Are Dining Rooms Needed?

Dining rooms aren't needed. Some home buyers wouldn't consider a house without a dining room, and others wish they could change the dining room they have into another type of space. Depending upon how you would normally use a dining room, there are alternate ideas that will work equally as well. Does this Spark an idea?

Kitchen

Ask any busy family how often they share a meal at the dining room table, and you may be surprised to learn that the bulk of their meals are taken at the kitchen table, breakfast bar or even the kitchen island. For many people, it simply makes more sense to eat near the preparation and cleanup area. Dining rooms are often reserved for more formal meals rather than day-to-day living.

Living Room

Even if you have a galley kitchen with no room for a table or breakfast bar, a living room can easily be transformed into a dining area. A small, fold-down table can double as an occasional table and dining surface. Comfortable pillows can be scattered around a coffee table for casual meals, and small decorative tables can act as end tables and personal trays.

Entertaining

Entertaining is less about the "place" and more about the atmosphere you set. Lay food and drink out on kitchen counters, drop-leaf side tables and hallway consoles. Spread food and drink throughout the house to encourage people to move and mingle. Create an ambiance with soft lighting and music playing in the background. Provide plenty of seating, whether it is in the form of traditional seating or card chairs and throw pillows. The idea behind entertaining is to make everyone feel comfortable, and you can do that with or without a dining room.

Outdoor Space

Whether you're at home alone or entertaining friends and family, take advantage of any outdoor space you have. A patio, porch or balcony can each add square footage to your home and provide a nice spot to enjoy a meal. Invest in a small patio set or bistro table, and use the great outdoors as your dining room.