If your dining table is in an open plan area, it’s likely being used for various reasons. These reasons might be other than dining. For example, a dump zone, laundry, homework and so on. But you still want your dining table to look good right? So here are some fail safe tips to style your dining table.
Style goal and colour scheme
Firstly, I think it’s important that your dining table styling is cohesive with your overall style goal and colour scheme. For example, for a Luxe style you would avoid placing a terracotta vase with wild flowers on your dining table.
Instead you might have a brass vase with white roses. These are classic colours, materials and textures that work with a Luxe style goal.
Styling for aesthetic and/or function
I think the next decision to make is this. Do you want to style your dining table for purely aesthetics, or do you want it for function?
This could be the difference between having a candle or a vase on your dining table. Alternatively, you could have placemats, serviettes, and salt and pepper grinders.
Everyone is different. We have placemats and serviettes, but annoyingly, we do not have salt and pepper grinders. They move from the dining table to the kitchen counter every time we eat.
So have a think about what the purpose is for your dining table styling efforts.
Remember the rule of three
Whether you want to style your dining table for aesthetics or function, the rule of three applies here too.
The rule of three refers to the concept that odd numbers enhance visual appeal. This is true when styling a dining table, coffee table, or bookshelves. Items work best in a vignette or collection if there is an odd number of them.
On a dining table, consider its size. One to three objects are about right. This is especially true for a rectangular dining table.
Instead of a runner, use a tray to layer your items. But no runner or tray is ok also for your odd number of objects. Personally, I prefer one item to take centre stage on my dining table. This preference is reflected in how I style my projects for photo shoots.
I think the easiest and most fail-safe way to style your dining table is with a gorgeous vase with flowers. Alternatively, you can use a sculptural vessel.
Fundamental dining room styling
Your dining table could be in a separate dining room but it’s most likely in an open plan living area. Consider what else is in this space. How the walls are treated also affects how you style or what you put on your dining table.
In this space I designed below, the blue treated walls inspired a minimal style. The gorgeous art also influenced my design. I kept the styling of the dining table minimal and added an empty wooden bowl. The dining table itself and chairs also informed how I styled this dining table.
The case for keeping things minimal for your dining table style is strong when factoring in actually setting the table for dining. Nobody wants to shift a number of objects just to sit and eat. I hope you find these easy, fail-safe tips helpful. They will make styling a dining table simple enough to apply in your own home.
