Homes as private domains have changed over the years. As the size of the abode increased, it got divided into specialized areas for sleeping, eating, cooking and so on. Thus the first dining rooms were born where family members sat to eat together. This tradition continues and even today it is a meeting place for the family, and each member tries to ensure that he is back for this family bonding time. Long ago, dining areas were located on a separate floor entirely, though modern trends place the dining room close to the kitchen as it becomes easier to carry hot food. Apartment living means that space is limited and often, the living room and dining room are combined into a single large L-shaped room, which can optionally be partitioned for maintaining privacy in the dining area. The dining are falls closer to the kitchen while the living room remains closer to the entrance. The artifacts placed in each part remain the same.

A dining room is easily distinguished due to the furniture placed in it. It is perhaps the only part of the house that has a large table, chairs, and space permitting, additional pieces like buffet hutch, cabinets, side tables, bar cabinets, and display units for storing expensive crockery and china. Many like to place sofas and couches for relaxing after the meal. Bar units take up a lot of space in the corner as they also have bar stools for sitting while enjoying a drink. Television sets and music systems are other possible additions

Western countries have an informal small table in the kitchen as well which gets used for breakfast, as it is a smaller, hurried meal. The dining room then gets used for lunch and dinner. Asian nations like Singapore have a large population living in apartments with dining tables used for all meals. Compact sets are more popular than large ones consequently.

Dining sets are typically carved out of solid wood matched with upholstered chairs. Trendier sets are made out of steel, plastic, wrought iron and prefabricated wood. Cane and bamboo sets are also popular among the younger generation. All the furniture placed is generally coordinated according to color or material. Straight lines are accentuated with the bare minimalist trends that give the semblance of space to the dining room. Chairs with the latest designs also, remain straight backed, as that is the best posture for eating.