My Experience With Dining Room And Sitting Area

As someone who loves to entertain guests and have family over for meals, having a dedicated dining room has always been important to me. However, in recent years, I’ve noticed a shift towards more open-concept living spaces, where the dining room and sitting area are combined into one cohesive space.

The Benefits of a Combined Dining Room and Sitting Area

There are several benefits to having a combined dining room and sitting area:

1. More Space

By combining the two spaces, you can create a larger, more open area that feels less cramped and more inviting. This is especially beneficial if you have a smaller home or apartment.

2. Better Flow

Having a combined dining room and sitting area can also improve the flow of your home, as guests can easily move from one area to another without feeling like they’re in separate rooms.

3. More Flexibility

Combining the two spaces also gives you more flexibility in terms of how you use the space. For example, you can easily convert your dining area into a workspace or play area for kids when you’re not using it for meals.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Your Dining Room and Sitting Area

If you’re considering combining your dining room and sitting area, here are some tips and ideas to help you get started:

1. Use a Rug to Define the Space

Using a rug to define the dining area can help separate it from the sitting area and create a more cohesive look.

2. Choose Complementary Colors

Choosing colors that complement each other can help tie the two spaces together and create a cohesive look.

3. Incorporate Lighting

Incorporating lighting, such as pendant lights or a chandelier, can help define the dining area and create a more intimate atmosphere.

4. Use Furniture to Create Separation

You can use furniture, such as a sofa or bookshelf, to create a visual separation between the dining and sitting areas.

5. Consider a Built-In Banquette

A built-in banquette can help maximize seating in a smaller space and create a cozy, intimate dining area.

6. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture

Choosing furniture that can serve multiple purposes, such as a coffee table with storage or a dining table that can be extended, can help you make the most of your space.

7. Incorporate Plants

Incorporating plants can help bring life and color to your space, and can also help define the dining area.

8. Mix and Match Seating

Mixing and matching seating, such as using different chairs for the dining table, can help create a more eclectic, casual look.

9. Use Artwork to Tie the Space Together

Using artwork that complements both the dining and sitting areas can help tie the two spaces together and create a cohesive look.

10. Keep It Simple

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to keep it simple and create a space that works for you and your family.

Pros and Cons of a Combined Dining Room and Sitting Area

As with any design decision, there are pros and cons to combining your dining room and sitting area:

Pros:

More space
Better flow
More flexibility

Cons:

Less formal
Can be harder to define the two spaces
May not be ideal for larger families or those who entertain frequently

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I have found that combining my dining room and sitting area has been a positive change for my home. It has allowed me to create a more open, inviting space that feels less cramped and more flexible.

That being said, I do miss the formality of a separate dining room on occasion, and I can see how this setup might not work for larger families or those who entertain frequently.