For homeowners who love to entertain, creating an open and welcoming space is key. Whether you’re serving a meal or catching up with old friends, the dining room is ideal for guests, so organize the area and place furniture strategically. The guide below will help you design the perfect dining room for socialization.

Create an Atmosphere

Regardless of your theme, guests should feel welcome in your dining room. Lighting alone can set the tone for the entire room. Choose an eye-catching contemporary fixture over the table or install wall sconces that give off a warm glow—bright enough to see faces, but low enough to create a cozy ambiance. A large, plush rug under the dining room table and chairs adds to the comfortable atmosphere.

Maximize Your Space

There are many ways you can organize your dining space, but your choice should ultimately depend on the size and layout of the room. A large, independent room is suited to a traditional layout. Place a long, buffet-style table in the center to fill the space and allow for easy conversation. With the mingling area centered, you’ll have space to flank the room with bookshelves and sideboards stocked with entertainment supplies and accessories.

If your dining room is tight or attached to another room, think more strategically. Choose a dining table with removable leaves for versatility. Use the table normally for meals and work, then extend it for additional seating during parties. This design prevents your entertainment space from impeding on limited living space. Find dining chairs without armrests to free up more space under the table. Prioritize a single large buffet or sideboard over many smaller pieces, which can make already tight spaces feel more crowded.

Don’t Forget the Details

Once you arrange the furniture to your liking, add the details that truly personalize the space. Artwork, plants, tablecloths, place mats, sculptures, and other accessories bring the theme together and let your personality shine through. Bar carts allow you to serve drinks to guests without having to run back and forth between the kitchen and the dining room. A functional, organized, and well-decorated room makes entertaining friends and family easy.

When you’re designing an entertainment space from scratch, visit a stylish and reliable furniture store. The experienced team at BOVA Contemporary Furniture will help you create the ideal space, from the dining sets to the decor. Serving Cincinnati and Dayton, OH, these specialists carry a beautiful selection of high-quality home pieces in a variety of colors and materials. Their stunning contemporary furniture designs are sure to impress your guests. To begin discussing your dream design with a specialist, call (513) 247-9100. Take a virtual tour of their showroom, or browse their dining room collection online.