The dining corner, which used to serve as a kind of conceptual and logistical bridge between the kitchen and the living room, was once exclusively responsible for every family gathering, whether it took place as part of the routine of a shared evening meal or for special occasions such as holidays, birthdays, or other small events.
Beyond family meals, this beloved corner can be used by our children for homework, and by us, adults, for reading newspapers, solving puzzles, or having quiet morning conversations over coffee and cake. However, in recent years, it seems that the role of the dining area is changing. For many of us, shared meals have moved to the coffee table in the living room or the kitchen island. The dining corner still serves us during major holiday meals, but is it still relevant as the warm and unifying center of the home, meant to bring together all family members?
The Dining Room in the Past
The change in the role of the dining room can be understood by delving into its history. How was the space designated for family meals used throughout history, and what concept did it represent in the past? Well, here's an interesting piece of trivia: for hundreds of years, the dining room was considered the privilege of the wealthy alone.
The dining room, in its earliest version, was likely invented by ancient Greeks. The space, called the "andron," was intended for men only and served as a place where food and drink were served. It was a common venue for social and cultural events with intellectuals and philosophers, and sometimes even performances by artists took place here. While men dined in the andron, servants or women of the household served them. This is an example of early social patterns that governed hospitality rituals, as well as various other aspects of human activity.
Please note that the role and use of dining rooms have evolved significantly over time, and today they serve a different purpose in many cultures and households.
And as for the concept that we are familiar with today, it was born in Victorian England in the 18th century.
In contrast to the modern dining corner, the English dining room was situated within a closed space with elaborate and grandiose design. Not only was the table itself magnificent, but everything placed on and around it was as well: in the homes of Europe's wealthy, there were ornate chairs, tablecloths made of exotic fabrics with beautiful embroidery, handcrafted sets of cutlery, plates, and glasses, many of which were one-of-a-kind works of art. Alongside the table, there were souvenirs from exotic travels, trophies, and other decorative items.
In every household, there were several sets of serving dishes - for everyday use, special occasions, and specific holidays. Each set included a vast number of utensils, with each item designed for a specific type of food.
This Victorian-era English dining room was a showcase of wealth, artistry, and culture, reflecting the opulence of the time. Today, dining rooms may still be elegant and functional, but they have evolved in design and purpose, often reflecting the changing lifestyles and priorities of modern society.The trend of elaborate dining rooms persisted for centuries until the modern era. The disappearance of formal dining rooms and their replacement with modern dining corners occurred for various reasons, one of which was the transformation of the status of women. In classical times, creating an aesthetically pleasing and representative home environment was considered one of the central roles of a homemaker. The dining room symbolized her skills as a hostess, cook, and housekeeper, and therefore, it had to be meticulously organized and perfect.
However, in the 1920s, with the advent of modern technology entering kitchens, all the culinary traditions of the classical era began to change. Advances in kitchen appliances and convenience foods transformed the way people prepared and consumed meals. The traditional role of women as homemakers evolved, and dining rooms were often replaced with more casual dining areas, reflecting the changing dynamics of family life and societal norms.
The shift away from formal dining rooms and towards modern dining spaces was also influenced by changes in architectural design and the desire for more open, flexible living spaces. Today, dining rooms continue to evolve in response to contemporary lifestyles and preferences, with many people opting for open-plan living areas and flexible dining arrangements.
From Dining Rooms to Dining Corners
Appliances - from refrigerators that replaced iceboxes to modern ovens - have changed the way people prepare their meals. Wealthy households no longer needed an entire team of servants to host a family meal. In the mid-1920s, with the onset of the industrial age, the dining room began to lose its significance, and the kitchen, in particular, was rebranded as an elegant and fashionable place, surrounded by various modern technologies. It was no longer just a place for cooking but also for entertaining friends with cocktails and light meals.
Over time, as kitchen appliances became more popular and accessible, even middle-class homes began to shift away from having dedicated spaces for cooking and dining. Architectural trends adapted to the needs of the new middle class. In new apartments, there were no dedicated dining rooms, but the kitchens were spacious enough to accommodate a family dining table.
By the end of the 20th century, many homes included a separate area for the dining table, often an extension of the kitchen area. These modern dining corners are particularly versatile. In smaller apartments, the dining table in the corner is designed with an expansion option, allowing it to be enlarged when guests arrive.
From Dining Rooms to Dining Corners
