Being a parent requires a certain degree of sacrifice. Moms and dads give up time alone, a good night’s sleep, a car interior free of greasy fingerprints and goldfish cracker crumbs…The list goes on. But one thing procreators need never surrender is a great sense of style. Sweet but sophisticated kids rooms are all the rage, and even high-traffic family spaces like the dining room can be both Pinterest-worthy and kid-friendly.
Read on for Lighting & Decor’s favorite dining room ideas for styling a space that’s kid-tested and mother-approved.
Saint Tropez Dining Chairs — Calligaris
The whole family will love taking a seat on one of these funky chairs from Calligaris. The Saint Tropez collection offers several transparent and opaque options featuring the design’s quilted-effect backrest.
Family-friendly features include an easy-to-wipe-down polycarbonate seat. Plus the chair’s four-legged wooden base means it’ll stay put even if wiggle worms won’t.
Vintage Pine Farmhouse Leg Table — Kincaid
Every family dining room deserves a big table with room enough for friends that stay around for dinner. The Vintage Pine table from Kincaid fits the bill and then some. This solid pine farmhouse beauty may be an ode to simpler times, but modern updates like self-storing leaves lend plenty of room for present-day activities.
Pro tip: Parents may be tempted to use the drawers along the side as intended: to house placements or table settings. Leave them empty, and when it’s time to set the table for dinner, use them to temporarily store the school papers, artwork and mail that accumulates on the table before dinner.
Alfred Sidebar — Fermob
Little ones love to help, so choose not-too-precious accent pieces that encourage them to feel part of the dinner prep.
Casual, everyday dinnerware can be easily accessible aboard the colorful Alfred trolley sidebar from Fermob. An integrated handle and wheels means the sidebar saddles right up to the table, eliminating the need for cringe-worthy balancing acts.
Bristol Area Rug — Safavieh
Going for family friendly doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style. The Bristol area rug from Safavieh may have that classic look that we like, but it’s a workhorse too. Power loomed using synthetic yarns, this floor covering will withstand breakfast, lunch and dinner for years to come.
Wiping up spills is a breeze, but the variegated multicolor pattern will hide any mealtime mishaps that slide under the table…er radar.
Malena Chandelier — LBL Lighting
Designing an eating and gathering space for the modern family isn’t that different from other more adult-centric projects. But, in case the dining room is feeling a bit too sophisticated, lighten up the aesthetic with a playful accent like the Malena 9-light chandelier by LBL Lighting.
Featuring an Antique Bronze finish and pearl glass orbs that look like the moon, the whimsical (not juvenile) fixture is certain to be a topic of conversation whether or not it’s turned on.
Retailers and designers: What are your go-to design hacks for customers and clients with kids? We want to hear them, so leave us a comment below!
