Not everyone has the budget to blow on expensive items, but many of us want to create a look and feel of a luxury restaurant. There is something delightful about sitting down in a place that has considered everything.
Stunning tableware like those from Richard Haworth, lighting works no matter what time of day you sit down to eat. And, of course, cutlery that feels great to hold.
So how can you add a little bit of shine to your dining room?
Artwork
Adding artwork to walls in any room will have a positive impact; it gives people something to look at and talk about. Artwork is typically the finishing touch that pulls all of the other decorative items together.
If you flick through some interior design magazines, you will notice that almost no room is considered complete until they have artwork on the walls.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on artwork for it to look good. Instead, you can find prints and head to affordable art fairs to get what you are looking for.
Depending on your budget, you can find online artists that are open to commissions.
Ghost furniture
If you don’t have a lot of space or light in the dining room, one of the ways you can help it appear bigger is by using ghost furniture.
Clear furniture has been around for many years, and you will often find it in modern spaces. The reason it is so great is that due to it being transparent, the light travels through it, and there is less shadowing.
Wallpaper
Have you ever noticed that some of the most stunning dining rooms are usually wallpapered, not painted? The more classic traditional restaurants tend to opt for opulent dark wallpapers and have some walls that have patterns.
You can make a dramatic statement if you choose a wallpaper that is made from fabric or has some texture to it.
You can tie all of the fabrics and textures in using the right wallpaper, giving the room a cohesive look.
Flatware
Forks, knives, and spoons – and any of the plates, bowls, and serving items should all have a similar color when the color ties in; once the table is laid, it will have a sleek feel to it. Some of the most popular options are gold or silver.
But you can stray from these by using something dark like black or slate.
You might be tempted to have the plates and utensils be the same color as the wallpaper or walls, but it can be a good idea to go a shade higher or lower. It will still be in keeping with the design, but it won’t feel too similar.
Paint
If you are on a budget and don’t want to spend too much on decorating your dining room, paint can be a great option. While many people feel like white is dull, it can also be a great canvas to add other colors. For example, suppose you want to have a natural-looking and feeling dining room. In that case, white walls will ensure that your wooden accents and other natural materials won’t compete – but will be complemented instead.
Feature
What part of the dining room would you like to be a feature? We usually let the room dictate what will be the star of the show – but you can make your lighting the feature if you want to.
Think about how you use the room. Do you eat there daily as a family – or do you only use the space for entertaining? The purpose will have a significant impact on what the main feature is. Of course, the seating and table go without saying – but they don’t have to be the only thing to look at.
Flowers
Almost everywhere looks brighter and fresher with some flowers added to it, and the dining room is no exception! Try not to choose floral arrangements that sit too high when placed on the table – this will mean people need to peer around the arrangement to talk across the table until you eventually feel like you need to move it.
Instead, look for long, low floral arrangements – they look great on the table, and while they are a beautiful feature, they won’t inhibit conversation or the passing of the bread basket.
Tablecloth
Changing the tablecloth will change the way the room looks. Add white or pale-colored tablecloths to bring brightness, but if you want to create a dark and moody feel, opt for inky blues and dark forest greens.
Here are some quick tips to help you turn your budget into something breathtaking: How To Refresh Your Home Without Breaking the Bank.
