How to Make a Dining Room Look Warm

Dining rooms, especially formal dining rooms, can be imposing places where people do not like to go. But making a few changes to your decor or adding a slight flourish here and there can open up the room and give it a warm, inviting feeling.

Instructions

1

Try a new color. Changing the color of the walls can do a lot for a room. Try deep, rich hues and tones that make the most of sunlight. Some suggestions are deep cobalt, navy blue, apricot or crimson. You do not want it to be black, but deeper colors are a plus. A different idea would be to texture the paint or Spackle the paint in the dining room to leave glimpses of white to mix with the darker color.

2

Hang artwork. If you have a favorite print, find a nice oil painting or print in a local store or want to capitalize on Americana by hanging Norman Rockwell prints, do it. Artwork can distract from the formality of a room.

3

Add color. Color and little knick-knacks can give a room a warm personality. If it is an informal dining room, try adding a little wooden barrel with colorful flowers slightly spilling over. If it is formal, find a basin or porcelain water pitcher to fill with flowers.

4

Try a slipcover. Get slipcovers for the chairs. They can add character and a cozy feeling to a room. Contrast the color of the slipcover with the paint on the walls. For example, with a navy wall, try an off-white slipcover.

5

Add color to your china cabinet. Add a clear decanter of colored liquid behind one of the glass panes of your china cabinet or on your sideboard.

6

Add table linens. Try a lacy off-white tablecloth to offset the walls. You can also go with pastel colors that offset the walls.

7

Stain your cabinets. Darker woods actually make a room seem more airy. Try staining your wood and contrasting the stain with a stark-white or pastel doily or runner.