Decorate Dining Rooms With Columns

Incorporate the columns in the dining room in your decor.

Columns, whether they are built-in or free-standing, tend to make dining rooms look more elegant and formal. Use the columns as your inspiration to design the dining room around a theme, such as a Grecian theme, or by using a color scheme that makes the columns stand out even more. Play off of the columns when designing your dining room decor to emphasize them or minimize their effect, depending on your preference.

Instructions

1. Paint the walls in a rich, warm color or a bold color, while leaving the trim and columns white for contrast so they will stand out and be prominent in the room. If you want to minimize the columns, paint the walls the same color as the columns.

2. Lay a rug down in the center of the room, if you wish to include one. The rug can be a solid neutral color, just to define the space, or include a dramatic pattern and colors. Choose a rug that complements your color scheme and decor plan.

3. Place the dining table and chairs in the center of the dining room. Allow the columns to frame the table. If you have a buffet or hutch you'd like to include, place it against the wall behind the table so that it doesn't obstruct any windows or other architectural details.

4. Hang drapes or curtains that carry out the color scheme and style of the room. For example, gold or white curtains could accent a white or honey-colored dining set. Choose a pattern or solid drapes, whichever you prefer.

5. Include wall decor to help dress up the dining room and set the mood. Ornate mirrors, sconces, wall candle holders or framed artwork can complete a formal dining room. Less ornate wall decor can complement a less formal dining room.

6. Add accessories to complete the room. For example, set the table with a tablecloth or placemats, linen napkins, dinnerware, stemware and a centerpiece. If you have a painting of a floral arrangement, replicate it as the centerpiece. You can also use candles, bowls or other items as the centerpiece. Set out your china or a vase collection on the buffet or in the china cabinet.

7. Accessorize the columns by wrapping silk ivy, lights or fabric around the columns to complement your decor. If you'd rather hide the columns, consider placing decorative folding screens or house trees in front of them. If the columns don't go all the way to the ceiling, consider placing houseplants, vases or art on top of them.

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