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mandy_langford

Dining room waste of space

last month

I recently moved into a quaint house in Franklin Tennessee. This room is kind of throwing me off. I don't need or want a dining room. I need help on how to utilize this space. I would like somewhere for my barware and liquors other than the flimsy beverage cart they are on now. I had also thought about putting a something fun in the space like a pool table. Any suggestions would be great. The room in located behind my living room area and in front of my kitchen.

Comments (20)

  • last month

    Pool table and barware in the same room would require the barware to be housed in a destruction free closed storage unit (or bullet proof glass anchored to the wall!!!). Before you do or get anything for this space, plan FIRST. Be certain about your goal for this room. Other options are: music, exercise, library. What are you or your family most likely to use this for? Google AI Overview For a game room with a pool table, the best "indestructible" piece of furniture for barware is a solid steel or heavy-duty metal bar cabinet, cart, or spectator chair with built-in drink rests. Here is why these options work best and what to look for:Top Recommendations

    • Rhino Metals Ironworks Mobile Bar / Steel Cabinets: These are virtually indestructible, made with thick-gauge steel, locking casters, and heavy-duty hinges.
    • Commercial-Grade Metal Spectator Chairs: These often include built-in drink holders and cue rests, designed specifically to take abuse in pool rooms.
    • Outdoor-Rated Stainless Steel Carts: Using stainless steel cabinets (often sold as outdoor kitchen gear) provides rust resistance, high weight capacity, and easy-to-clean surfaces that handle spills well.

    Why These Are "Indestructible"

    • Material Strength: Welded steel or stainless steel handles heavy use, resists denting, and won't warp.
    • Liquid/Stain Resistance: Metal and sealed stone tops are immune to sweat, spilled drinks, and alcohol stains, unlike wood.
    • Impact Resistance: Solid metal can withstand accidental hits from pool cues or balls better than wood.

    Key Features to Look For:

    • Powder-Coated Steel: Resists scratches and chips.
    • Locking Mechanisms: Keeps bottles safe.
    • Integrated Drink Rests: Specifically designed to prevent glassware from falling during games.
  • last month

    I think we're leaning more toward a bar area

  • last month

    I like your idea with the bar area. I suggest adding a row of lower kitchen cabinets with countertops along the entire wall where you have the shelving in the photo. The countertop and cabinets shouldn't be the same color as your kitchen, but complement them. For example, a dark graphite or black granite countertop.

    Wooden drawers, a color with a reddish-brown undertone, for example. But the materials and shades still need some thought; for now, this is just something to consider.

    Above the "bar" countertop, install a shelving system reminiscent of a rack across the entire width and height, into which you can incorporate a bottle storage area (closed, open, or a combination). Place two or three bar stools nearby, more substantial and comfortable than those in the kitchen area (for example, upholstered in black or brown leather).

    The wall behind the bar area/shelves can be painted in an accent color or covered with interesting wallpaper, but the rest of the space must be taken into account to create good visual balance and harmony.
    I would also place either a low round/oval table with a pair of soft, comfortable chairs or a high, round, cafe-style table and bar stools next to the window.

    This would give you several different bar area usage scenarios: preparing drinks and sitting at the counter, sitting on bar stools in the kitchen area, or sitting by the window. The final choice is yours. It all depends on the number of people and their preferences.

  • last month

    Bar, lounge, speak easy, whisky room, poker room etc etc. Theme the heck out of it.

  • last month

    It doesn’t look like you have sufficient space for a 7‘-9’pool table. A lot of room is needed to move around the table with full size cues.


    What is your budget for the bar project?


    What are the measurements of the dining space? Keep in mind that you will need 3’ behind the kitchen peninsula stools which will cut into the dining space available for a bar area.


    Are you removing the 3 shelving units along the back wall?


    Do you have any inspiration photos that would help get you on-point design feedback? I have included some photos below. I don't love the photo designs, they are more to try to understand what you want to put into this room. For example:

    - Are you looking to install a wet or dry bar using built-in cabinets/counter or freestanding furniture/shelves where the shelving units are?

    - Do you want seating for lounging here either with 2-4 chairs/low table or a hightop with chairs?







  • last month
    last modified: last month

    I can imagine a setup similar to this, tucked toward your trio of full size windows. A place to sit and enjoy a drink in comfort, maybe with a lower, wider table than this so drinks can be set down and a tray of snacky things provided to share.

    Pool tables are HUGE and I don’t think you have room.


  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Even if I didn’t want to eat at the table, it’s so convenient for games, cookie decorating, puzzles, laptop work etc I’d put one there with super comfortable upholstered chairs but that’s just a me thing

  • PRO
    last month
    last modified: last month

    Where do you eat? NO pooltable will fit there at best 2 chairs and a liquor cabinet from what can see . Do you really ned all that stuff on those shelves ? It look like atiny house with too much stuff.

  • last month

    A clarification to my proposal: it would be better to make the countertop and the cabinets underneath shallow, 30-45 cm.

  • PRO
    last month

    Those slanted bookcases are doing your room no favors. The scale is wrong and they look temporary. A wall of bookcase is always a nice look for a room.


    You can always incorporate book shelves and a bar.




  • PRO
  • PRO
  • last month

    Ok, so no pool table. I can remove the ladder shelves. I want a place for my wine liquor and barware. I like the idea of the chairs and small table in the window. Would that look right if I have a bar area on the wall? Any suggestions for a rug and curtains? My budget is around $2000.

  • last month

    Love all of the ideas and appreciate all of the feedback.

  • last month

    The dimensions of the room are 12.5x11. The ceilings start at 8 ft and slant up to 12.

  • last month

    I can't tell if children live here. If so, i think that it is important to have family dinners almost every evening. Eating at a kitchen counter won't do because you aren't facing each other. So, if there are children in the home, use the space as it was designed for, as a place for a table at which to eat. That said, if you are a young or emply-nest couple, again a table at which to share the day's happenings is important for bonding with love ones. If you live alone--live it up and make this room be your happy space.

  • PRO
    last month
    last modified: last month

    Your budget will not cover ANY of the inspos above.

    Get the longest storage console you can fit on the wall, Add a nice big piece of art, and style up a "bar/entertaining look" on top. The "bar message" will be sent, I assure you.


    ( A ton of exposed glass ware and bottle is simply a TON of wash/clean maintenance )

    Get a pair of inexpensive swivel chairs, and a low round cocktail table.

    Your money is now long gone: )

    Ditch the mini blinds as soon as resources allow

    Many finishes below and other selections as well. For a singl grand configured as photo,

    Nathan James .com





  • last month

    I think Jan's idea for a long console is a great idea. It keeps things tidy and from looking too busy. What colors do you have in the living room? You should be able to find two swivel chairs priced quite reasonably and a small round table for the center.

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    You could put an octagon bumper pool table/dining room table in the room along with a console. You can use shorter pool cues. It would be nice to have one that can convert to a regular table so you can use it to do puzzles, play games etc. Have some folding chairs somewhere (under the couch) to use if you want to use as a table.