3 Common Dining Room Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Today, I'm going to walk you through some of the most common dining room mistakes and how to fix them. We all want our dining spaces to be both stylish and functional, right? So, let's dive into the first issue.

Dining room design ideas

Mistake 1: Small Rug Syndrome

Ever experienced the awkward moment when your chair gets caught on the rug?

How to measure for a dining room rug

To avoid this, make sure your rug is at least 24 inches larger than your table on all sides. Here are some common sizes for your reference:

Measurements for a dining room rug

Tools and Materials Needed:

  • Measuring tape
  • Rug in the appropriate size
  • Flat weave or low pile rug
  • Wool or natural fiber rug for easy spot cleaning
  • Dark-colored rug to hide any mishaps


Step 1: Measure Your Table

Grab your measuring tape and determine the size of your dining table. Remember, your rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond the edges of the table.

Dining room design
Dining room table
How to choose the right rug for a dining room

Step 2: Choose the Right Rug

Opt for a flat weave or low pile rug in wool or a natural fiber. Avoid overly shaggy, high pile, or braided rugs to save yourself from a cleaning nightmare.

Dark-colored rug in the dining room

Step 3: Consider the Color

Choose a dark-colored rug to cleverly conceal any accidental spills or stains. It's both practical and stylish!

Dining room lighting fixture

Mistake 2: Inadequate Lighting

Now, let's shed some light on the second common mistake: the wrong-size light fixture. Your dining room lighting should not only look good but also effectively illuminate the entire table.


Tools and Materials Needed:

  • Tape measure
  • Suitable light fixture
  • Double pendants (optional)


Step 1: Measure Your Table Length

Measure the length of your dining table and aim for a light fixture that spans about half the width.

Double pendants in the dining room

If you prefer, consider double pendants for a modern touch.

How to hang a light fixture over a dining table

Step 2: Mind the Height

Hang your fixture approximately 30 to 36 inches from the bottom to the top of the table. This ensures the perfect balance between ambiance and functionality.

Dining room mistakes

Mistake 3: Banish the Backless Benches

Lastly, a plea to banish the backless benches. They may look trendy, but trust me, they suck in terms of comfort.


Tools and Materials Needed:

  • Comfortable dining chairs
  • Style preference


Step 1: Choose Comfort

Opt for dining chairs with proper back support. Your guests will thank you, and you'll enjoy those long dinners without discomfort.


Step 2: Personalize with Style

Express your style through your choice of dining chairs. From classic to contemporary, there are plenty of options that provide both comfort and aesthetic appeal.


Dining room mistakes

Follow these steps to avoid dining room mistakes, and you'll transform your dining room into a stylish and functional space. Have you made any of these mistakes? Let us know in the comments below.


Follow @jordansamsondesign on TikTok for more design inspiration.

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 18 comments
Next