Traditional dining rooms give you a multi-functional space to eat, entertain and work. Browse our pick of the best traditional schemes for dining room spaces, whatever your budget. If these dining room designs aren’t for you, check out our pick of the best schemes for modern dining rooms and country dining rooms – there’s inspiration for all dining styles.
Create a statement backdrop for a sideboard in a traditional dining room with a heritage print wallpaper, inspired by damask weaves. Complete the look by adding rustic wooden boards, marble details and block-print table linens.
Get the look
Buy now: Hanbury Wallpaper, £65.52 per metre, Lewis & Wood at Jane Clayton
Buy now: Similar Blisshome Marble Dinner Plate, £13, John Lewis
Make use of wasted kitchen space by adding a small dining table, transforming it into a dining area. Choose a mixture of chair styles and add an oilcloth, blackboards and recipe books for a homely and informal look.
Get the look
Buy now: Extendable table, £225, Ikea
Create a spectacular looking space with striking French style furniture. It will make any room look grander. Teamed with clean white windows and a simple carpet, the ornate detailing takes on a more modern appearance. A subtle grey wallpaper completes the scheme, adding an extra dimension to the look.
Get the look
Buy now: cushions in Hedgerow, Voyage
Buy now: similar dining table, Turnbull & Thomas
Add some artisan charm to your dining room scheme with a block-print tablecloth. Opting for a single print in a neutral scheme is a great way to focus attention and enliven a simple space. Pops of bright contrast colour on shapely tableware and accessories are a fitting accompaniment to the crisp design.
Get the look
Buy now: Block Green Leaf linen tablecloth, £99.50, Birdie Fortescue
Buy now: Kartell Fly Soft Touch medium pendant light, £214, John Lewis
Okay, so we’re not suggesting that you hang a bunny wallpaper in time for Easter. That would be asking a teeny bit much. However, we thought you might enjoy this wonderful Easter space that’s just perfect for a celebratory egg and soldiers breakfast. Add pretty flowers and cute bunny sculptures to the table and you’re good to go.
Get the look
Buy now: similar wallpaper, Fashion Wallpaper
Want an open-plan space, but not entirely sure about knocking through? Then try sliding doors, which offer the best of both worlds. Traditional furniture is ideal for this grand-looking space, which is packed with period details, from the cornicing and fireplace to the quatrefoil window in the kitchen. The wallpaper design mimics the mouldings in the kitchen cabinetry.
Get the look
Buy now: similar glassware, John Lewis
Create a sociable setting with a round dining table. This table comfortably accommodates four people, but doesn’t take up a huge amount of space. The elegant design of the antique dark-wood furniture is very fitting in this traditional but bright-feeling scheme. A French-Moroccan chandelier adds a note of drama.
Similar sisal rug
The Rug Seller
Make a feature out of natural materials. The stone flooring in this neutral breakfast room is beautifully uneven, with dips and swirls, just as nature intended. Brick has also been used on the steps and left exposed, which adds to the rustic feel of the room.
Sheepskin rug
John Lewis
Similar table
The Cotswold Company
Put together a thoroughly traditional scheme with beautifully grained wooden dining furniture, classic artworks and ornate wall sconces. Red walls will encourage a vibrant and lively atmosphere among guests. White wood panelling below the dado rail keeps the space bright.
Similar wall paint
Little Greene
Similar wall sconces
Easy Lighting
Create the ultimate combination of modern and traditional. With all the convenience and functionality of a new build, this kitchen-diner benefits greatly from an open-plan layout. However, the dining area is also characterised by classic furniture and fabrics that add a luxurious feel.
Blind fabric
Timorous Beasties
White leather chair
Places and Spaces
Create a coolly sophisticated dining room with ice-white dining furniture and accessories, such as crisp table linen, set against a backdrop of white wallpaper with a fine gold pattern. Floor-length curtains in a plain pastel blue fabric adds a little colour to the scheme, without upsetting the tonal balance, while a deep knotted wool rug keeps things warm underfoot.
It’s tempting to stick to safe neutral colours for large rooms, but don’t be afraid of playing with colour. Deep blue walls make a good foil for brown furniture, adding a refreshing twist to a traditional stetting. This works especially well in period homes, and around antique pieces. Even if your home is more modern, you can give it a sense of history using deep, rich colours like this dark blue.
Dining table
Oka
Deep blue paint
Little Greene
Get rid of ugly packaging and store all your essentials in beautiful containers like these ceramics. These rich blue and white ceramics are perfect, and add a historic look to the traditional panels. Aim to create a matching colour scheme throughout your dining and kitchen areas.
Ceramic jars
Artisanti
An upholstered banquette makes good use of a window alcove and is a neat way to seat a number of dinner guests. This scheme’s classic style has been brought up to date with oversized silver baubles hung above the table for a fun, festive note.
Dining chairs
Oka
Blinds and curtains
Brunschwig & Fils
For a simple dining room, choose a circular dining table for family gatherings at breakfast and relaxed mealtimes. Here the unfinished raw wood adds a rstic note that is tempered by the industrial feel of the iron-framed chairs, chandelier and oversized clock.
Similar wall clock
Cox and Cox
Complement the warm tones of rich wood in the dining room with smart upholstery fabrics. Here the ceiling has been painted for a rich blue lacquer effect, while a collection of blue and white ceramics neatly echo the smart upholstered dining chairs.
Dining chair fabric
Iznik in Cobalt Blue by Andrew Martin
Decorate the dining room ready for Christmas celebrations. In this traditional dining room, pale blue walls are complemented by smart velvet upholstery on the curtain pelmet and dining chairs. The dining table is set ready for a Christmas feast with classic white china and glassware, while the beautiful arched windows are dressed with a Christmas garland, wreath and tall glass candle holders.
Similar tableware
John Lewis
Similar candle holders
Oka
Bring a sense of celebration the dining room with muted metallics. Choose place settings such as mismatched crackers and novel cutlery ties, and centrepieces such as this striking sculptural candelabra. An elegant tablecloth made in a beautiful appliqué fabric complements the metallic decorations perfectly.
Madeleine cupboard
Oka
Tablecloth fabric
Pure Net Ceiling Applique by Morris & Co at Jane Clayton
Create a beautifully understated eating area with deep sea blue dining table and matching chairs. Mark out the eating space with a nubbly woven rug on top of glossy painted floorboards to create textural contrast. Then keep the table setting super simple, with a heap of snowy cones on a white footed fruit stand as a natural centrepiece and elegant wreaths of delicate white heather and wispy grey foliage tied to the back of each chair.
Similar dining chairs
John Lewis
Set your table for casual entertaining with stylish glass and tableware and pretty serving platters. This shabby chic dining table with its distressed white paint effect and wooden top creates an easy-to-live with feel that is friendly rather than informal – just the ticket for Christmas canapes with friends and neighbours.
Similar dining table
Laura Ashley
