Let’s gather together; a multi-functional dining area

The four essential elements needed for a multi-functional space

The Dining Room isn’t one of those rooms you always use. But venturing into the holiday season, it is a room I am always grateful I have in my house. Besides being a designated eating area, it can be a multi-functional room.

I have long admired formal dining rooms.  Undeniably, all the different styles and eras of the room have called to me.   To explain this idea, the dramatic dining rooms in historic homes had shining silver tea sets, moody lighting, and heavy drapes. In the same way, the 60’s modern dining room has a clean-lined buffet table (with great storage), unique lighting, and ceramic serving pieces. In addition, a big farm table with a bench for the kiddos to sit lined up on and a vintage game-board collection hung on the wall as part of an open great room.

Generally, people say that a designated dining room is a waste. I disagree. A dining room is a gathering place where we enjoy our family, friends, and life. It is a great multi-functional space.

Multi-Functionality of Dining Rooms

But if you feel that a dining room is a waste of space you only use at Thanksgiving, let me give you an argument. Here are all the possibilities of a dining room

• Dining, of course, Sunday Dinners, Friends Potlucks, Holiday Happenings, Taco Tuesdays
• Study Hall Homeschool Classroom (see photo below), Homework, Study Space, Science Projects
• Home Office Work table, File Storage, Printers
• Craft Room, Art Studio, Furniture DIY (Drop cloth covered, of course)
• Art Gallery, Music Room, Game Room

Above all, these ‘rooms’ can make a Dining Room multifunctional; all have the same essential elements: table, chairs, storage, and multipurpose lighting.  

Essential Dining Room Elements

Table: A critical first or second piece to decide on.  Above all, it is one of the most significant pieces in the room. Some considerations:

• How many do you need to seat daily? Holidays (leaves available to extend the table)?
• Style of room? The type shows through with the legs on the table, the wood, or a painted finish. 
• Size is determined partly by the room dimension – see room planner for table options.
• Hint – have a protective cover for other uses. Could it be a piece of glass cut to the size of the table? Tablecloth – plastic and cloth? Large drop cloths

The photo below is a table that goes from the work desk to the dining table. Dinner, for one, is still a memorable evening; please remember that. 

Chairs: Undoubtedly, an important aspect is how the chairs flow with the table and unquestionably their seating comfort. Some considerations:

• Match table or unmatched? Are the chairs matching or unmatched (unified by wood or paint color)?
• Upholstery end chairs? Slipcovered for easy clean up? 
• Bench, Banquette or Loveseat? (like the photo below)

Storage Unit: Likewise, the other large piece and focal point with many uses to serve your multi-functional needs. Some considerations:

• Decorative storage? Armoire? Open top hutch? Bookshelves?
• Need table height for serving food? Buffet storage chest? Drop leaf Table (for extra seating) Small side/sofa table (great for open concept rooms)

Lighting: Generally what are all the functional uses for your dining room? Some considerations:

• Overhead with dimmer – significant for both dining and homework
• Task lighting – lighting for projects and serving food
• Accent lighting – on walls for paintings, inside storage for collections, way-finding/night-light (particularly a great way to use an heirloom lamp)

So, where do you start? Start dreaming of what you want and need—the room’s function besides dining. Next, you look for pieces that can work double-duty. There’s a worksheet in the monthly room focus section of A Carefully Curated Life November’s Giving Thanks eBook. If you’re looking for further inspiration, here is the Pinterest board I am working on to get a feel for my new dining room. Furthermore, if you need help choosing a color for your dining room, there’s a download available and a blog. Lastly, if you would enjoy talking about dining rooms and the life that evolves within them, join our private Facebook group,