Family Room Dining Room Combo Decorating Ideas

When it comes to designing an open living room and dining space, there are more than a few essential moving parts. There's lots to consider, from furniture style and color schemes to the specific layout and flow of the space.

If you're not sure where to start, our guide to common living room dining room combo layouts will help kick things off. For added inspiration and guidance, we've designed one open living room dining room combo space and reimagined it in three different ways that are each as stylish as they are practical. Read on to see the three takes on the room and all the possibilities for an open living and dining room, and steal ideas for your own space!

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Layout #1: Casual & Conversational

In this layout, the living room and dining area are delineated into distinctive zones that are separated by the sofa back and a console table. Nonetheless, the two spaces work together side-by-side and form a versatile layout that maximizes seating in both spaces—chairs and ottomans can be easily pulled from and into each area. The result is a living room dining room combo space that perfectly balances casual and formal in a visually cohesive way.

Furniture pairings keep the living space versatile:

The matching tables, armchairs, and ottomans not only make for foundational living room decor, but they also bring symmetry and balance to the space. They're also super versatile accent pieces that are easy to dress up and down as needed. The tables and chairs can be separated and rearranged into a more casual living area setup or lined up together, like they are here, to create a more intimate yet laid-back conversation space.

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The high-low furniture mix delineates the vibe in each space:

One way to decorate a living room with a fireplace is to arrange conversational seating around the hearth, such as poufs and chairs that are easy to move around along with a clean-lined sofa, which add up to a casual-chic atmosphere. Meanwhile, a classically elegant console table lining the back of the sofa not only provides convenient storage, it also sets the stage for the slightly more formal dining space.

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The dining area nails the relaxed-refined balance:

With a large communal dining table that seats six or more, the dining area is designed for intimate family dinners and entertaining big groups alike. Along with the mix of slipcovered chairs and rustic wood seats, this space reflects the same versatile elegance and ease as the living room.

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Layout #2: Classic & Formal

With this living room dining room combo layout, symmetry rules. The parallel sofas in front of the fireplace make way for a straight view through to the kitchen, emphasizing a sense of openness in the room. It's a seamless flow between the living room and dining area, with no furniture dividing and delineating the two spaces, which adds to the overall airy feel and creates a cohesive look in the room.

The living area arrangement has a natural, elevated look:

Arranging two facing sofas with matching side tables is one of our favorite living room layouts because it instantly establishes a sophisticated formal look. Plus, they frame a fireplace mantel or window perfectly in the room, rounding out the space with a balanced look and polished appeal. A rug is also key to centering and setting apart this living space.

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A mix of materials is key and adds depth:

With a formal living room approach, combining different materials will warm up the space as well as continue the elevated appeal. Polished materials, such as mirrored finishes and brass lend a touch of glamour while rustic woods and a woven patterned rug will even the sleekness out with a hint of earthiness. The idea is to allow all the varying textures—smooth, grainy, woven—to shine and provide both visual and tactile elegance to the space.

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Traditional dining furniture doesn't have to be formal:

Rounding out the room is a dining space that's anchored by a classic pedestal dining table and classic slipcovered dining chairs. While the arrangement is definitely more formal in style, the openness of the space and the ample walking room all around helps ease up the traditional appeal of this dining area. An ornate bar cabinet off to the side helps anchor this formal space by giving it some visual cohesion as well. In the end, this well-dressed dining room living room combo layout adds up to a space that's designed for seamless entertaining.

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Layout #3: Communal & Family-Friendly

If it's comfort, coziness, and a fully casual vibe you're after, this family-friendly living room dining room combo layout is for you. With a big sectional, relaxed side chairs, and a communal dining setup that includes a farmhouse-style table and fuss-free benches, this is our idea of a living room and dining space that's made for some major R&R. Not to mention, it's perfectly geared toward entertaining big groups, be it a dinner for family and friends or a kids birthday party. This is a space that lets you do it all in comfort and with ease.

The U-shaped sectional creates a framework for the living area:

Between a sofa and a sectional, the latter is definitely the winner for this living space layout. Opt for a relaxed U-shaped sectional design that is low enough to not block sight lines throughout the open room. It also subtly divides your living and dining spaces into distinct areas. Think of it as the foundational piece that everything else will be arranged and decorated around, including your dining pieces.

Additionally, not only does the sectional accommodate lots of people, it's also super kid-friendly. Pair it with a round woven coffee table for another kid-proof design that gives you lots of surface space to work with. Ground it all with a natural-fiber rug that's layered with a soft patterned one to add both durability and style.

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Keep to moveable seating that works across the entire room:

Make sure to have some extra living room seating—be it a pair of laid-back ottomans or airy rattan chairs, like the ones here. The idea is to keep these as moveable pieces that can travel between your living and dining areas as needed. For instance, you can flank the fireplace with them to create a conversation pit in your living area, or you can pull them into the dining space as additional chairs at both ends of the table.

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The communal table brings major outdoor vibes indoors:

What sets this dining area apart from the previous layouts is that it captures a truly casual aesthetic that brings to mind picnics outdoors. The x-based dining table and bench have a relaxed look and are perfectly designed for entertaining big parties as well as kids, since there's no formal seating protocol. This is the best option if you're looking to create a living room dining room combo space that's all about casual everyday living and bringing people together.

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