A cultural shift during the 1990s saw traditional dining rooms swallowed up by a new trend - open plan living - in which kitchens, living rooms and dining rooms were merged into one large social area, believed to offer more flexibility and a social ambience.

During the COVID pandemic, many of the remaining dining rooms were converted into home offices, but as people are returning to the office and families are seeking a feeling of connectedness, dining rooms are making a comeback and it's about time! They are one of the most important rooms in the home, free from technology, a place where families and friends can come together over a meal, enjoying conversation, laughter and bonding in a way that is not possible when meals are eaten in front of the television.

How to re-establish your dining room

If your home is open plan but you feel the time is right to re-establish a technology-free sanctuary where your family can come together to talk about their day, to enjoy a meal together and to reconnect, you are in the right place.

If you do not have physical barriers to re-establish your dining room, you can zone it instead, using either a different coloured paint or by focusing the furniture in such a way as to define the space. For example, investing in a formal dining table set is the perfect way to make the purpose of the space really clear.

Always make sure you have a clear walkway between the dining area and living space, turning sofas away from the dining table and positioning the television in such a way as to not be a distraction once seated for a meal.

If furniture and decor are not enough to delineate your dining space, you could, if necessary, use ceiling-mounted runners to attach curtains which can be drawn around at mealtimes and pushed back against the wall to reinstate open plan living the rest of the time.

Why your dining room should be protected

Even in a small space, sectioning off a dining room and protecting it from clutter is important. Dining rooms are the one social space within a home where families can come together to focus solely on each other. While kitchens are busy hubs of activity and living areas designed to be sedentary, dining rooms are where conversations can flow, family members can interact and life can be celebrated.

Dining rooms are the traditional place to celebrate traditions, whether it's inviting the extended family over for Christmas dinner, sharing an Easter Sunday meal with the neighbours or hosting traditional board game nights with friends. The dining room is where shared experiences happen and family values are strengthened.

While as a nation we have fallen into the trap of eating on-the-go or in front of the television, this leads to unhealthy habits, including poor nutrition, lack of focus and an inability to engage with family members. Making best use of the dining room and sitting down to at least one meal a day with your family is proven to promote wellbeing and healthier eating habits.

Transforming your dining room

Although the dining room is supposed to be a calm and neutral space, there is nothing to stop you from putting your design stamp on it and making it your own. Consider installing statement lighting, displaying prized possessions, display cabinets, or decorating with bold, bright prints. Not only will this make your dining room feel like a cohesive part of your home, but it will also encourage you to use it.

The heart of the home

The heart of the home has always been said to be the kitchen, but in reality, family gatherings in the kitchen quickly become stressful, with the cook being unable to move about freely to prepare meals or tidy up after themselves with other people being in the way of the drawer they need or creating trip hazards in a space where these are definitely not welcome.

Instead, steering the family into the dining room and transforming this space into the heart of the home keeps the kitchen clear for preparing and cooking meals while conversations are had and memories are made in a room far better suited for this purpose. A comfortable room with ample seating, a dedicated piece of furniture on which to place a drink, a welcoming environment and a relaxed host. What could possibly be better?

In conclusion

If your dining room is not already the centrepiece of your home but you feel the time is right to make the change, the team at eFurn are here to help you. Whether you need new furniture to zone your open plan space or want to upgrade your dining table set to accommodate new family members, we have everything you need to deliver lasting change and enhance your home.