On a scale of 1 to 10, it's a 10. Size is a major factor. A large home may have butler's pantry, a storage area between the kitchen and dining room. And when serving a crowd that exceeds the supply of chairs, a built-in window seat can be handy. Wainscoting and plate rails are popular decorative features, adding a formal and traditional look to a dining area.
Wainscoting also serves a practical purpose, protecting walls from dings caused by dining chairs.
Plate rails provide a place to display heirloom dishes or colorful knickknacks. Buyers often look for hardwood floors and pocket or French doors, which add an elegant look and are useful to keep pets out of the area at dinnertime. A fireplace is a rare find in a dining room, but a coveted one, as are terraces and box-beam ceilings, said The Equity Group's Walters. And a classy chandelier adds the crowning touch, whether it's the crystal variety, a vintage piece or a funky art fixture. On the market Walters is the listing agent on an Irvington-area home with a dining room that has it all.