1. The Proper Table

Your table should accommodate the people using the area regularly, as well as potential guests. Choose a table that sets the desired tone for the room. Square tables and round tables suggest a more informal environment, as there is not a position for the head of the table. Long rectangular tables, and even oval tables, suggest more formality.

2. Furniture Arrangement and Serving Space

In arranging your dining room furniture, remember to leave sufficient space for chairs to be pushed back, as well as room to serve guests comfortably. Since dining space is often adjacent to the kitchen, arrange your furniture for convenience.

Buffets, side tables, and other furniture should be arranged based upon how you naturally use your dining area. For instance, if you store serving platters and glassware in the side table, you should consider placing your side table on the wall nearest the kitchen, for convenience.

3. Aesthetic Appeal

Making the most of your dining room involves creating a functional space and a dining area that is aesthetically pleasing. Knowing the overall style you wish to portray in your dining room allows you to display furniture and accessories that are consistent with that image. For instance, informal rooms are most often associated with warm colors, whereas cool colors suggest more formality. Displaying tablecloths, accent vases, and other accessories that are consistent with your overall theme adds to the aesthetic appeal of the room, therefore making the most of your dining room.

Add aesthetic appeal to your dining room with unique home accents designed by international artisans and produced according to fair trade standards.

If you’re looking for help on how to create the perfect color scheme for your decorating project, you’re in luck.

With these expert guides you’ll be able to learn more about the use of color and color palettes.  You’ll find a plethora of great new ideas for colors and paint that will help you choose the right color scheme for you and your home.

The Color Scheme Bible: Inspirational Palettes for Designing Home Interiors

A sophisticated mix-and-match system… a useful self-consulting tool for the typical homeowner seeking adventure in a can of paint. — Shelley Fralic, CanWest News Service 03/26/2005

Full of wonderful photographs, yet conveniently compact, it is a well-written, spiral-bound walk through the color palette. — Nashville Scene 03/31/2005

Includes a section on how to combine natural and artificial lighting with color to fashion rooms that will be cozy. — Merrie Destefano, Romantic Homes 01/2006

Color in Interior Design

As a lay person just interested in learning more about the use of color in interior design, this was an excellent book. While the first several chapters were very “text bookish”, the remainder was very layman friendly. I feel more confident in undertaking color projects in my home and in conversing about the use of color with friends, who are now asking my opinions. The chapters that helped me the most were on the color wheel and color relationships. I enjoyed it and will now pursue my interest in color and design.  — Sheila D,  09/2007

Can’t Fail Color Schemes

Winner of a Gold Ippy Award (Independent Publisher Book Award) and a Silver ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Award.

Finalist for the Indie Book Awards.

With so many color combinations from which to choose, this book is sure to provide a solution for any room. All the photographs - and there are many! - are so beautiful and creative. This book will inspire many decorating ideas, even beyond color.– Lisa,  12/2008

1001 Ideas for Color & Paint

Winner of a Bronze Ippy Award (Independent Publisher Book Award).

“…plenty of instruction….urges [reader] to think creatively…”
–Publishers Weekly, 01/06

“Especially helpful are the sections featuring a photo of a room followed by color illustrations that show no fewer than eight variations vividly depicting how color can affect the look of each room.”
–Library Journal, 05/06

More interior decorating books >

For instance, you can create a new table arrangement by moving an accent vase from the living room into the dining room.  And, it is certainly easier to replace a throw pillow than to replace a sofa or bed, which is why home accessories are often used to incorporate popular trends into any room’s decor.

Whether today’s popular trend, or yesterday’s memento, home accents are often the most personal reflections of individuality and style, bringing both practicality and personality into your daily living spaces.

More Decorating Tips >

Home Decor Accessories Make Any Room Personal and Fashionable, Trendy Yet Practical
Looking to Create the Illusion of Space? Discover How to Use Color and Light to Your Advantage

If you shop now, you can still save 20% off any order at bluedango.com. Just enter the code SCHOOL at checkout, on the confirmation page of the checkout process and select Update Price.

Shop Now >

Since blinds and window covers minimize window exposure and moderate natural light, use window coverings sparingly in smaller rooms. Maximizing the natural light will emphasize the space and make the room appear larger.

You can also use the reflection of light to make a smaller space appear larger. Strategically placing a decorative mirror, or even a collection of mirrors, is an easy way to use the reflection of light to your advantage in decorating a small space.

More Decorating Tips >

Tired of Feeling Restricted in Your Studio Apartment? 4 Tips to Optimize Your Space
Looking to Create the Illusion of Space? Discover How to Use Color and Light to Your Advantage

Oh…and, don’t forget that we’re hosting our Back to School sale where you can save 20% off between now and Monday, August 17th.

Read Newsletter >

When you shop fair trade at bluedango, you’re giving the gifts of opportunity, basic needs, and education.  And, that deserves a lot of celebration.  So, shop between now and Monday, August 17th and you can save 20% at bluedango.com.

To take advantage of this special offer, just enter the code SCHOOL at checkout, on the confirmation page of the checkout process and select Update Price.

Sometimes you call, sometimes you write, and sometimes you post reviews on-line.  And, we thank you for that.

>  See what everyone is saying

>  Want to send us your feedback?

…love it

I received my basket today–I love it.  As you can see, I’ve ordered 5 baskets in all–now the hard part will be deciding which one I’ll keep for myself.  Beverly

…enjoyed it so much…just had to come back…thanks for taking good care of us

I ordered a piece of papercut art for myself and I enjoyed it so much, I just had to come back and order another as a gift for a friend.  It’s been great working with you.  Thanks so much for taking good care of us.  Anne

…customer service nothing but impeccable

Blue Dango is a wonderful fair trade website! I absolutely love their selection and the website is so easy to use! The customer service is nothing but impeccable, and they are definitely working for customer satisfaction.   danishgirl

Read more of our customer testimonials. Or, send us your feedback. We are always pleased to hear from you.

Prior to becoming our blogging dog, Q was just a funny little lap dog.  A mere 4 ½ pounds of quirkiness, not only has he added blogger to his list of titles, he’s seeking the ultimate title of Cutest Dog in the Cutest Dog Competition. And, he needs your votes (and the votes of your friends).

You can vote once a day and share with your friends. Q thanks you for your votes and support!