How to turn this dining room into something more useful

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Just bought a new townhouse and the dining room is attached to the living room as pictured. We don't really have people over, so we don't have any use for this dining room. We can eat in the small dining area by the kitchen (not pictured) and that is enough for us. I'd like to use this room in a more functional manner. What do you suggest that I put in there? I feel like having an office right next to the living room might be a little bit weird, no? Please advise me. Thank you!

if extra info helps: both my husband and I work from home, have no kids, and have two dogs.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

decoenthusiaste
5 years ago
I'd be putting a baby grand piano there myself!
starnold
5 years ago
We turned the dining area adjacent to our living room into the TV viewing area.
Related Professionals
Tampa Interior Designers & Decorators · Durango Furniture & Accessories · Portland Furniture & Accessories · Webster Interior Designers & Decorators · Rochester Interior Designers & Decorators · Salem Interior Designers & Decorators · New Orleans Architects & Building Designers · Eau Claire Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Tucson Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Lawton Cabinets & Cabinetry · Fergus Falls Cabinets & Cabinetry · New York City Cabinets & Cabinetry · Chillicothe Kitchen Remodelers · Taunton Kitchen Remodelers · Kearney Kitchen Remodelers
Paul F.
5 years ago
It would be movie night screening area there for me... bar with recliners or oversized sofa/chairs Projecting a 150" image on the white wall or pull down screen. Maybe have a couple see-thru bookcases between living room and screening area?
lexma90
5 years ago
What do you currently do that you wish you had more space for? Especially if you rarely have people over, you can use it for whatever you want. Reading, stamp collecting, yoga, gaming...
njmomma
5 years ago
Why can’t you put an office there? Who wants to be cooped up in a small office with one window, if you don’t have to. Two people, dogs no children, very little company, why not an office 😁

If done right, it will look great
Jennifer Hogan
5 years ago
It really depends on what you enjoy doing and how you work from home.

In my last house I used the dining room as an office when I ran a small business from the house. when it outgrew the space we converted it to a family room, but it was next to the kitchen and separated from the living room. With my current job I cannot have the computer in a public space in my home and I really need a place that is separate to keep my work and life from not becoming all work.

My one sister converted her dining room to an office, both retired, but they needed a space for bill paying and online shopping and just doing daily tasks. My sister also likes to keep an eye on her hubby while she is doing things on the computer and feels like she needs to be within ear shot. He has some health issues that limit his mobility.

One of my sister converted her dining room into a gaming room.

Another sister converted her dining room into a music room.

My sister in law converted her dining room into a sewing and craft room. She likes to quilt while watching TV and again, likes to be close to my brother so they can talk and watch something together while she quilts.

My best friend converted her dining room into a showroom for her parade saddles and tack.

I can only think of one couple that I know who still has a formal dining room that they actually use for dining.