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Formal dining rooms fell out of style for quite some time, with large open floor plans making the kitchen, dining, and living areas one large space. However, according to Southern Living, the concept of a formal dining room is making a comeback. But what if you don’t need or want a formal dining room, even if your house has one?
If this is you, the idea of devoting an entire room to something you only use a few times a year probably seems silly. After all, there are likely a bunch of other things you’d rather do with your unused dining room.
Do You Need a Dining Room?
The short answer to this question is, “No.” Most families tend to eat in the kitchen, reserving a dining room for fancy dinner parties or the holidays. You can easily create a place to enjoy meals together using a breakfast nook or placing stools around the kitchen island.
Eat-in kitchens are a common part of homes, rendering a separate dining room almost obsolete. Yes, some people love having a dining room and use it frequently, while others keep one like a showpiece. But your house doesn’t have to include this very specific room.
Other Uses for a Dining Room
If you don’t need a dining room at all, you can transform the space into any number of more useful rooms. However, if you still need the space to function like a dining room occasionally, it’s possible to create a hybrid design. All it takes is to use a convertible table, clever storage and seating, and multifunctional furniture (and a dash of creativity and ingenuity).
Here are 6 ways to reimagine your underutilized dining room.
1. Home Office
The rise in remote work has increased the need for many homes to have home offices. Since plenty of homeowners aren’t using their dining rooms, the underutilized spaces have become a logical place to create a workplace at home.
Plus, there are tons of desk-dining table options that convert easily. Therefore, if you still need a place to host your yearly holiday dinner, you’re covered.
2. Playroom
If you have kids (or grandchildren who visit frequently), you know that toys take over quickly. Many parents prefer to keep the majority of toys out of their children’s bedrooms and set up a playroom instead.
Turning a dining room into a playroom is a snap using the right storage. It’s also possible to maintain a more adult feel in the space. Simply choose furniture and decor that reflects this preference instead of cartoon colors and themed kid pieces.
3. Home Gym
Fitness is a top priority for many people. During the pandemic, more exercise fans started working out at home when they couldn’t go to their local gym. The idea of a home gym isn’t new, but lockdown certainly made more people keen on the idea of having one.
The great thing about a dedicated workout space is you don’t have to overpower your bedroom or living room with fitness equipment. If your dining room has no doors, you can hang curtains to keep your gym out of sight.
4. Spare Bedroom
Most dining rooms are located at the front of the house, near the front door, and many don’t have doors. You would think these qualities make it impractical for a bedroom, but as the saying goes, beggars can’t be choosers.
If you desperately need an extra bedroom for a growing family, aging parents, or frequent visitors, your unused dining room provides the answer. A Murphy bed or sofa sleeper is a good option if you don’t want the space to instantly read as a bedroom. Add pocket doors for more privacy or hang curtains.
5. Music Room
Don’t need an office, playroom, gym, or bedroom? But you still don’t need a dining room either? Then have fun with the space and create a room that means something special to you.
If you adore music, set up a cozy space to listen to your favorite tunes. If you’re a musician, display your instruments and create a sophisticated place to practice your craft and entertain family and friends.
6. Personal Library
Another creative use for an unused dining room is to turn it into a library. Imagine how incredible it would be for avid bookworms to have their very own place to curl up with their latest novel.
Line the walls with shelves and fill them with your favorite books. Adequate lighting is key to maintaining a cozy atmosphere and being able to see what you’re reading.
What Will Your Dining Room Be?
These ideas are merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to converting an unused dining room. Other options are a media room, zen zone, yoga studio, or craft room. Your only true limits are your imagination and creativity.
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