Many families rarely use their formal dining room these days, preferring to eat around the kitchen table or island or even out on the patio when whether permits. Instead of letting the space go to waste or become a collecting place for odds and ends, convert the dining room into a den and make the most of it. Depending on your family’s lifestyle, you can use the space as an entertainment or game room or as a relaxing space for reading and quiet activities. The dining room is usually located off the kitchen or is open to the living room, so it is ideal for entertaining guests or collecting family members before dinner.

Here are a few suggestions on alternative uses for a formal dining room with tips on colors, furniture and décor based on how you use the space.

Entertainment & Media Room

Maybe your family is into watching movies and television or playing video games. Bring in comfortable recliners and a big cushioned sofa for kicking back with a good flick. Choose easy-to-clean fabrics like leather or microfiber so that popcorn or drinks won’t stain. A few small side tables, large coffee table and good quality wood folding tables that can be pressed into use when needed make it easy for everyone to enjoy a snack or meal in front of the TV. Add an area rug for coziness and line an entire wall with a media cabinet large enough to house all your flat screen, electronic equipment, DVDs, and games in one convenient location.

Relaxing Lounge

If you love to entertain, turn your dining room into a space where guests can relax, converse and enjoy each other’s company. To create a comfortable lounge area, focus on seating space with a pair of loveseats and chair groupings throughout the room. Place furniture on a diagonal arrangement pulled toward the center of the room around an area rug to keep the space from looking like the waiting room at a medical clinic. Side tables and a coffee table are important so that guests have a place to set drinks and snacks. Fill the space behind the furniture with tall plants, floor lamps, bookshelves or a floor pedestal topped with a plant or sculpture, and accent the walls with wall art and decor that accents your color palette. Keep lighting soft and casual by installing wall sconces and recessed lights on dimmer switches.

Cozy Double-Duty Library Space

If you use your formal dining room as a dining room from time and time and don’t want to completely forsake that use, have the room do double duty as a personal library. Keep your table in the center of the room and remove extra leaves until they’re needed for a get-together. Add floor to ceiling bookshelves and swap out formal dining chairs for more comfortable upholstered occasional chairs. If your dining room has tall ceilings you can even install a library ladder to reach books on upper shelves. Intermix collectibles, pottery, vintage dishes and artwork on the shelves along with your books arranged vertically and horizontally to keep the space interesting and eclectic. Traditional wrought iron wall grilles or metal leaf wall art adds an inviting ambiance to the space.

All text copyright Relica. Photo from Flikr - "Lounge/Dining Room Overview" courtesy of lavilleautady.