Of all the dining room tips available, the following small dining room ideas are probably the most helpful to most people. Few people have separate large dining rooms, such facilities comprise part of the kitchen or living room, or are small rooms with a limited area.

1. Use light colors

Light colors tend to open up a room, while dark tones tend to make it look smaller. However, light doesn’t have to mean drab, and whites and pastels can be accented with a bright contrasting color. This is particularly effective when the color is used to draw attention to specific decorative elements.

However, do not abuse the color. You can have a colorful wall with others in white or a neutral tone, or use bright colored dining chairs with light wall coverings or even white painted walls. Use what works for you, although white and pale pastel shades with moderate use of bright colors are very popular.

2.Use lighting for maximum effect

The more natural light the better, so keep your windows as large as possible. A single large glass panel appears more spacious than several smaller panels. Minimize window furnishings, such as curtains, and avoid dark drapes. Bright colors can accentuate light coming through a window, and many choose bright yellow or red drapes to contrast against white wood or vinyl sash.

Artificial light should be bright, but not too intense, and the ideal type of overhead lighting for a small dining room is a small chandelier; this will make a small table appear larger. If you have a dimmer switch, ceiling spotlights or ceiling space lighting would also be suitable. Lighting in any size dining room should be subtle but sufficient.

A low ceiling should not be accentuated, but at least partially obscured by low overhead lighting – the ceiling should be “up there somewhere” without guests feeling like they can reach and touch it! Open the ceiling if it has been artificially lowered: a design feature from the 1960s to 1990s, but one that makes rooms appear smaller.

3. Use mirrors

Mirrors not only make good use of light, but they also make a room appear larger, especially if they reflect each other. Two or three slightly tilted mirrors reflecting a single light source can make a small chandelier, or even spotlights, go much further. Arranging mirrors so that they reflect shiny glassware or silver will also increase the apparent size of a room.

4. Table furniture

This term refers to centerpieces, vases, bowls, and even stemware. Your table should be designed to promote conversation, and that has three aspects, namely:

a) Tableware and accessories must not obstruct the view of the guests, and flowers must be displayed in vases or low bowls;
b) Your glasses should be crystal, even if they are lead crystal, because shiny glasses always look good on a table and their reflections in a mirror can open up a small dining room from top to bottom.
c) You should include some fabrics in your decoration to absorb sound waves, discussed below.

5. Acoustics of small dining rooms

One of the most useful dining tips that you don’t often come across is to dampen the acoustics in the room. A small room with plain walls and wood block floors will reflect sound waves so that conversation seems to echo and echo, particularly as the night progresses and the wine begins to kick in!

While a highly polished or even rustic wooden table looks good, a tablecloth is more practical. This not only protects the table from scratches and falling food, but also absorbs sound waves. Fabric wall coverings also look good, while wallpaper is better than paint or paneling. Each of these helps muffle sound so you can hear what people are saying without the rumble and reflection of their voices.

6. Tips for the dining room: furniture

If you have a small dining room, your furniture should be chosen accordingly. By choosing a round dining table, it will appear as if there is more space around the perimeter of the room. You can also seat more people at a round table for the space available, and if it has a pedestal base, you won’t have to worry about the table legs getting in the way of guests’ legs!

Your dining room chairs should be armless and skinny rather than thick; they can occupy the same general space, but the skinny chairs give the impression of space between diners. Some lines of dining room furniture offer double chairs, just like dining room loveseats! These are great if you want to make the most of the space around a rectangular table.

There are many more dining room tips to offer, such as the use of extendable tables and the right selection of cabinets or buffets, but the above should help you make the most of your small dining room, or even your large dining room, because size is relative.