon.
Of course, some room styles don't quite mesh with artwork hung up on a wall. If you want to avoid artwork and want to "shrink" your room's appearance slightly, getting some dark paint on the walls can work. Then again, so can darker patterned wallpaper.
Click here to get this brick-look wallpaper from Amazon.
If you love the idea of accessorizing your walls but don't want something as traditional as wallpaper or painting, another option would be to use 3D vinyl wall decals to create a mural. This is an excellent way to make a statement wall in your dining room without having to splurge too much.
Click here to get this wall decal from Amazon.
Another option that you could pursue deals with statement lighting. Dining rooms are a great place to add ambient lighting, and if done right, it can bolster your home's vibe beautifully—wall sconces area great way to deck your walls without making your dining room look too cluttered.
Click here to buy this mosaic wall sconce on Amazon.
If you are already struggling with a dining room that looks too spacious, a mirror will not help you. Mirrors are famous for opening up a home and adding additional "faux space." If you're trying to fill in your room, they're the last thing you should deal with. If you aren't sure what to do with your dining room, check out our list of dining room wall decor ideas.
How Do You Fill Up Extra Table Space In Your Dining Room?
The problem with having an unusually large dining room table for your family size is that it can make things feel a little sparse or unfriendly when you're eating dinner together. Thankfully, filling up your extra space is not going to be that big an issue. That's what makes centerpieces such a good choice.
When it comes to centerpieces, you can always create a pretty one through your own DIY efforts. However, many of us don't have time for that. That's why buying a cozy-looking, prefabricated option tends to work well with so many of us. Decorative candle holders on a tray are one of the most popular go-to's for year-round elegance.
Click here to get this centerpiece from Amazon.
Conclusion
When it comes to filling in your dining room, there are a lot of ways you can make it happen. Most people like to "think big" by getting a larger dining room table set and then working some magic on the walls by adding the artwork of their choice. Of course, that doesn't have to be what you do. If you're at a crossroads when it comes to your home design, it's okay to reach out for help or continue to browse decoration ideas. It's all about finding the right vibe for your life. After all, it would be best if you always aimed to make your dining room a tasteful place in your eyes.