Dear Danica, How Can I Define My Open Concept Dining Room, Without A Rug?

What a beautiful home! Can’t get enough of all those windows!!

Ok so the goal is to define and ground the dining area without overpowering the living room or kitchen, and without a rug. As you mentioned, currently the dining table looks like it’s floating in the room and I equate this to two things –

1. It appears that the table might be a little too narrow for the space. Typically you want around 36” of space between the table and the wall.

2. It’s the only piece of furniture in the room.

Three ideas come to mind.

OPTION 1 – ADD A SIDEBOARD

To make up for a table that isn’t fully filling out the space, consider adding a sideboard. You have that big open wall to the left of the table and adding a sideboard would also further define this space as the dining room. I’m envisioning a long sideboard that fills 2/3rd the wall. Keep your existing artwork, or go even bigger. Add a large vase with stems and throw up a pair of sconces on either side of the artwork. Maybe even add a small side table to the opposite wall under the artwork. Adding more furniture will both fill out the room and ground the space.

OPTION 2 – GET A WIDER TABLE & BIGGER OVERHEAD LIGHT

I would only encourage this option if you were already hoping to replace your existing furniture. If you love what you have, skip ahead to option 3.

A wider table would fill out the space more and help reduce that “floating” effect. Most tables are between 36-40” wide, so if you existing table is already close to 40”, I’d recommend option 1 instead. But if it’s 36” or less, consider a wider table. And with a wider table, consider a larger chandelier too. Or maybe even a pair of large pendants if the new table is long enough.

OPTION 3 – GET A ROUND TABLE

This was actually my first thought when I saw your space. Because you have angled walls, you could easily do a round table. Scoot it closer to the window wall, add a set of chairs, or build a window bench. This would certainly not compete with the living room or kitchen and it would create a cozy dining area. As for the big open wall, you could add a tall hutch filled with pretty dinnerware and decor.

If this were my home, I’d opt for option #1. A few more pieces of furniture will do wonders for defining the area! Let’s help, Jenny out! Would option 1, 2, or 3 be your vote?