Create a show-stopping dining space in time for Christmas
If you’re hosting Christmas this year and feel like your dining area could do with a spruce up, here are a few practical ideas to inspire a show-shopping transformation in time.
Start from the bottom up
The dining area flooring should tick two boxes; one for practicality and one for aesthetics. It needs to stand up to a lot of washing and footfall, as most dining tables are positioned in busy, open plan areas of the home. Engineered wood flooring is a real winner here! A layer of real hardwood sits on top of layers and layers of ply, making this option extremely durable, but with the striking elegant appearance of a solid wood floor. However, an engineered floor is more suited to areas prone to damp and constant washing as well as, under floor heating, because it can expand and contract unlike solid wood, so it will stand the test of time. If you don’t have the time or budget to upgrade the flooring, simply invest in a new rug or move one from elsewhere in the home just for the big day.
The main event
With the dining table being the focal point here, you don’t need to invest in a new set if your existing ones are not up to scratch. It is possible to update your existing table and chairs and still achieve the wow factor. Re-varnish or paint the chair and table legs in the same colour and maybe coordinate it with other furniture in the room. The key to the success here is the undercoat. Invest in quality paint and the results will both impress and last.
Chair cushions can be recovered or check out selling sites for mismatched chairs, giving a more rustic feel and adding interest.
Focal points
Change up your dining area by introducing a one or two decorative touches that bring a new focal point to the space. A chandelier over the table can add drama on the shorter winter days, by casting patterns or pools of light. Positioning some unique eye-catching wintery artwork on the wall or even a beautiful festive dried or fake flower arrangement hung over the table, are fairly simple ways to make a space feel extra special at Christmas time.
The Danish way
My final tip is to incorporate some Hygge touches into your design. In wintertime, the Danish way of life, comes to the fore for me. Lots of flickering candles on the table and dotted around the room, detracts from the darkness outside. Textured, touchable cushions and throws help to create a luxurious, cosy feel. Beautiful ceramics on the table, and wooden utensils, that want to be caressed make us feel nostalgic and comforted. It’s up to you whether you choose Christmas themed touches or just use Winter inspired fabrics and prints to be enjoyed all season long!
