For many renters, a formal dining room is a must-have feature when searching for a new home. It's a space that combines style and functionality, offering an elegant place to entertain guests, host holiday meals, or simply enjoy family dinners. If you're on the hunt for a house with a formal dining room, here's a guide on how to find the perfect rental property that checks all the boxes.

1. Define Your Ideal Formal Dining Room

Before you dive into your search, take a moment to think about what you consider a "formal" dining room. For some, a formal dining room might mean a separate, spacious room with classic features like crown molding, elegant lighting, and a large dining table that can seat 6 or more people. For others, it might simply be a dining area that's set apart from the kitchen and living space.

Make a list of the features you're looking for, such as:

  • Size of the room (how many people you'd like to seat)
  • Proximity to the kitchen (ideally close for serving meals)
  • Design features (such as hardwood floors, natural light, or built-in cabinets)

2. Use Online Rental Platforms

Start by browsing popular online rental platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, Apartments.com, and Rent.com. These sites allow you to filter properties by specific features, including the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and amenities. While you may not find a "formal dining room" checkbox directly, you can search for properties with separate dining areas or large dining spaces and then confirm their formality through the listing photos and descriptions.

When browsing, pay attention to keywords such as:

These descriptions often hint that a property has a designated space for formal meals.

3. Search Local Listings and Classifieds

In addition to online platforms, local listings and classifieds can be a great way to find houses for rent with specific features. Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and community bulletin boards often have rental listings that may not be on the larger, national sites. You can contact landlords directly and inquire about the specific features you're looking for, such as a formal dining room.

Some landlords may even post detailed descriptions of the property, including room dimensions and style, making it easier to find what you're looking for.

4. Consider Older Homes or Traditional Styles

Formal dining rooms are more commonly found in older homes or those designed in a more traditional or classic style. When looking for houses for rent, focus on properties built before the 1980s, as they are more likely to have a separate dining room.

Additionally, homes with a traditional floor plan---like Colonial, Victorian, or Craftsman---often feature dedicated dining areas. If you're open to a vintage or more timeless home, consider expanding your search to these styles.

5. Leverage Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents are valuable resources when searching for rental homes with specific features. Many agents specialize in particular types of properties and may already know of rental houses with a formal dining room available. If you're working with an agent, provide them with your criteria, and they'll be able to filter properties based on your needs.

While many agents are focused on buying and selling homes, there are still some who specialize in rentals, particularly in larger cities. They can help you find homes that aren't listed online or that fit your exact specifications.

6. Check for Open Houses and Property Tours

Open houses or scheduled property tours are a great opportunity to inspect the layout and design of a home in person. When attending an open house, look for the space you're most interested in---the formal dining room. This is your chance to see if the space truly meets your expectations.

If you're unable to attend an open house, consider contacting the landlord or property manager directly to ask for a private showing. This can give you more time to evaluate the house and discuss any specifics about the dining room.

7. Focus on Larger Homes

In general, larger homes are more likely to have formal dining rooms. When searching for a house to rent, prioritize properties with three or more bedrooms, as these are more likely to offer a dining area separate from the kitchen. Homes with larger square footage tend to offer more distinct rooms, including one for dining.

8. Ask the Landlord About Modifications

If you find a rental property you love but it doesn't have a formal dining room, you might still be able to make it work. Reach out to the landlord or property manager and ask if they would allow you to set up a formal dining area within the space.

In some cases, if there's an extra room that could serve as a dining room, the landlord may be open to helping you set it up. Be prepared to present your plan to use the room solely for dining and reassure them that you'll return the space to its original condition when you move out.

9. Evaluate the Floor Plan

Some modern homes may not have a designated "formal" dining room, but they may offer an open-plan living and dining area that can easily be transformed into one. When looking at floor plans, assess how much space is available for a dining table and whether it can be positioned away from the kitchen to create a more formal atmosphere.

Additionally, many open-concept homes allow for flexible use of space, so you can incorporate your own dining setup while still maintaining a flow between the kitchen and living areas.

10. Visit the Property in Person

Finally, once you've narrowed down a few options, schedule in-person tours to inspect the properties and get a feel for the space. A formal dining room can be hard to judge based solely on photos, as some listings may not accurately capture the room's size or ambiance. Visiting the home allows you to assess the space for yourself and ensure it meets your needs.

Conclusion

Finding a rental house with a formal dining room can take a little extra effort, but it's worth it for those who love to entertain or enjoy family meals in a designated space. By utilizing online platforms, considering older homes or traditional styles, and leveraging the expertise of real estate agents, you can increase your chances of finding the perfect property. With a little patience and persistence, you'll soon be sitting down to dinner in your very own formal dining room.