5 Ways To Add Warmth To a Dining Space
By Carol Matassa
Breaking bread is a ritual that humans have observed since time began.
In the more recent history of human evolution, this ritual has typically been played out in a space dedicated for dining. It’s where families can gather at the beginning and end of each day. They’re the spaces in which we celebrate life’s great milestones.
And is there any greater act of devotion than to prepare, serve and share food with those we love?
However, it’s also not uncommon for dining spaces to have lots of hard surfaces. A wipeable wooden table for example. Practical and beautiful no doubt, but hard nonetheless. Or gorgeous terracotta floor tiles. Timeless, stylish and smooth underfoot, yet slightly heavy and visually linear.
So, how can we add a bit of softness and warmth to these spaces?
Here are five simple things.
1 – add a tablecloth
Now, you might be thinking, ‘why on earth would I want to cover up my beautiful table?’. Trust me, I get it. You no doubt invested a great deal of thought, time and money into choosing the perfect table for your space. Somehow it feels wrong to cover it up. But tablecloths can be beautiful too. They offer a layer of protection for your table, meaning that hopefully your investment will have a longer life expectancy.
And in a world where throwaway culture seems to have become commonplace, the idea of preserving and caring for an item of furniture almost feels like a small act of rebellion.
Plus, as already mentioned, tablecloths really can be beautiful…and meaningful too. I have a much-loved tablecloth at home that my husband and I bought on holiday in Portugal many moons ago, long before we were even married. I can’t tell you how cherished it is. Not only does it add an extra layer of character to the table, but it’s loaded with memories of our life together.
That’s the kind of feeling I want around my table!
2 – Use soft lighting
If you’re looking to add a level of warmth to a space, soft lighting is your friend. Overhead lights are a big no-no. Generally speaking, they are too harsh and create strong shadows.
Lamps and wall lights are a much gentler option, ideally fitted with a lightbulb temperature of around 2700k. This will give you a classic warm white glow. Anything above 3000k will start to look too cool in temperature – not conducive to creating a feeling of warmth.
Candles are great too, for example tealights and taper candles. Just be sure to use unscented candles as scented ones will compete with your senses, which should be focused on your meal.
And can we please spare a thought for fairy lights? I’m a huge fan of fairy lights (warm white, of course!) and will happily use them all year round, not just at Christmas time.
3 – Introduce cushions
If like me, you prefer wooden dining chairs and/or benches, you will understand that sitting on them for hours on end can be a little tough on the tush! I love them for their timelessness as well as their practicality for cleaning, however admittedly they can be a little hard.
Seat pads and small scatter cushions are a great solution. They’re easy to move around, they’re easy to keep clean (assuming they have removable covers) and they make long evenings around the table with family and friends a great deal more comfortable.
Throw in a few blankets for good measure and you’ve got all the makings of a wonderfully relaxed and cosy meal.
4 – Add music
Family meal time in my own home is not complete without music.
Each evening we take it in turns to choose the playlist. Our musical tastes are wide and varied, so no two sittings ever really feel the same. My husband loves a bit of early 90’s alternative rock. My daughter is partial to something a little more niche (I’m looking at you, random Minecraft atmospheric music!). And me…I have a soft spot for Nina Simone.
But let’s put my family’s musical tastes to one side.
Choosing music that means something to you and whoever is around your table is the only thing that matters. Your connection with it is what will create a sense of warmth and good feeling.
5 – Choose the right artwork
Our visual senses also need to be considered. The artwork we choose to put on our walls shouldn’t be an afterthought, and shouldn’t be overlooked,
Textured wall art adds another layer of warmth to a space. It can be a quiet supporting act holding all the other elements in the room together. But the right piece can also do so much more than that.
It can be a key player. On the days when you don’t have time to lay a tablecloth or light the candles, the wall art will always be there adding texture and warmth to the space. A constant companion with every meal shared, every pot of tea poured, every birthday celebrated.
It sits there quietly, never demanding anything from you – just offering gentle support in the form of texture and softness. Its tactile nature is like a visual hug. It transcends seasons and trends, because when isn’t warmth and comfort a good idea?
It’s comfort food for your walls!
Conclusion
So, to round it up, here are five simple ways in which you can soften and add warmth to a dining space.
1 – Add a tablecloth
2 – Use soft lighting
3 – Introduce cushions
4 – Add Music
5 – Choose the right artwork
If you need help choosing a piece of textured wall art for your dining space, I would love to hear from you.
Carol x
free from ai
This article is free from AI, as is all other written material on this website. I’m a one-woman team and everything has been written by me, Carol, a human, usually very messily in a notebook before typing up neatly!
