Textures Bring Good Taste to Traditional Dining Rooms
Healthy servings of texture and mixed materials satiate the need for depth and interest in dining room designs
In a room where the table is the most important piece, it can be tempting to skimp on the decorative touches. But using a mix of textures and materials in a traditional dining room is important, because it can help diners look past the grand table and discover the true personality of the space. From a crystal chandelier to a textured table to paneled walls, any number of textured touches can define the space where your family comes together.
Here are a few tips for adding texture and materials to create a traditional dining room you'll love.
Here are a few tips for adding texture and materials to create a traditional dining room you'll love.
Beautiful silver on the table and a crystal chandelier are vital for a truly traditional dining room. A long mahogany table with antique chairs in a classic shape rounds out this room for a classic feel. Even though the wallpaper and chair fabric are formal, the light colors make the room feel cheerful and serene. Floral centerpieces for important events add to the room's traditionally chic feel.
The more textured and patterned an object is, the heavier it looks. Keep this in mind when choosing a dining table. If you're looking for a solid wood table in your traditional dining room, a textured table like this one will appear much larger than a smooth wood table with no pattern or texture — even if both are exactly the same size.
The lighter the color of an object, the lighter it will appear in weight. White chairs paired with a deep, dark dining table look visually lightweight. Cover these same chairs in a dark brown or deep purple and they will appear denser and heavier. If you're afraid that a solid wood table will look too heavy, pairing it with a light fabric scheme will maintain an airy feel that's anchored by the table.
Playing with a variety of textures is an easy way to create contrast in a room. This cozy dining room is an excellent example of mixing textures. The ceiling and chandelier are shiny and glamorous, while the leather adds masculinity. The dark wood on the table and the table legs ground the lighter colors.
If you like to entertain, you may want your dining room to feel warm and intimate. After all, dinner parties are often where friendships are forged. To make your room feel as cozy as your relationships, keep these two important tips in mind: Pattern on the ceiling makes the ceiling feel lower, and pattern on the walls makes the room look smaller. In a dining room that feels too large to be inviting, adding pattern to the walls and ceiling can be helpful.
Paneled walls are a fantastic way to incorporate texture and interest into a room without adding unwanted color. The vertical pattern of the paneling in this room makes the space appear taller.
Textures and materials can really define tone and personality. Here, unabashedly traditional chairs, china and crystal get an infusion of casual livability from the rattan shade.
Pattern can communicate emotion and ambience in a room. This rug's pattern adds a playful and whimsical element to this formal space. As a bonus, patterns conceal dirt and wear — an especially important perk in a room where food often ends up on the floor.