The Difference Between Formal vs. Casual Dining Rooms

You maintain a dining room in your home so that your family has a place to eat, but what do you do when company comes? Do you move everyone to the formal dining room, or do you extend the regular table to make more space? You often find casual dining rooms in open floor plans near the kitchen. If you mainly use your dining room for breakfast and family meals, it is likely casual. In some homes, families use the formal dining room for evening meals in addition to special occasions. The main difference between formal and casual dining rooms is their location in your home.

Formal dining rooms look better with darker woods, longer tables, and more chairs. For casual dining room tables, you can choose lighter woods or any stain that matches the rest of your home décor. Casual and formal dining rooms serve different purposes. Typically, you will only use a formal dining room for family meals and special occasions. In addition to having all your meals there, you can turn your casual space into a room for work or a place for your kids to study. From the furniture to the lighting, a formal dining room represents class and style.

Regardless, your casual dining room will be more laid back than the space in which you host special occasions. The types of accessories you choose for your dining rooms will vary depending on the space.

For a casual dining room, you may choose to simply accessorize the table with a centerpiece like a bowl of fruit or flowers. Casual dining room furniture should blend into your space and complement your existing architecture.

If you only have one spot to place a dining room table, you should aim for a convertible design. Choose durable tables that you can use for years to come when you shop at the Great American Home Store.

Stop by our furniture stores to find a dining room table and chairs for your home today.