Dining rooms serve multiple functions in many households. Depending on your family’s needs, dining rooms can serve as recreational areas or serve as storage for dishware, linens and personal collections.
One easy way to give your dining room the look and feel of an estate property is adding decorative molding to its walls. It’s an affordable project you can handle yourself (although professional services may cost more). Don’t skimp on details; every little touch matters!
Decorative Molding
decorative molding adds visual interest and an expensive feel to a dining room, but may not always fit within a small budget. However, there are cheaper ways of improving its style; hanging a new chandelier can bring drama while wall-mounted sconces can create a lighter and more elegant atmosphere. You could also update your tablecloth or add runners for more luxurious dining tables.
Installing decorative molding around doors and windows, along with baseboards around the room perimeter can elevate its appearance without breaking your renovation budget. Made of many types of wood, decorative molding can be painted to match existing trim or your desired color scheme according to interior designer Karen Gray-Plaisted of Design Solutions KGP. Pine and oak are great affordable wood choices that can be stained or clear coated – alternatively you may consider purchasing polystyrene with fiberglass which makes cutting and painting much simpler than real wood options.
Install a chair rail, raised panel wainscoting or paneled wainscot as an affordable way of creating more formal dining areas with architectural distinction. Add a ledge above either chair rail or wainscoting to display pottery, art or other decorative items for the perfect finishing touch.
Attractively inexpensive upgrades for your dining room may include new curtains, bar cart and wall hangings; decluttering and updating lighting are other simple improvements that can transform it into a refined space.
Installation of moldings does not require structural changes to your house, making it a relatively straightforward and budget-friendly DIY project. To be successful in installing moldings successfully it’s essential that the appropriate tools are at hand – including standard level, tape measure, hammer, screwdriver and cordless drill with driver and bits if you are feeling uncertain of your ability. Professional services may be employed if desired to ensure an even smoother finish or primer may also be recommended depending on what kind of moldings are selected.
Paint
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to instantly upgrade a dining room is with a fresh coat of paint. Not only is this process quick and inexpensive, but it can also dramatically transform its appearance and feel. Light wall colors like grays or soft blues tend to work best as they keep space feeling open; plus they complement other budget-friendly upgrades such as window draperies or upholstered chairs that may also need updating.
Add texture and color to a dining room by layering on texture with the addition of a rug. As dining room rugs should be durable enough to withstand food spills, flat-weave or low-pile types are the most practical choice; if budget allows it, consider investing in an area rug featuring vibrant patterns or geometric designs which contrast against solid colors or natural wood furnishings.
Enhancing the lighting in a dining room is another simple but effective way to elevate its aesthetics. Replacing outdated ceiling fixtures with modern pendant lights or chandeliers will instantly update the appearance of your space; alternatively you could hang mirrors to visually expand small dining spaces or install dimmers for mood lighting.
Clutter can have an enormously detrimental effect on a dining room’s look and feel. If yours has become an accumulation of papers, dog toys and mismatched table linens, take time out to clear away any unnecessary debris by decluttering. You’ll be amazed at what a difference this will make!
Many homeowners utilize their dining rooms not only as places to gather for meals and celebrations, but also for work from home and homework hub purposes. If that describes you, consider upgrading it with library-style bookshelves and an organized work area; while this might cost more than simply replacing existing furniture, it will give the room new life that better supports its multifunctional use.
Upholstered Furniture
No need to break the bank to create an attractive dining room; with just a few affordable upgrades you can completely transform the space! Focusing on details, such as decluttering, upgrading lighting fixtures and painting can bring your vision for this space into fruition with minimum financial investment required.
Although your dining room may not receive as much attention, it’s essential to remember that this space serves more than just dinner parties – it can be used as a gathering spot, entertainment venue and work hub all at the same time! Therefore, making sure it’s functional yet inviting should always be top of mind when designing this room in your home.
Upholstered furniture is one of the easiest ways to add character and drama to any dining room. From chic tufted dining chairs and sofas, to slipcovered sofas – you’re sure to find fabric that complements your existing home decor perfectly! Plus, upholstered pieces are easier to maintain than their counterparts when it comes to everyday family life!
Before selecting upholstery for your dining room, take into account how it will stand up to everyday usage and frequency of vacuuming or spot cleaning. In addition, consider what color scheme you prefer in terms of fabric options available that match up.
For beginners looking to DIY upholstery, hiring a professional is highly recommended. They will guide you through the process while making sure that your upholstered piece looks as attractive as possible.
Reupholstery projects can save money by selecting inexpensive yet quality fabric that you can easily afford to replace when worn out. When making this choice, keep the following factors in mind: durability of the material used; amount of sunlight it receives and whether or not flame retardants have been added in case children or animals will use the furniture; cost.
Wall Paper
An exquisite dining room doesn’t have to break your budget! All it requires is the right mix of decor elements and strategic thinking; wallpaper can add an expensive feel without breaking your wallet; plus it makes an excellent statement in rooms where people gather frequently such as family rooms and living areas.
For optimal wallpaper performance, ensure that you select the appropriate type of paper. Lining wallpaper is ideal for hiding wall defects and minimizing repair costs while digitally printed papers tend to be cheaper and more durable. For an eye-catching effect try texture or weave patterns – but be careful that they complement existing paint and furniture colors or they could look amateur.
Enhance your dining room decor by adding a rug beneath your table. Not only will this help define the area but it will also create a warm, welcoming environment – giving this aspect of decor some additional consideration is certainly worthwhile!
An elegant tablecloth or runner can do wonders to your dining space. Choose one with subtle but stylish elements and avoid anything too colorful that could take away from the food itself. Finally, don’t forget to add throw pillows for added comfort and style in each chair in your dining area!
Hand-painted wall art can be an inexpensive and effortless way to enliven any dining space, and accent mirrors, woven wall hangings or vertical gardens all bring life and warmth into a room.
Simply switch out your basic light fixtures for something eye-catching and memorable to give any room an entirely new, more expensive feel – something which can be done for as little as $50.
