Midcentury Dining Room Design Ideas with Exposed Beam

Terrell Hills Mid Century Modern Project

One functional challenge was that the home did not have a pantry. MCM closets were historically smaller than the walk-in closets and pantries of today. So, we printed out the home’s floorplan and began sketching ideas. The breakfast area was quite large, and it backed up to the primary bath on one side and it also adjoined the main hallway. We decided to reconfigure the large breakfast area by making part of it into a new walk-in pantry. This gave us the extra space we needed to create a new main hallway, enough space for a spacious walk-in pantry, and finally, we had enough space remaining in the breakfast area to add a cozy built-in walnut dining bench. Above the new dining bench, we designed and incorporated a geometric walnut accent wall to add warmth and texture.

Mid-Century Modern Home

Bower Leet Design

Glen Road

risa boyer architecture

Mid-Century Retreat

DeForest Architects

Forever Ranch

Kipnis Architecture + Planning

The dining room and foyer, looking out towards the front. The vaulted ceiling has beams that project out to the exterior.

For the Love of MCM

Sklar Studios

So much eye candy, and no fear of color here, we're not sure what to take in first...the art, the refurbished and reimagined Cees Braakman chairs, the vintage pendant, the classic Saarinen dining table, that purple rug, and THAT FIREPLACE! Holy smokes...I think I'm in love.

Trade Winds

Josh Crosbie Architects Pty Ltd

Little River Cabin in Eldred

Kelsey Ann Rose

Little River Cabin Airbnb

Post + Beam Reimagined

Melinda Mandell Interior Design

Originally, the dining layout was too small for our clients needs. We reconfigured the space to allow for a larger dining table to entertain guests. Adding the layered lighting installation helped to define the longer space and bring organic flow and loose curves above the angular custom dining table. The door to the pantry is disguised by the wood paneling on the wall.

Woodland Hills Residence

Mahle Design LLC

Dining Room

Palm Springs

Skipp Renovations - Designer Kitchens Made Simple

LED Lighting Enhances Architecture at Night

Michael Norpell's Wall To Wall

Space is defined in the great room through the use of a colorful area rug, defining the living seating area from the contemporary dining room. Gray cork flooring, and the clean lines and simple bold colors of the furniture allow the architecture of the space to soar. A modern take on the sputnik light fixture picks up the angles of the double-gabled post-and-beam roof lines, creating a dramatic, yet cozy space.

Serene Midcentury Modern

Whimsily

Dining with custom pendant lighting.

Midcentury Interior Remodel

BYoung Design

Oh What A Ceiling!

Green Sheep Collective

‘Oh What A Ceiling!’ ingeniously transformed a tired mid-century brick veneer house into a suburban oasis for a multigenerational family. Our clients, Gabby and Peter, came to us with a desire to reimagine their ageing home such that it could better cater to their modern lifestyles, accommodate those of their adult children and grandchildren, and provide a more intimate and meaningful connection with their garden. The renovation would reinvigorate their home and allow them to re-engage with their passions for cooking and sewing, and explore their skills in the garden and workshop.

Bellevue - Mid Century Modern

Gallagher Construction

Mid-Century Modern Makeover

DNM Architecture

Mid-Century Modern Vancouver Special

PlaidFox Studio

This terracotta feature wall is one of our favourite areas in the home. To create interest in this special area between the kitchen and open living area, we installed wood pieces on the wall and painted them this gorgeous terracotta colour. The furniture is an eclectic mix of retro and nostalgic pieces which are playful, yet sophisticated for the young family who likes to entertain.

San Rafael Mid Century Modern

User

eichler in marinwood

building Lab, inc.

Eichler in Marinwood - In conjunction to the porous programmatic kitchen block as a connective element, the walls along the main corridor add to the sense of bringing outside in. The fin wall adjacent to the entry has been detailed to have the siding slip past the glass, while the living, kitchen and dining room are all connected by a walnut veneer feature wall running the length of the house. This wall also echoes the lush surroundings of lucas valley as well as the original mahogany plywood panels used within eichlers. photo: scott hargis

Midcentury Dining Room Design Ideas with Exposed Beam

A midcentury dining room can be used for casual dining, integrated into an open plan and connected to the living and kitchen areas; or as a formal space reserved solely for entertaining. While it may not be used frequently, it is a great focal point in the home, and requires little furnishings. Here's what you need to consider before you start planning a new dining room...

How will you use your dining room?

First, consider how frequently you will use the space. If you plan on using your midcentury dining room on a daily basis, a casual dining set-up with sturdy, long-lasting furniture is best. As for where you position it – well, any unused space in the home can be converted into a casual dining space, whether it be at the end of a kitchen island, or at the bottom of the stairs. A formal dining room, on the other hand, is more suited to a dedicated space, which is more common in heritage homes where space originally wasn’t at a premium. Perhaps you want your dining room to multi-task and accommodate everyday meals, homework sessions and grown-up dinner parties… If that’s the case, furniture is key. Look for versatile dining tables in either Australian or New Zealand hardwood or weathered timber for a more rustic look. These won’t show up sticky fingerprints as much and can be dressed up for guests.

What size and shape should your dining table be?

Your midcentury dining table should be able to seat all family members with some room for additional guests – each person should have at least 60 centimetres of space at the table. The right size, however, also depends on how much room you have. A general rule of thumb is to leave no less than 1 metre from the dining table to the wall or any additional furniture, so people have enough room to comfortably move around the space. Rectangular dining tables are versatile and can work in a variety of settings, while oval dining tables are more traditional and can turn any meal into an occasion. If you have a tight space to work in, a round dining table is best, and also a great option if you want to encourage conversation. A square dining table can be a dramatic addition to a dining room, but only if you have the space. It allows everyone at the table to see each other, but the bigger the table, the harder it will be able to hold a conversation with someone at the other end.

What type of dining chairs should you choose?

Once you’ve decided on a dining table, look for midcentury dining chairs that share a common design element. If your dining table legs are curved, for example, try to match them with dining chairs that have a similar curve, either in the legs or back. Next, consider the dimensions of the chair. The height of your dining chairs should allow at least 30 centimetres between the top of the seat and the top of the table. And to keep your tush happy, avoid dining chairs narrower than 45 centimetres.

How can you decorate your dining room?

Dining rooms are relatively minimal spaces, but that makes them a great place to splash a little colour through artwork, especially if yours is a formal dining room. If your dining room is lacking warmth, consider painting the walls a deep shade of red or blue, or go contemporary with black or grey. A cosy rug will make the space feel more intimate, while a sideboard or cabinet of curiosities will further personalise the space. Often overlooked, dining room lighting can also drastically alter the mood of a room, creating drama, spurring romance or encouraging conversation. Opt for soft lighting in the dining area with dimmer switches, and choose oversized pendants in large, open spaces or to make the dining area more of a focal point. Finally, add some table settings, such as a lace tablecloth for a whimsy feel, or a more basic table runner for a chic look. If you need some help designing your dining room, consider checking the Houzz directory of interior designers, home stylists, cabinet makers and more!