9 Things To Keep Out Of Your Dining Room, According To Designers

Six Southern designers are sharing their thoughts on what items are best kept out of the dining room.

Is your dining room starting to become full with items that just don't belong in a formal entertaining space? We asked Southern designers to share their thoughts on items that should be kept our of the dining room. Read on to ensure that none of the following nine items are taking up valuable space in this area of your home, which should truly be reserved for entertaining.

Ultra Precious Area Rugs

Nothing overly fragile—such as an expensive area rug—should go in the dining room, says Kate Figler, the founder of Kate Figler Interiors in Nashville, Tennessee. She says, “These rooms are meant to be used and enjoyed, not kept off limits for fear of spills or wear and tear.”

Harsh Overhead Lighting

Figler recommends keeping overhead lighting on dimmers and purchasing warm white bulbs. Do not use anything over 2700 Kelvin—you’ll thank yourself later. As Erin Tripodi, the founder of Erin Tripodi Design in Arlington, Virginia, puts it, “Soft warm yellow bulbs make everyone look younger and more relaxed, which means everyone will want to come to your dinner parties!”

A Television

Simply put, TVs do not belong in the dining room, no matter how well disguised. “As tempting as it may be to put televisions throughout a house, dining rooms should be considered spaces reserved for dining and entertaining, not TV watching,” Figler says.

Children’s Toys And Games

Do not let your dining room turn into a play space for little ones. “I've gone to several homes lately and people have used their formal dining room as a makeshift kids playroom filled with plastic toy kitchens, dolls, and Play-Doh,” comments Valerie Darden, the founder of Brexton Cole Interiors in Ashland, Virginia.

Plastic Storage Bins

The dining room is a place to gather and entertain, not to corral extra items like papers or craft supplies. “These things should be kept out of the dining room and placed in a closet or home office,” Darden says.

Stray China

When it isn’t in use, china is best kept tucked away in the sideboard or china cabinet, says Maggie Clarke, the founder of Memphis-based Maggie Clarke Interiors. “I believe that all decor should be useful, so if there is no dinner party I put the table setting away.”

Pet Crates

The dining room shouldn’t double as your pup’s abode! “Despite the undeniable cuteness of your furry companion, are best kept out of the dining space where meals and socializing occur,” says Holly Hickey Moore, the founder of an eponymous firm in Dallas, Texas.

Family Photos

It’s best to keep the wall art in your dining room somewhat neutral and hang family snaps elsewhere. “I think these are best left for hallways, sometimes bedroom walls or an out of the way wall in a family room,” says Carla Aston, the founder of DESIGNED w/ Carla Aston in The Woodlands, Texas. “I would focus on art and mirrors for dining room wall decorating.”

Backless Benches

Aston suggests staying away from these to ensure that your guests are as comfortable as possible. “Backless benches are OK in a breakfast room where kids might be climbing on and off, but most adults prefer their own chair when having a meal in a dining room,” she says.

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