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Architecture and home decor are changing, and separate dining rooms are less common now. If you have a separate dining room, it is probably very nice and neat and used only a few times a year for special dinners. Come to think of it, it is a waste of space for the majority of the year.
You can take that space back by using even a small part of that room. Make sure that every square foot of your house serves you and makes your life easier. Make the most out of your dining room by converting it into something else.
There are many things you can do! You can make the room into an office or a library while still keeping the dining table. If you want to go the extra mile, you can knock down walls to join the room with the kitchen.
Whatever you do, don’t let your dining room get overtaken by clutter. Instead, follow these tips to know what to do with an unused dining room.
What to do with an unused dining room (Some ideas)
Expand your kitchen
Image source: Next Stage Design + Build
If the dining room is located next to the kitchen, you can join the two. Knock down the walls and make the kitchen bigger.
Home office
Image source: Ashton Woods
You can set up a desk and some shelves. Add appropriate furniture and decorations and store all your documents and mail there. There is probably a window in the room, and natural light is great for working. Of course, this might not be worth it if you never work from home. However, if you’re a freelancer or take home office quite often, it will pay off!
Playroom
Image source: Maughan Design & Remodel
Having kids can be hard for many reasons. One of them is the mess they leave everywhere. If you have kids, you’re probably used to stepping over mounts of toys, coloring books, and crayons. Move all of that stuff to the dining room!
The kids will keep their mess to just one room in the house. You can invest in some neat storage boxes and teach your children to clean up before bed.
Lounge area
Image source: Michael Abrams Interiors
You can set up a bar and use it as a space for entertaining your guests. Alternatively, you can purchase some comfortable armchairs and a coffee table, and drink your morning coffee in the lounge.
Add a small table and surround it with some cozy club chairs. Invite your friends over for a party or enjoy a glass of wine alone.
Library
Image source: Michael Fullen Design Group
If you’re a fan of reading knockdown rebuild in Melbourne, this will work well for you. If you’re not, then maybe it’ll motivate you to read more!
Remove all the furniture and add some bookshelves and a comfortable sofa with a table and a chair. Make sure there is enough light for reading. You can add a floor lamp or smaller lamps on the ends of the couch or the table. Cover the floor with a nice rug for comfort.
If you don’t want to sacrifice your dining room completely, you can just add a comfortable armchair, a couple of bookshelves, and a lamp.
TV room
Image source: Quezada Architecture
People often dislike having a TV in the dining area. It’s quite distracting and doesn’t promote conversation. So, how about you move the TV to the dining room?
Add a comfortable sofa or armchairs. Cover the windows with heavy curtains or blinds to create the cinema atmosphere. Treat yourself to a Harry Potter marathon or watch the Super Bowl with your family!
Guest room
Image source: Closet Works
If you get a lot of visitors but don’t have a separate room for them, turn your dining room into a dedicated guest room!
The best part is, you don’t have to give up the dining room. Just add a Murphy bed or a couch that unfolds. Add a little bedside table and a lamp to make the space cozier. Finally, cover the floor with a fun rug and add some storage space for clothes and bed linens.
Arts and crafts room
Image source: Upstyle Interiors
Doing arts and crafts at a desk can be difficult. If the surface isn’t big enough, you won’t be comfortable. Dining room tables work very well! You can also use the craft you or your children have created to decorate the dining room.
Homework station
Image source: Frances Herrera Interior Design
If you have kids, this one’s for you. They probably have desks in their rooms already, but sometimes they can get too crowded. You can set up a special homework station in the dining room.
Give them the right tools, books, and stationery for completing any homework assignment. If everything is in the same place, they can get their work done faster. They can also leave work in progress without the fear of losing it.
Garden room
Image source: Barnards Carpet One Floor & Home
Plants have become a stylish addition to the decor of many homes. Let them take over your dining room too! Plants will make your dining room look amazing.
If you’re going to place plants on the table, make sure the tabletop is sealed or your use a waterproof tray. You don’t want the water from your plants to damage the dining table.
Music room
Image source: Domiteaux Architects
If you have a good collection of records, you should have a space for them. Turn your dining room into a music room! It will allow you to enjoy the music and share it with your guests.
You can also store your instruments there if you play. Music and dining rooms fit together perfectly. You’ll often find pianos and other musical instruments in dining rooms.
Exercise area
Image source: Frances Herrera Interior Design
Instead of getting fat, you’ll be getting fit. Get a treadmill, a yoga mat, and some dumbbells. You don’t need much, and you’ll have access to a mini gym at all times.
Game room
Image source: Castle Rock Custom Homes
Have a game night with your friends. Install a pool table or have some board games ready. Video games work too!
Create a homemade arcade with appropriate seating and gadgets. You can even find gaming tables that convert into dining tables. With that kind of table, you can keep your dining room for special events.
If you want to see more diming rooms, you can check out this article from Decor Fácil.
Ending thoughts on what to do with an unused dining room
Decide how big of a renovation you’re willing to commit to and how much you want to invest. Do you want to keep using your dining room, or do you want to give it up completely? With these tips, you can enjoy the space all year round.
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