7 Dining Room Design Mistakes

A well-arranged, comfortable dining room is the secret to a successful dinner party. Designing a dining room for entertaining involves using the right furniture, lighting, and layout, and setting the table for easy and comfortable service.

To understand what makes a dining room work for entertaining, two experts are sharing their expertise. The entertaining pros are dishing out their top tips for arranging your dining room properly, along with simple solutions to common dining room faux pas.

1. Too-Bright Lighting

The level of lighting in a space can impact how relaxed we feel. “Think about your favorite upscale restaurants,” Shunk says. “Do they have bright, harsh lighting or a soft, warm glow? Most likely, it’s the latter.” Low lighting helps diners feel more anonymous, free, and at ease, which helps them open up to connection and conversation. To achieve the perfect glowy effect, opt for candles, sconces, or overhead light on a dimmer. If your dining space is in your kitchen, consider moving a lamp from another room into the dining space for the night to avoid using overhead lights.

2. Uncomfortable Furniture

Dining room furniture can have a huge impact on your guests’ experiences. Considerations include space to maneuver, comfort, and accessibility. “Avoid chairs with armrests unless they are placed at the head of the table,” Shunk advises. “Additionally, overly heavy chairs that are difficult to slide in and out can be impractical for entertaining.”

Another furniture item on the chopping block: dining benches. “While they may work well for kids, they can be less comfortable for adults and seniors,” Shunk says. “Benches require more effort to maneuver, especially for those seated in the middle.”

Look for supportive, upholstered chairs that allow each guest at least two feet of space from side to side. Take your time finding seating that is easy to move in and out and provides enough room between guests.

3. Inaccessible Food and Drink

Make sure guests have easy access to food and drink throughout the night. “A dining table should feel generous, but not overcrowded with oversized platters that make passing food a challenge,” Cheperdak says. “[Ensure that] dishes are easy to reach and there’s space to enjoy the meal comfortably.”

Shunk recommends deciding in advance how you’ll serve your food to maximize the chances of a smooth dining experience. Think about the type of food you’re serving and your space constraints to help decide whether to serve the meal family style, plated, or buffet.

Additionally, you’ll want to make sure guests have everything they need within reach, including drink options, salt and pepper, sauces and bread.

4. Competing Scents

We often think of scent when creating ambiance. However, strong scents can irritate sensitive guests and compete with the experience of your menu. “I recommend unscented candles and letting the aroma of delicious food take center stage,” Chepardak says. Save scented candles or fragrant floral arrangements for your entry or your after-dinner lounge seating.

5. A Crowded Layout

Dining rooms require lots of room to maneuver: Three feet between the dining table and the wall is a minimum recommendation for people to be able to comfortably get in and out from the table. You also want enough space between people to make dining comfortable.

“I don’t recommend squeezing in chairs if guests will be bumping elbows,” Shunk says. “Instead, if your table is too short, consider adding an end table or extension to ensure guests are spaced appropriately.”

To ensure you purchase the correct size dining set, measure the dimensions of your dining space, and calculate the largest table you can fit with a minimum of three feet of space around it. Be sure to include other dining room furniture, such as a buffet or china cabinet, on your plan if you hope to fit them into the space.

6. Poor Acoustics

Excluding upholstery from your dining room is a mistake. You need soft surfaces to absorb the sounds of clattering cutlery so that guests can hear each other. “A dining room that’s all hard surfaces with no fabric or texture can feel loud and impersonal,” Chepardak says. “I incorporate elements like upholstered chairs, a rug, curtains, or even a table runner to help soften sound and create a more intimate dining experience.”

7. Distracting Color Palettes

The experts agree that a warm neutral color palette is the most versatile and welcoming for a dining room. “I tend to avoid overly cool or stark colors like bright white or icy gray, which can feel a bit sterile,” Chepardak says. “Instead, I gravitate toward warm neutrals, soft earth tones, or even rich, moody hues that create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.”

“[Neutral colors] offer the flexibility to be easily decorated for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy Christmas gathering or a cheerful Easter brunch, making them a timeless choice for entertaining,” Shunk says.