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Blogger Alpharetta, GA on Jul 08, 2012

Do I really need a Dining Room?

I am really struggling with wanting to get rid of my formal dining room. We never use this room ... EVER! I have very expensive furniture that I would like to sell at consignment but I am terrified I will regret it. What is the trend? Do you think I will regret this decision? Any advice? I would love to hear what others are doing with this room! Thanks so much! Missi

7 Comments

Rita and Cane Gresham, OR

We have a modest 70s split-entry, where the "dining room" flows from the living room. We've got a large enough kitchen to have a table in there, so we decided to repurpose the dining room into what we call our library. Really, it's just an extension of the living room, but we do have a library table in there that our kids often use for homework (and I sometimes use for projects). There are reading chairs, and a big bookcase. We do sometimes use the table for eating on, so it's a versatile ...»
space. We love that the space is used so much more than it would be if we'd put a formal table in it. You can see photos here: http://www.thissortaoldlife.com/2012/04/02/...

on Jul 08, 2012 · Like 1
Missi S Alpharetta, GA

Rita - Love it! Thanks so much for your response and the pictures! Great idea. I would love to have a small table in that room for projects and puzzles or games. I am just so tired of the heavy formal furniture that takes up the entire room. I need some encouragement - so thank you!

on Jul 08, 2012 · Like 0
Carroll A Coos Bay, OR

I hated the dining set I had so when I moved to this house the table did not make the move. My living room/dining room are an open "L" shape. I put the fish tank and the bird in the dining space temporarily until I found a table. Its been almost a year now and I have not missed the table. I am not sure I will get another table now. If you are not sure you will like the change, don't sale the furniture right away store it, if you can. Make your changes, live with it for a few months. if you don't like it put it back.

on Jul 08, 2012 · Like 1
Missi S Alpharetta, GA

Thanks Carroll! That's a great idea! The only issue I see is that the furniture is very very heavy and I would hate to move it twice. It took 4 huge guys just to get the buffet in the house. I really like the idea of simplifying my life and only using what I need - aacckk! So hard ...

on Jul 08, 2012 · Like 0
Rita and Cane Gresham, OR

Maybe you could just move the table and chairs out and leave the buffet for storage for now? I once had a china cabinet that I used as a bookcase.

on Jul 08, 2012 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

What I have noticed is the living room is being replaced as the family room. Most need a dining room, but with the right furniture you can make it more useful for your needs by selecting what works best for your family. Nothing says you must have the over sized table and china cabinet if your not using them.

on Jul 09, 2012 · Like 0
Karleen A Crossett, AR

You got to go with what you are comfortable with...if you want to use for something else then go ahead. I would be careful making it into something different or extreme if you plan on selling your house any time soon.

on Jul 11, 2012 · Like 0