Not so sure on the permanence of a shelf, partition or built-in wall? Curtains will do the trick. Pull them back when you want open space, pull them closed for privacy. You've achieved the best of both worlds.
Next: Browse more photos of room dividers
Try adding more decadence to a dining room by hanging silk drapes at the entrance. Have them just touch the ground, not puddling, so no one trips on them.
Interior designer Tracy Murdock says: "I love to display plates and china collections prominently when they are available to me on a project. It is a good way to incorporate personal items into a home." She recommends starting out the arrangement with a symmetrical base and then randomly dropping in odd pieces that don't have a mate. She also recommends making these arrangements a focal point,and utilizing art lights to enhance the display.
Rod pocket. The rod pocket is the simplest and most cost-effective heading treatment. The drapery fabric is folded over and attached to itself, creating a pocket for the drapery rod to slip through. Tip: Sew a seam across the very top edge of the pocket. You will get a distinctive gathering of fabric at the top of the header.
CABINETS: Flanking entry-way into TV Room. 001
Prefer glass sliding doors to maximize view. No need for
solid doors in the lowere portion as seen in this photo.
I like the display of Spode dishes. I love the color scheme, and the drama of the curtains.
added by As You Like It Interior Decorating & Home Staging to asyoulikeitdecor's ideas (2 months ago)
A dining room that says "Ta-da!" The curtains set apart the space like a stage. Creates a striking focal point, adds the visual width needed for these widely spaced cabinets. Colors are lovely using an adjacent (related) color scheme. Very creative.