A formal dining room can be a wonderful space for hosting dinners, holidays, and family gatherings. You may find that using the space just a few times a year is worth it for making those occasions special. That’s the case for homeowner Marisol, who tells us: “We only use ours for holidays, but I love having it. It looks nice, and I like the extra seating area for company.” A dedicated space for more formal gatherings is a wonderful way to make each gathering feel even more memorable.
Do I Need a Formal Dining Room, or Is It a Waste of Space?
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Published: March 15, 2025
Updated: January 22, 2025
When my husband and I were purchasing our first home, my mother-in-law asked me whether or not I would miss having a formal dining room. Considering it was just the two of us then, the answer was a resounding “No!” After all, I was not about to host grand dinner parties or family gatherings, and we had plenty of family to visit for holidays and celebrations. And unfortunately, our budget did not stretch to a large enough home to include a separate dining room.
Fast-forward six years, and my answer may have changed. Now, with two kids, we’re much more likely to host family gatherings, and having a large, separate area would be a dream. Many of our readers and contributors agree with me, while others find that a larger kitchen serves the same function with more connectivity. If you’re unsure where your opinion lies, read on for the best advice and insights our readers can offer. You may find you end up changing your mind after seeing what they have to say!
02 of Combining Kitchen and Dining Room
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On the other hand, if you don’t use a formal dining room regularly, you may find yourself wanting to combine the space with your kitchen, like our reader Katie. “We combined ours, and our 11.5-ft island is our kitchen table. We have space to put a table if we ever wanted an additional sitting area,” she says. You may find that you don’t miss the space and can function just as well without it!
03 of Fostering Connection and Meaningful Gatherings
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Key memories can be made in your dining room, and interior designer Tam Taggart is a vocal supporters of the benefits of including this design into your home. “Formal dining rooms endure as timeless sanctuaries, fostering connection and meaningful gatherings,” she tells us. “Their deliberate design promotes mindful dining, enhancing the overall dining experience and nurturing a space for cherished memories.” Avoid disconnected, technology-laden dinners by setting aside intentional time to gather around the table with loved ones. You won’t regret it!
04 of Junk Holding Space
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It’s not uncommon for formal dining rooms to be out of sight of the main living areas in our homes, and as such, they can become a holding ground for items you may not know where to put. This is especially true if you don’t enter the space very often, bringing to life the adage, “Out of sight, out of mind.” Many homeowners, like Ellisa, find this to be their reality. “It becomes a junk space. Going to redo the kitchen next year and deciding if we should combine them.” As someone who detests clutter, I prefer an open space where clutter can’t gather.
05 of Give Your Dining Room Multiple Purposes
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A formal dining space doesn’t always have to be closed off from the rest of your home. In fact, with the rise of open floor plans, they’re often connected to the kitchen yet still separated enough to create a different space. This design is incredibly popular with many of our contributors, who feel it helps make meal times feel more established or provides a space for homework, puzzles, or game nights. That’s how Danielle feels, who writes, “I love having one. It makes meals more intimate. We homeschool from ours, too.” Making a dining room serve more than one purpose can help give it more use and prevent it from feeling like a wasted space.
06 of Fit Your Entertainment Style
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Sometimes, giving your dining room another use may mean doing away with the dining aspect altogether. If you find that a formal space doesn’t work with your family, take a risk and turn it into a room your family will get more use and enjoyment from. There are so many creative possibilities out there, and you can take inspiration from Kait, who plans to turn her space into a bar room that better fits her family’s entertainment style. Or copy Laura, who uses her dining room as a music room, complete with a baby grand piano.
07 of Entertaining Style Considerations
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Younger generations are less likely to want a formal dining area in their homes, but that also depends greatly on how often you entertain and what types of gatherings you prefer to host. Interior designer Mimi Unger certainly understands this. “Formal dining rooms became less popular as open floor plans gained popularity [with] the spaciousness and connectivity they offer,” she told us. “Despite being less common, formal dining rooms still have their place for those who cherish traditional dining experiences and hosting guests.” If you love to host dinner parties, then a space with a large table may be exactly what you need.
08 of Turning Unused Space Into a Functional Design
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If you’re willing to tackle a larger renovation, then the possibilities are endless for turning an unused dining room into a more functional space. “My formal dining room will become my walk-in pantry/utility storage room,” writes homeowner Esther. This is definitely a larger undertaking and requires a lot more work, but it could end up being a space you’re much happier with in the long run. Other readers shared that they turned their unused dining rooms into spare bedrooms, home offices, and extra storage to help better meet the needs of their families.
09 of Buy a Folding Table for When You Need It
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Home design enthusiast Isabelle is still trying to decide whether to include a dining room in her home. “I am really thinking of not putting a table and just a seating/lounge area instead,” she states. “I was thinking of buying a folding farm table like they have at weddings when we need it for dinner gatherings.” It’s easy enough to set up extra tables when you need it without having to dedicate an entire room that you don’t use!
10 of Choose High-Quality Materials
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No matter your age or location, people love to celebrate and gather together during every season of life. For that reason, interior designer Jennifer Clavano has some wonderful advice for decorating your dining room: “The key to avoiding an outdated look lies in thoughtful choices: good lighting, quality materials, and harmonious colors. Opt for a sleek sideboard or buffet table for formal dining rooms instead of bulky china cabinets. Detailed pendant lights should complement not clash with the furniture. Above all, create a warm, cozy ambiance that feels inviting.” Designing a beautiful home is just one of the many reasons to invite your loved ones over for gatherings every time you can!
11 of Personal Style Preference Always Wins
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We have many contributors who are vocal proponents of a dining room, and many of them even turned extra space into a formal area where they can gather with family and friends. This was true for Diana, who said, “We never used the living room, so I turned it into a dining room for large family or friend dinners.” Those occasions are so special that she wouldn’t give up her dining room for anything. And thankfully, the world of interior design can be personalized to best fit your family’s needs and style. No matter where you land on the spectrum regarding a formal dining room preference, turning your home into the space you need is precisely what we at Soul & Lane are here to help you achieve!
