Casual Dining Rooms

In an otherwise neutral space, hip green velvet chairs gathered around a dining table creates a beautifully cozy space. To create a chic centerpiece, a bowl of lemons and limes is surrounded by candlesticks. A square sisal rug anchors the loft space and adds a natural element. Remember, if the rug is large enough, it doesn't matter if it is a different shape from the table.

Super modern chairs are a fresh and surprising addition to this traditional wood booth and table. The traditional Swedish-inspired table linens play off the bold yellow wall color and modern, unframed artwork.

This little dining nook is perfect for just two or three. White crown molding and immaculate dishes pop against the warm and inviting color palette of dark wood, deep brown leather, and soft sage green walls. A single beautiful painting is the only piece of artwork needed.

A graphic-print rug and grass-green accent wall help establish the dining area in the open floor plan. Cozy chair cushions add a touch of comfort to the sleek black dining set and a variety of pretty pillows dress a casual window seat.

Black and white is a classic combination and the minimalism in this dining room allows delicious food and great conversation to take center stage. The unfussy panel window treatments and simple artwork help lend a casual vibe.

A collage of framed botanical prints and an arrangement of fresh tulips are all the decoration this dining room needs. The hardwood floors, stunning dining-room table, and soft green walls make a calm statement.

Combining large wood-and-wicker chairs at the ends of the table with simpler, painted chairs in the middle gives this dining room a casual feel. Natural fibers are repeated on the rattan shades, and a vase of peach tulips adds a touch of soft color. The unique diamond-pattern floor is so appealing, you don't even miss a rug!

Simplicity is often the key to making guests feel at home. In this dining room, floor-to-ceiling windows let in an enormous amount of natural light during the day, and sleek pendant lights illuminate the room in the evening. The unique granite-topped dining-room table has clean lines and the black rattan chairs update a classic look.

When showcasing a dynamic piece of art like this, it's best to keep the rest of your dining room simple. One of the calmest colors in the painting -- a soothing yellow -- is repeated on the walls, and the dining-room chairs don white slipcovers. The floor and table both feature light-colored woods.

Country-inspired details, such as the braided rug and large shelf of beautiful glazed dishes, match the style of the dining room furniture. Even the table decor -- adorable potted flowers displayed on cake stands -- is homey and inviting.

This dining room manages to be both casual and elegant. The striped silk drapes are utterly luxurious, but the rattan shades are an informal addition. The black furniture features clean lines and distressed edges. Neutral walls help showcase black-and-white artwork and warm yellow dishes.

A bright coat of lime, teal, or periwinkle paint is all it takes to freshen up dull, tired furniture. An equally cheery shade of blue on the walls and fun fabric shades make this dining room feel young yet coordinated.

A dining room that connects to the kitchen and opens to the backyard is perfect for casual entertaining. Vintage blue-and-white plates decorate the walls, crisp neutral drapes can be drawn across the French doors, and a sweet chandelier hangs above the table.

An upholstered bench has a sofa-like feel and gives the dining room set a cozy ambience. Neutral upholstered chairs match the light fixture and crown molding. Warm wood on the floors and furniture is a nice complement to the cool blue walls.

Upholstered chairs like these can be expensive, but they make such an impact, the rest of your dining room can be left bare. Leave hardwood floors and large windows uncovered. The light fixture doesn't even need shades. Nonetheless, a row of simple flower arrangements in low vases down the center of the table is a nice addition.

Who says your furniture needs to stay in its designated room? Depending on the flow of your home, it may make more sense to swap the living and dining spaces. After all, doesn't a fireplace seem like the perfect accessory to enjoying a cozy evening of friends, conversation, and a home-cooked meal? We think so.

Wide vertical stripes are a fun way to add some visual interest to walls without resorting to wallpaper. The window is dressed with simple white curtain panels and is flanked by Asian-style artwork. The hardwood floors and beautiful table (woods don't have to match!) warm up the space and are a nice complement to the neutral upholstered chairs.

White slipcovered chairs and worn paint on the table give this dining room a shabby-chic feel. Hardwood floors, neutral walls, undressed windows, and a unique light fixture add to the casual vibe. A pitcher of fresh roses is a lovely country touch.

There's no reason to cover a statement-piece dining table like this one with a tablecloth, table runner, or even place mats. Likewise, the unique arch window needs no drapes or curtain. A linen rug is a casual addition to anchor the space. A stunning globe light fixture, minimalist artwork, and pop-of-green vase add just the right amount of decoration.

It's hard to feel grumpy in a happy dining room like this. The orange, white, teal, and green rug inspires the room's wall color, upholstery, and curtains. White furniture is a casual alternative to dark woods, and varied-length hanging lights above the table are a modern choice.

This dining room could easily become a formal space. All the essentials -- a crystal chandelier, traditional wood furniture, crown molding, and French doors -- are there. However, details such as the sisal rug, worn velvet seat cushions, and lack of artwork, keep the room from becoming stuffy.

A round dining room table is a nice alternative to larger square or oval varieties. A funky light fixture adds a touch of whimsy to the space, while traditional elements -- woven rug, framed artwork, luxurious drapes -- appear in toned-down versions.

In the summertime, many people transform their porches into seasonal dining rooms. Take the warm-weather theme and run with it, choosing colorful painted furniture and a vibrant tablecloth. White-washed paneling on the floor, wall, and ceiling helps to balance the brightness.

Mismatched chairs gather around a circular table dressed for a relaxed brunch or casual lunch. The light color palette -- creamy yellow, warm neutrals, and pale blues and grays -- is the opposite of formal. A shadeless chandelier centered above the table brightens the space.

It would be impossible to take yourself too seriously in a vibrant dining room that seems to demand fun. School bus yellow and pumpkin orange pair up nearly everywhere -- the walls, furniture, and floor. White accents provide a bit of breathing space.