Dining Room: In today's homes the space for dining may be the traditional separate room or, especially in city apartments, an area set off from the rest of the living room, foyer, kitchen, or other room. Whichever, it should provide, simply, a comfortable place to eat.
If the dining area is a room open to view from other rooms, its colors should be carefully related to those of adjoining rooms; for example, it may be in lighter, calmer values of a brilliant living room scheme. If the dining area is part of another room, the furnishings of both areas must be imaginatively related in character and color scheme.
The limits of the dining space may be indicated by a change in wall or floor treatment or by using a piece of furniture, such as a screen or chest, as a room divider.
In a period dining room, a strongly colored wall enhances the grain and polish of softly glowing wood furniture. The deep warm tones of a wood-paneled room provide a foil for brilliant colors in upholstery or curtains. Patterned walls must be carefully selected so as not to overpower the diners or the furnishings, and the floor should be plain. For many dining rooms, a waxed and polished wood floor sets off an area rug that is placed under the table and extends far enough beyond it so that the chairs may be pushed back without hitting the wood floor. |
