blend Dining and Lounging with These Clever Living Room Table Ideas

More and more homeowners are embracing open floor plans that incorporate the living room and dining room into one spacious area. While this creates a feeling of airiness, it can also pose design challenges when it comes to delineating the spaces. The secret is choosing the right living room dining table to anchor the two zones stylishly. With clever furnishings and decor decisions, you can fashion a fashionable, functional living-dining room combo.

From cocktail console tables to statement pedestal dining tables, there are plenty of options for introducing dining into your living room. Here are some savvy tips and ideas to blend lounging and dining seamlessly.

Consider an Open Floor Plan Layout

Knocking down walls to create an open-concept living-dining layout makes the space feel more expansive and allows for better flow. However, it's important to use furniture placement and design details to carve out distinct lounging and dining zones within the Great Room.

Position furniture to delineate each area while still encouraging movement between the two. Float furniture away from walls and allow enough space for traffic flow around pieces. Gather seating arrangements together to promote conversation within each zone.

Define the Spaces with Lighting

Overhead lighting helps distinguish the living room from the dining area beautifully. Position a dazzling chandelier or pendant over the dining table to define that gathering spot. In the seating area, floor and table lamps emit a cozier vibe perfect for relaxing.

For further ambience control, install dimmer switches throughout the room. Lower the lights in the living zone to watch TV or crank them up full brightness during dinner parties.

Rugs Help Zone Areas

An oversized area rug is a simple way to anchor a living-dining space. Use a rug large enough to fit under the front legs of the primary furniture in both zones. The rug visually defines the spaces while the continuous fabric ties the look together.

For a bold contrast, choose a patterned rug for one area and a solid rug for the other. Or layer two smaller coordinating rugs beneath each setting.

Choose the Right Dining Table

Your dining table should feel like the focal point without overwhelming the living room. Here are some perfect picks for living room dining areas:

Glass Tops Fit Small Spaces

The transparent quality of a glass dining table top lends an airier feel, making it ideal for fitting more discreetly into living rooms. The sleek medium reflects light to keep the space bright. Round pedestal tables with glass tops maximize legroom in tighter footprints.

For a touch of contrast, mix transparent table tops with boldly colored bases or chairs. Or layer a patterned rug underneath for interest.

Drop-Leaf or Folding Tables

In a living room where every inch matters, a drop-leaf or folding table is a lifesaver. When folded down, it tucks discreetly out of the way freeing up valuable square footage. The compact footprint still leaves plenty of space for seating groups.

When unfolded, a drop-leaf or folding table comfortably seats a dinner party. Look for a style that coordinates nicely with the living room decor when closed.

Glass tops on these designs keep them looking lightweight even when open. Opt for a folding table on casters for extra maneuverability. Drop-leaf tables against a wall maximize space savings.

Complement with Seating

Blending dining chairs and accent chairs promotes an eclectic, curated look in living room dining zones. Here are some chair suggestions:

Upholstered Dining Chairs

In small living rooms, bulky upholstered dining chairs can overwhelm the space. Look for streamlined silhouettes with lightly padded seats and sleek exposed legs. Neutral colors like beige or gray pair well with various sofa colors.

Bench dining seating conserves room footprints. For small dining tables, armless parsons chairs provide legroom.

Accent Chairs Add Flair

Folding wood and metal chairs flanking pedestal tables keep the look light. Patterned accent chairs infuse character around a basic dining table.

For smaller living dining rooms, versatile counter-height stools double as extra seating. They tuck neatly under console tables or at a kitchen island bar.

Use Storage Wisely

Being selective with storage pieces helps maintain an uncluttered aesthetic in any dining-living combo. Here are some options:

China Cabinets

Glass-front china cabinets elegantly show off Dishware while keeping it free of dust. Position one in the dining area to establish it as a serving zone. Built-in cabinetry with shelves also neatly stores dining essentials.

Console Tables

A console table behind the living room sofa doubles as a server for cocktails or appetizers. Some feature shelves or cabinets for tucked-away storage. Others have drop-down leaves to expand the surface.

Sideboards

Sideboards or buffets offer concealed storage for table linens, serving pieces, and dining accessories. Place one strategically between living and dining zones as a partition.

A few finishing embellishments complete the look of your living dining space:

Add decor like artwork, greenery, and objets in each area to infuse personal style. Limit the color scheme to a few complementary hues. Play with textural contrasts - juxtapose sleek furniture and soft pillows.

A living-dining room that works for relaxing, entertaining, and everything in between can be created with the right furnishings.