Dining Room Renovation in London

Transform Your Dining Room

The dining room is where families gather, guests are entertained, and memories are made. Whether you're updating a tired formal dining room or creating a versatile dining space within an open-plan layout, a well-executed renovation elevates both the aesthetics and functionality of this important room.

Hampstead Renovations creates beautiful dining spaces across North London. This guide covers layout planning, design styles, lighting, and storage solutions to transform your dining room into an elegant entertaining space.

Dining Room Layouts

Formal Separate Dining Room

Advantages:

• Dedicated entertaining space
• Noise and cooking smells separated from living areas
• Traditional elegance
• Doors can be closed for formal occasions

Considerations:

• May feel underutilised in modern lifestyles
• Less connection to kitchen (serving can be inconvenient)
• Some families prefer open-plan living

Open-Plan Kitchen-Diner

Advantages:

• Social cooking and dining experience
• Maximises sense of space
• Better for family living and supervision of children
• Increases natural light flow

Considerations:

• Cooking noise and smells during entertaining
• Kitchen always on display
• Requires excellent ventilation
• Need to define separate zones

Zoned Dining Within Open Space

Best of both worlds approach:

• Use flooring changes to define dining area
• Pendant lights mark dining zone
• Furniture arrangement creates separation
• Partial glass walls or sliding doors for flexibility
• Different ceiling heights or beams define spaces

Size and Space Planning

Minimum Dimensions

• Small dining room: 2.4m x 3m (seats 4)
• Medium dining room: 3m x 3.6m (seats 6)
• Large dining room: 3.6m x 4.5m+ (seats 8-10)

Clearance Requirements

• Chair pull-out: Minimum 75cm behind each chair
• Circulation: 90-120cm passage around table
• Buffet/sideboard: 45cm clearance in front
• Door swing: Ensure adequate clearance for entry

Table Sizing Guide

• 4-seater rectangular: 120cm x 75cm
• 6-seater rectangular: 180cm x 90cm
• 8-seater rectangular: 240cm x 100cm
• Round (4-6 people): 120-150cm diameter
• Extendable: Adds flexibility for entertaining

Flooring Options

Hardwood or Engineered Wood

• Pros: Timeless, elegant, warm aesthetic
• Cons: Can be noisy (use rugs), scratches from chair movement
• Best for: Traditional or contemporary dining rooms
• Cost: £40-£120 per m² installed

Tiles (Porcelain or Ceramic)

• Pros: Durable, easy to clean, luxury appearance
• Cons: Cold and hard underfoot, noisy, dropped items break
• Best for: Open-plan kitchen-diners, underfloor heating
• Cost: £30-£100 per m² installed

Luxury Vinyl (LVT)

• Pros: Water-resistant, affordable, realistic wood/tile effect
• Cons: Less prestige than real materials
• Best for: Busy family dining areas
• Cost: £25-£60 per m² installed

Carpet

• Pros: Warm, quiet, comfortable
• Cons: Stains from spills, harder to clean
• Best for: Formal dining rooms with infrequent use
• Tip: Choose stain-resistant, low-pile carpet
• Cost: £20-£50 per m² installed

Wall Treatments

Paint

• Most versatile and cost-effective
• Feature wall in contrasting colour
• Dark, dramatic colours work well (navy, forest green, charcoal)
• Light colours make small rooms feel larger
• Use wipeable finishes (eggshell or satin) for easy cleaning

Wallpaper

• Feature wall creates focal point behind dining table
• Textured or patterned wallpaper adds depth
• Grasscloth or silk wallpaper for luxury
• Floral, geometric, or damask patterns popular
• Vinyl or coated wallpapers more durable

Panelling

• Wainscoting: Lower wall panels, classic elegance
• Full wall panelling: Traditional or modern grooves
• Board and batten: Vertical strips, farmhouse style
• Painted MDF: Affordable, clean finish
• Real wood: Premium, natural warmth

Lighting Design

Statement Pendant or Chandelier

The centrepiece of dining room lighting:

• Hang 75-90cm above table surface
• Choose diameter approximately 1/2 to 2/3 table width
• Install on dimmer for flexibility
• Styles: crystal chandelier, modern pendant, industrial

Recessed or Spotlight Accent Lighting

• Highlight artwork or architectural features
• Wash walls with light for ambiance
• Provide general illumination
• LED spotlights dimmable for mood

Wall Sconces or Uplighters

• Add layers of light
• Create warm, welcoming atmosphere
• Positioned either side of buffet or artwork
• Excellent for ambient lighting during dinner parties

Natural Light Enhancement

• Maximise existing windows
• Light, sheer curtains or blinds
• Consider adding bi-fold or French doors to garden
• Skylights if extending or converting
• Mirrors to reflect light and make space feel larger

Storage and Display

Sideboard or Buffet

• Essential for serving and storage
• Height: 80-95cm (comfortable for serving)
• Length: Proportionate to room and table
• Storage for table linens, serving ware, glassware

Display Cabinets

• Glass-fronted cabinets showcase china and glassware
• Internal LED lighting highlights collections
• Traditional Welsh dresser or modern wall units

Built-In Storage

• Alcove cupboards maximise space
• Floor-to-ceiling units impressive in larger rooms
• Combination of open shelving and closed cupboards
• Bespoke joinery tailored to your needs

Design Styles

Traditional Elegance

• Dark wood furniture and wainscoting
• Crystal chandelier
• Rich colour palette (burgundy, navy, forest green)
• Formal drapery and table linens
• Classic artwork and mirrors

Modern Contemporary

• Clean lines, minimal ornament
• Neutral palette with bold accent colour
• Geometric light fixture
• Mix of materials (wood, metal, glass)
• Simple, elegant furniture

Scandinavian Simplicity

• Light wood tones (oak, ash, birch)
• White or pale grey walls
• Minimalist pendant lights
• Natural textures (linen, wool, rattan)
• Functional simplicity

Industrial Chic

• Exposed brick or concrete effect
• Metal and reclaimed wood furniture
• Factory-style pendant lights
• Open shelving with metal brackets
• Dark colour palette with metal accents

Heating and Ventilation

• Underfloor heating: Invisible, comfortable, ideal with tiles
• Radiators: Vertical or designer radiators save wall space
• Ventilation: Essential in kitchen-diners (extractor or MVHR)
• Temperature control: Separate thermostat for dining zone

Special Features

• Fireplace: Creates focal point and cosy atmosphere
• Bar or drinks station: Built-in or standalone
• Wine storage: Wine rack or climate-controlled wine fridge
• Bi-fold or French doors: Connect to garden for summer entertaining
• Built-in seating: Banquette or window seat

Budget Planning

Refresh (£2,000 - £5,000)

• Redecoration (painting, wallpaper feature wall)
• New lighting fixture
• Updating flooring
• New furniture

Renovation (£5,000 - £15,000)

• Complete redecoration
• Quality flooring (engineered wood or tiles)
• New lighting scheme
• Built-in storage or panelling
• Some electrical work

Transformation (£15,000 - £40,000+)

• Structural changes (removing walls, adding doors/windows)
• Creating open-plan layout
• Extensive bespoke joinery
• High-end finishes and fixtures
• Underfloor heating, full rewire if needed

Contact Hampstead Renovations