How to Create a Multifunctional Dining Space in the Home
With homes becoming more multifunctional than ever before, we’re taking a look at how to get the best use out of your dining space - no matter its size, layout or position within your home. By considering layout and choosing functional, yet stylish furniture, your dining room can be used for anything you need.
How to Create a Flexible Home Office
Many of us don’t have the luxury of a spare bedroom or dedicated home office within our homes and spent hours working from our dining tables during lockdown. If you’ve realised that working from home is going to be a more permanent part of your life, you might want to think about making your dining room a multifunctional space that can adapt to your needs as and when desired.
For those of us tight on space, there’s nothing wrong with working on your dining table, but consider zoning the space to create a more motivational and office-like environment. Cosy table lamps are ideal for darker afternoons and perfect for helping to focus the mind on tasks, while bookshelves behind your dining chair mean you can store your papers and folders away at the end of the day.
Finally, don’t forget to think carefully about your chair choice. It’s essential that you’re both comfortable and maintain good body posture throughout the day. If you’re not keen on having an office chair in your home, opt for dining chairs with arms - and always steer clear of a dining bench.
Zone your Spaces
If you live in an open-plan home, then it’s important to effectively zone your work, dining and relaxation spaces. Keep your room cohesive by sticking to a shared colour palette throughout and use rugs, furniture, lighting and contrasting textures to break up the different parts of your room. Consider a bookshelf that can be used instead of a wall to separate the spaces, and add a beautifully textured rug under your table to create a distinctive dining space. Think about adding pendant lights above your dining table, perfect for setting the mood in the evening. Adding various lighting solutions within your open-plan room will help to separate areas; a floor lamp next to a sofa or armchair will help to create a cosy, intimate setting perfect for unwinding in the evening.
How to Create a Tidy Dining Space with Storage
Storage is often overlooked in the dining room. We’ve already addressed the need for a bookcase if you’re using your dining table to work from home, but storage should also be considered even if you don't as having suitable storage makes entertaining a whole lot easier. From sideboards to drinks cabinets, being able to store glassware, cutlery, napkins and candles will make laying a table and serving guests that little bit easier. Take a look at some of our favourite storage solutions here.
Transforming the Dining Room from a Family Space into a Spot to Entertain
An extendable dining table is great for those who love to entertain, and allows for more living space when compacted down making them ideal for daily family meals. Opting for an extendable design means you can easily change up your space and allow for more guests to join for dinner parties, family gatherings and Christmas, too. It's a design we couldn't live without as the flexibility means you don’t have to have a large dining table taking up space year round, and can adapt it to suit your needs.
