Things included in a formal Dining Room
The main difference between a dining room and a formal dining room is that a dining room is linked with either a kitchen or sometimes with a living room. While a formal dining room is completely detached. It usually has its own door that separates it as another room. Other than that, the décor and the setting of the table can also determine whether the dining room is formal or informal.
Difference between formal and informal table setting
An informal table setting includes only one pair of utensils, although there may be some extra ones. On the other hand, an informal table setting requires a different appropriate utensil set for each course of the meal. Along with that, it also includes different glasses for wine, water or sherry. During a formal dinner, the separate utensils for dessert are brought at the end. Even the placement of the fork and spoon should be observed whether informal or formal environment.
Furniture
The commonplace and traditional formal dining room furniture includes wood and glass top tables. Intricately designed and carvings on a wooden table give a very formal look. There are certain styles of furniture that are commonly associated with formal rooms, it is usually the accessories and rest of the décor that determine the final look of formality.
Linen cloth
Even if you go for simple furniture, heavy linen cloth creates a semi-formal look. Similarly, lace trimmed tablecloth can also be used in a semi-formal room. If you let the table be, the prominent wood would create a more formal appearance. However, if you do want to cover your tables without dulling the formal effect, go for dark colored heavy draperies or use silk instead. Even though silk is light, the sheen will give a very luxurious and formal expression. Small mats and table runner should be avoided in a formal environment.
Candlesticks
Candlesticks made of silver or crystal will enhance the formal appearance. Going for a thick candle without any stand can give off an informal look. After all, the accessories add to the certain expression you want and complete the look.
Rug
Rugs and carpeted floor will also be seen more commonly in a formal dining room than an informal one. It adds a touch of coziness as well. Similar to the tablecloths, the rugs have the same rule about the color and texture of the fabric. A dark mahogany colored rug would look more formal than an ivory rug.
Contrasts
Too much dark wood and dark rugs can seem a bit overwhelming sometimes. Try to balance out a few things. If your tablecloth has a dark shade of plum, accessorize with silver candlesticks to create a balance of light and dark. But make sure they always complement each other, not compete. If you put a brighter décor piece, it may seem to contradict but the purpose is to attract light, not color.
Comfortable
Effective themes for Formal Dining Room
Symmetry
To create a formal look it must be balanced. Formal environments and setting require a great deal of precision and symmetry. This brings the look to a proper finish. Like the renaissance royal gardens, a formal dining room is expected to have an impression of poise and order. This theory extends to the color scheme as well, which means you must symmetrically create contrasts of light and dark tones. Any accessory or décor item can’t be out of place. Entirely shelved walls, symmetrical lighting, and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry can be a few features in a symmetrical formal dining room.
Regal touch
To enhance your modern grey and white formal dining room, you can gilded accents to give a regal effect. A wooden floor with plain white or grey walls with metallic and dull gold intricacies will tie the look perfectly. Use of French doors and windows with dull gold curtain rods, a delicate lace-trimmed tablecloth with gold or silver candlesticks and mirrors adds to the room’s regal elegance. To add your finishing touches, blend in the look with a delicate gold chandelier.
Natural elegance
Nature inspired dining room can be paired with elegance to create a natural class. This can add a country look. For this sort of appearance, you can have white French doors and windows, plants as accessories and a candle chandelier.
Ivory tones
A very modern formal dining room is where cool and pale accents harbor informality. If you’re using a cool-toned and plain theme throughout, try patterning the accessories a bit. Modern geometric gilded orbs or centerpieces will blend seamlessly into the pale colors.
A touch of warmth
If you’re creating an antique formal look, warmth is one aspect you will have to keep in mind. To modernize a bit, you can make the furniture a bit less heavy and comfy to tone down the grandness. Dark hues and antique accessories will befit a perfect look.
Mixed influence
Mixing influences from historic formal appearance and modern styles create a dynamic look. A two-color scheme will create a chic yet effective look. If you have a modern white and black theme, adding a bit gilded accessories and carved mirrors and clocks on the wall finishes a very poised look. The historical influences like a detailed urn and a grand crystal chandelier will invent a perfect mix of impacts and a balanced formality.
Victorian inspiration
Victorian interior harbors qualities like leaded glass windows, intricate trim work, and wooden floors. To create the perfect Victorian look fit for the 21st century, create a balance. Add a few modern whites while still displaying period details.