How to decorate a large dining room (and not die trying)

Decorating a large dining room can be as exciting as it is intimidating. What do I do with so much space? How do I prevent it from looking like a Ministry meeting room? Here's how to transform those square meters into a cozy and soulful corner. Because yes, size matters... but style matters more.

Play with scale (and always win)

When the dining room is large, small furniture looks like lost islands in the ocean. So, choose large-format pieces:

• A generous table (oval or rectangular depending on the shape of the space).

• A rug that frames the dining area (and prevents the "dance floor" effect).

And if you're worried about echo, curtains, rugs, and upholstery help tame it with elegance.

Create zones within the space

A large dining room doesn't have to be used only for eating. You can create a reading nook with an armchair and a lamp, or a beautiful sideboard with a table lamp, candles, and an antique piece (thank you, my husband, for your finds... even if they sometimes mysteriously end up in the closet!).

What plant can you put on the dining table?

My favorite answer: it depends on the mood and the tablecloth.

• Dried hydrangeas if you have white dinnerware and a lazy day.

• Olive or eucalyptus branches if you want that wild and chic touch.

• A pot of lavender in summer... it smells like Provence (I remember my walks through Saint-Rémy).

Oh, and avoid very tall flowers that block the view. This isn't a game of Cluedo.

What color is recommended for a living-dining room?

There are two paths here:

• Warm neutrals (beige, stone, linen): they bring serenity, match everything, and let the dinnerware shine.

• Intense tones like olive green, terracotta, or ink blue: they create drama and depth.

I've tried both, and I confess: since my children left, I'm bolder with white... and dark blue for the walls. I feel brave. Or nostalgic. Or both.

What is a good color for the dining room?

If I had to choose just one: sage green.

It has something fresh, something old, and it looks good with gold, white, wood... and with the silence of a long Sunday. Navy blue also has its charm, especially if you combine it with warm lamps and textured tablecloths.

And if you're afraid of getting tired of it, paint just one wall. There's always time to add more paint.

Do you already have a clear idea of the color? Then we move on to the art of table setting: here are 10 tips to make your table a success.

And if there are little ones or dangerous glasses in the equation, it's better to prevent with our resin-coated tablecloths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of art or paintings can I put in a large dining room?
Large paintings or a composition of several smaller ones. Better if they have something personal or a nod to the style of the house.

Can I mix styles?
Yes. The key is 80/20: 80% modern, 20% antique.

What is essential in a large dining room?
A soulful table, comfortable chairs, and something that smells good: candles, flowers, or freshly baked bread.

Where can I find elegant decorative pieces?
Easy: right here.

Did you like it? And you, how would you decorate a large living room? I'm reading you! 

Kisses and hugs,
Marga