<font size="3" color="#990000"><strong>Choosing Formal or Informal for Dining Room Style</strong></font> <p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">Decorating a dining room is simple if you know what style you would like to achieve.<span>  </span>If undecided, the task of decorating becomes slightly more difficult.<span>  </span>Choosing whether to decorate in a formal or informal style in the dining room is the first step.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"></span></p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"><strong>Formal Dining Rooms</strong> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Formal dining rooms are perfect for the homeowner who loves to entertain.<span>  </span>They evoke images of grand dinners and ceremony.<span>  </span>Formal dining rooms beget more formal dinners, so if that is a common occurrence in the household, a formal dining room would fit in well.<span>  </span>However, there are some things to consider when choosing to decorate a dining room in a formal style.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><img src="../images/dining-room-style.jpg" border="0" alt="Formal dining room style" title="Formal dining room style" width="420" height="282" /></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Furniture is usually more traditional in a formal setting.<span>  </span>The dining room table and chairs are usually made of a dark, solid wood and are substantial in size.<span>  </span>This works well if the dining room space is large and can accommodate furniture of that size.<span>  </span>If, however, the dining room is on the small side, a large, dark, heavy wooden table will make the room appear smaller and more crowded.<span>  </span>It is definitely important to take the size of the room into consideration when selecting a formal dining room decor.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">The colors in a formal dining room are often deeper and darker than an informal decor.<span>  </span>Rich burgundy, velvet blacks and forest greens are all common colors for a formal room.<span>  </span>If the china and stemware pieces that are part of your existing collection can support the somber colors, then a formal dining room would work well. <span> </span>Light, airy china would probably do better in a less formal setting though.<span>  </span>Unless the budget includes replacing all aspects of the dining room accessories, it is best to work within the limitations of what is already part of the household inventory.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Informal Dining Rooms</strong></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">For the busy family, an informal dining room decor will most often be a better choice than a formal one.<span>  </span>Comfort and light, bright colors surround an informal decorating style and are a natural fit for children and more casual households.<span>  </span>Dinner parties can still take place, but they will be less formal than they might be in a formal dining room setting.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">The furniture in an informal dining room is a lot lighter in color than in a formal decor.<span>  </span>Light woods, glass and metal, and composite materials are all common in informal dining rooms.<span>  </span>Unlike a formal room, the chairs in an informal dining room can either match the dining room table or complement it by being of a different style or design.<span>  </span>There is a lot more play with styles in an informal room and they can accommodate a much smaller space.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Wall, table linen and fabric colors also tend to be much lighter than in a formal dining room setting.<span>  </span>Creams, whites, yellows, pale peaches and pinks all work well in an informal dining room.<span>  </span>The look is more relaxed and laid back.<span>  </span>For the family who wants to dine together, but not feel the pressure of a formal dinner, an informal dining room decor is ideal.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Consider the size of the room, the lifestyle of the home’s occupants and the china and stemware already purchased before selecting a formal or informal dining room style.<span>  </span>The casual family will probably not feel comfortable in a formal dining room, whereas, a more formal family will feel right at home.<span>  </span>Working within the limitations of the home’s existing structure and lifestyle, will make the choice of formal or informal much easier.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p>  <p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">Alyssa Davis, writes exclusively for Metal-Wall-Art.com, and specifically about designing with <a href="http://www.metal-wall-art.com/leaves-trees-metal-wall-art.html" target="_blank">metal leaf wall art</a> and <a href="http://www.metal-wall-art.com/large-metal-wall-art.HTML" target="_blank">large wall art</a> .</span></p></span>