Home / Home Decor / Dining Room Decor Ideas For a Stylish Entertaining Space

Dining Room Decor Ideas For a Stylish Entertaining Space

From holiday dinners to birthday parties, board games to family gatherings, so many important moments happen around the dinner table. It is an extension of the kitchen, the heart of the home, a simple area where memories are made and gatherings are cherished. It’s also a space that’s easily forgotten in the time spent devouring meals in front of a screen.

If your dining room table has become a messy collector’s item or is otherwise no longer a room you enjoy spending time in, it’s time for a dining room makeover. Whether simple DIY projects will do or every element needs modernizing, you can breathe new life into your dining room with these brilliant dining room decorating ideas.

1. Space saving solutions

To avoid overwhelming a small dining room, make sure your furniture and accessories are to scale. A small round table with four chairs is better than trying to fit a six-person table in a small space. Give the room a big impact with an eye-catching wallpapered accent wall and matching rug. Hang a large mirror opposite the window to double the natural light.

Banquet seating is ideal in a small dining room or kitchen breakfast nook, especially since you can use the area under the seat for storage. You can also push the table against the bench to create more floor space between meals. Throw fun pillows along the seat to add a touch of color. Check out the video below and learn how to make your own banquet or bench.

Ideas for a small dining room with a round table and wicker chairs
alanandannhomes/Instagram
small white round dining room table with wicker chairs and lampshade
cstudio_id/Instagram
small dining room wooden table, wicker chairs, music poser wall art
emzigadabo/Instagram
Rustic dining room table with four chairs and wall shelves
bygrittopearl/Instagram
white rustic kitchen, white wooden table, black and white tile floor chandelier
heaven_on_earth_toutou/Instagram
Small apartment dining table and four chairs wall mounted television
lena_bulavko/Instagram
small dining room, round dining table, four chairs, wooden floor, chandelier
londynandlavenderhome/Instagram
Rustic kitchen, dining room, vinyl flooring, barn door, dining table and four chairs
orchidcottagesav/Instagram
Small gray dining room with window corner, rectangular table with seating
railviewhome/Instagram
small wooden dining room table, three gray chairs, photo wall art
renovating_thegrainstore/Instagram
small modern dining room, round dining table, four gray chairs, wall mounted television
themccraehome/Instagram

2. Creative table designs

In most cases, a dining table is a big investment. Make sure you measure the space and only look at table models that fit the room comfortably. Your heart may long for a long farmhouse table, but a round pedestal table might be more practical. Note that chairs don’t have to match the table and mixing/matching different styles of chairs is a fun way to give the room an eclectic feel.

Dress up your table with placemats or a runner and an eye-catching centerpiece. A simple arrangement of candles and greenery can suffice or opt for a more traditional floral arrangement. Display beautiful apothecary jars on a narrow tray or display a collection of succulents in colorful ceramic pots.

Simple dining table, mismatched chairs, candles, flowers
home_at_tye_view/Instagram
modern open kitchen, dining room, bedroom, round table with glass top, four chairs, barn door
katie_gelsheimer_home/Instagram
long wooden dining table, high ceilings, chandelier, concrete floor
liz_greco_energy/Instagram
small round dining table chandelier
mrbdesignsinc/Instagram
Country house style dining room table, elaborate candles and wooden dog candle holder
oklahliving/Instagram
Vintage wooden dining table with six chairs, gray walls, floor carpet
patpankowinteriors/Instagram
Large white dining table, round table, striped chairs, patterned floor carpet, pink curtains
stefanasilver/Instagram

3. Light up the dining area

A beaded chandelier can help soften the lines of a modern dining room. For maximum lighting and decorative effect, combine the light sources for the dining room. Recessed ceiling lights, a dangling chandelier or pendant, and a table lamp or two add a natural glow to the room.

What you choose as your main lighting fixture will be one of the room ideas that makes the biggest impression. Avoid the temptation to go small when deciding what to hang above the table.

Rustic or farmhouse decorations often include a light-filled ladder holder above the dining table. Find out how to make a ladder light yourself in the video below.

Cabin seating, wooden table, unique stained glass lights
1.more_.latte_/Instagram
small modern dining room table with black table and chairs, Sputnik chandelier
aps_design/Instagram
Minimalist dining room, long table and chairs, Sputnik chandelier
Builtforone/Instagram
Hexagonal country house style dining room light
cassandradesign/Instagram
Rustic white dining room vintage table, mismatched chairs, pendant lights
habitarteco/Instagram
Country house style living room table and four chairs, three ball ceiling lights
kali_weiseberger/Instagram
modern open kitchen, dining and living room, round glass table, unique ceiling light
kimberleyhomes/Instagram
Minimalist dining room rug with long rectangular table and vintage chandelier
lauren.ramirez.atx_/Instagram
small dining room, white table and chairs, white cabinet, Sputnik chandelier
miss_izzabel/Instagram
Farmhouse dining room table and four chairs, potted plants, cat
ourlittlewhitecottages/Instagram
Simple wooden dining room table bench
rose_x_lake_design/Instagram
Country style living and dining room, wooden cupboard, dining table and chairs, chandelier
stylized nest/Instagram
Rustic dining table and chairs, lamps, chandeliers
the.casey_.cottage/Instagram
Farmhouse Dining Room Christmas Tree Unique Ceiling Lights
thefunkgypsy/Instagram

4. Stylish wall decoration

A classic dining room wall decor effect is to hang the wainscoting up to the height of the chair rail. Replace traditional wainscoting panels with beadboards in a vacation home or beach house. Use horizontal shiplap for a farmhouse look, either below the chair rail or on an entire accent wall. Hang a statement wallpaper on a wall to add texture and color without overwhelming the space.

The decor you choose for the dining room walls will allow you to showcase your personality. For an eclectic vibe, hang a selection of shallow baskets or colorful plates from around the world. Choose a large painting that depicts your favorite things, or frame a series of paintings or photographs for a gallery wall. Don’t forget the power that mirrors have to expand your space and reflect natural light.

Modern wooden dining room table and chair with black ceiling lights
colux.fargeoglys/Instagram
Modern wooden dining table and chairs with pear painting, ceiling lights
deco_azul_handmade/Instagram
Two-tone black and white vintage dining room table with peacock motif
georginashomedecor/Instagram
Small dining room bench seating pattern wallpaper, circular ceiling light with gold accent
mkecabinetry/Instagram
modern dining room pattern fabric chairs wooden table abstract ceiling light
susansemmelmanninteriors/Instagram
modern dining room with wooden table, framed wall art, gray accent wall
thegosfordmama/Instagram
Pattern wallpaper, small table and two chairs, tiled floor
ttileceramics/Instagram

5. Enjoy rustic charm

A rustic or industrial dining room features distressed wood surfaces, lots of metal accents, and repurposed items. Exposed brick works well in a rustic design, whether it’s bare or whitewashed. A large stacked stone fireplace can be the anchor point in a large rustic dining room. Stained or painted wood trim also works well as an accent wall or on all four walls.

Cover the ceiling with wood paneling or add faux wood beams to a high ceiling. A dining table with a bench on one side fits a rustic, casual interior design concept. Keep window treatments simple, e.g. E.g. wooden blinds or shutters instead of soft curtains.

Rustic dining room glass bottle vases with flowers
armywife_lyfe/Instagram
Rustic White Dining Room Wooden Dining Table Planter Decoration Chandelier
designsbyashleyknie/Instagram
Rustic dining room wooden table and chairs, bench, cabinets, candles, potted plants, animal fur floor carpet
homestylesllc/Instagram
Rustic dining room, vintage wooden table, mismatched chairs, white pattern floor carpet chandelier
jmilesdesign/Instagram
small rustic wooden dining room table, chairs and chandelier
moncurfab4/Instagram
Rustic dining room wooden table with framed wall art hanging plant
rebeccas_rose_tinted/Instagram
Rustic dining room, vintage tablecloth, white curtains, candles, table, floral arrangement
thecoppernest/Instagram
Rustic wooden bale dining room with chairs and bench, framed wall art tile floor
waney_cottage/Instagram

6. Find a balance

“Transitional” is a word used to describe an interior design that combines traditional and contemporary finishes, materials and furniture. It’s a way to make a space more comfortable and inviting. It should reflect your personality; Therefore, the space can be as versatile or sophisticated as you desire.

A transitional dining room may have a traditional table surrounded by different style chairs. For example, combine upholstered parsonage chairs and wooden Windsor chairs and place striped fabric next to a botanical print. In most cases, the transition design is based on a neutral color scheme. This helps create a calm atmosphere and allows the unique lines of each piece to shine.

Transitional dining room, wooden table, white chairs, gold chandelier
ahrdesign/Instagram
Transitional dining room wooden table and chairs with high back, potted plant chandelier
alidolkz/Instagram
Large transitional dining room, long dining table, gray chairs, marble fireplace, chandelier
azhdar.design/Instagram
Transitional Dining Room Table with Teapots Abstract Canvas Wall Art Chandelier
chicaandjo/Instagram
Transitional dining room, low chandelier, gray dining table, blue chairs
karla_trincanell_int.decisions/Instagram
Rustic wooden dining room table, black chairs and cabinet chandelier
little_eclectic_home/Instagram
Brick accent wall, dining room, vintage table and chairs, chandelier, wall mirror
nikolestarrinteriors/Instagram
Luxury dining room, glass chandelier, gray table and chairs, marble kitchen
Projectors_design/Instagram

7. Slim and chic

A modern dining room is a study in minimalism. The chair and table lines in the dining room are angular and strong, there is no clutter and the color is reserved for strategic accents. Modern room ideas focus on making the room functional and simple.

If you prefer mid-century modern style, a glossy white pedestal table surrounded by colorful Eames chairs is for you. Corner benches were also popular in the 1950s and 60s and are well suited for a small dining area. Hang a starburst clock and retro artwork to complete the mid-century vibe.

Modern dining room, black table, gray chairs, mirrored wall
alxinteriors/Instagram
Modern dining room, blue walls, white ceiling, hammock, Sputnik chandelier, dining table and chairs
down_and_decor/Instagram
Modern gray dining table and chairs, chandelier, gold candlestick
kristen.mayfield/Instagram
Modern dining table and chairs with exposed beam ceiling chandelier
molliemakesitpretty/Instagram
modern open kitchen, dining and living room, white L-shaped wall partition, gray couch, wooden dining table and patterned fabric chairs
studio_aplusd/Instagram
Large modern white dining room and kitchen table with wooden table and red floor carpet
tawaandraven/Instagram
Modern white and gray dining room bench, bench, sofa, tiled floor, white chairs
theglobehq/Instagram
Modern dining room, wine cellar, glass door, Sputnik chandelier
whisperkool/Instagram

8. Harmonic integration

If you have an open floor plan, it can open up new dining room ideas. While many prefer the two room ideas to flow seamlessly together, others prefer using a different flooring or color to identify each room. You could build a dark wood platform to raise the dining table a step higher than the living room. Or place an eye-catching rug under the table to visually separate the rooms.

A low bookcase can mark the boundary between the dining and living areas, or the back of the sofa can work too. If continuity is your goal, use the same color schemes in the living room and dining room. Look for a dining table chandelier that matches the metal of your living room lamps or furniture. If you have a dark wood dining table top, use the same wood color for the mantel or coffee table in the living room.

Open plan dining and living room, stone fireplace, vintage chandelier
athomewithbrandy/Instagram
large living room, floorboards, white table and chairs, mustard-colored sofa
Autumnhacheydesign/Instagram
Dining table and chairs, blue themed table decoration, sea view
breakawayvacationproperties/Instagram
Simple basement room, brown table and chairs, couch, large TV
cambridge_cr/Instagram
Retro open plan living room, pool floral wall art, round table and chairs
colleenmagana/Instagram
Beige living room, dining room, glass top, table, sofa, wall shelf, floor lamp
designersroom.co_/Instagram
White living room in country house style, round table, bench, chandelier
edelweiss_home/Instagram
large open dining and living room, marble floor, wooden terrace with bench, gray couch
prashant_bhat_photography/Instagram
open plan kitchen, living room, wooden dining table, gray sofa and chairs, floorboards
taskdevelopment/Instagram

9. Seamless Blend

If your kitchen and dining room are open-plan, this presents some design challenges. It can also make decorating easier because your design style and color scheme can flow seamlessly between the two zones. If you have chosen a distinctive color in the kitchen, repeat it in your dining room ideas. For example, look for green upholstered dining chairs to match a green kitchen island.

In a smaller home or apartment, you may not even have a separate dining room. If your dining table and chairs must be in a breakfast nook or eat-in kitchen, a more casual approach to the dining room is usually best. You can still achieve continuity by choosing the same style of bar stools and table chairs and coordinating your choice of rugs and curtains.

White farmhouse chandelier for the glass top dining table in the kitchen
allthingshome_by_patricia/Instagram
Stylish small black kitchen tile floor wooden table potted plants
behind_door_one_four/Instagram
white and gray open kitchen, dining room bench with seating, small bar pendant lights
bella_valley_home/Instagram
elegant open kitchen, dining room, gray wall tiles, vintage table and chairs, chandelier
caseyevesdesign/Instagram
High ceiling, kitchen, dining room, vinyl flooring in white and gray tones
emakowichuk/Instagram
Red kitchen cabinet, marble bar, wooden floor
evelin_home_and_life/Instagram
modern kitchen, dining room, wooden table, marble bar, fruit arrangement
fitzgeraldsinteriors/Instagram
Modern kitchen, marble backsplash, gray cabinets, wooden table and chairs
grappenhallkitchens/Instagram
Modern kitchen, dining room, marble countertops, white brick accent dining table with chairs
hardwarehomewaredesigns/Instagram
rustic white kitchen, red curtains, vintage table and chairs, wooden floors, hanging pots
littlehouseonpurpose/Instagram
Simple rustic kitchen dining room table breakfast bench subway tile backsplash
roomofbloom/Instagram
Kitchen, dining room, long dining table with gray chairs, fold-out windows, tiled floor
Rydertowers/Instagram
bright open kitchen and dining room, white cabinets and glass island table
serenberealestate/Instagram
small white wall hanger with table and chairs for potted plants
small.flat_.ideas_/Instagram
Country house style kitchen, blue skirting board, island bench, floorboards
thewrightkitchen/Instagram

10. Enjoy contemporary flair

A modern dining room retains some of the formality of a traditional dining room while exuding a distinctly fresh vibe. White or gray walls are common, accompanied by furniture in a variety of neutral colors. Dining tables and chairs have curved edges and softer lines than in modern design. Textures are welcome in a modern dining room, but clutter is not.

Keep your modern dining area simple but impressive by focusing on specific pieces that make an impact. For example, hang a slightly oversized metal light fixture with lines that repeat the shape of your dining room chair’s details. While the overall color scheme should be neutral, a pop of color is appropriate, be it a touch of cherry red or a calming streak of sage green.

Modern dining room bench, seat chandelier, chandelier
ceemcee31/Instagram
Modern dining room, marble table top, abstract wall art, city view
jeffrey_parker_interiors/Instagram
Modern kitchen and dining room, white wooden dining table and chairs, blue cabinet, vinyl floor
ourmodernfarmhousebuild/Instagram
small dining room, long black dining table with two-tone wood chairs and black floor carpet on the walls
therugtruck/Instagram

11. Timeless elegance

The appeal of a traditional dining room is timeless. While many modern homes forego a separate dining room, it’s entirely appropriate to create a space where memories can be made around the table. Their inviting formality makes your guests feel special in a way that isn’t possible in open spaces.

A traditional dining room is the perfect place to display inherited or found antiques. Toile and plant prints are traditional fabrics for cushions, curtains or artwork. Leather accent chairs ensure solid masculine strength. Muted colors create calm, while crystal and metal accessories highlight the room with subtle sparkle.

Sparse wall mirror with vintage table and chairs for dining room
_the_mistake_workshop/Instagram
Rustic dining room wall shelves, vintage wooden table and chairs, floor carpet
alittle_bitof_alldecor/Instagram
Traditional wooden dining table with flowers in vase, low hanging chandelier
amyelizabethgoodman/Instagram

12. Blankets that inspire

From top to bottom, your dining room ceiling has the potential to take your dining room from ordinary to exquisite. Accentuate existing ceiling or ceiling fixtures with wood or mirror panels. You can add recessed lighting or draw attention to the ceiling by painting it a different color. A coffered ceiling is a classic dining room feature that benefits from a contrasting paint color.

Textures draw the eye to the ceiling. They can also help improve your overall design scheme. If you feel like doing a DIY project, add beadboard paneling and/or exposed beams to the ceiling. Cover a simple popcorn ceiling with antique ceiling tiles. Home improvement centers sell a variety of faux tin ceiling materials that are easy to make yourself, as shown in the video below.

Wooden ceiling, LED lights, dining table, polished floor
Lighting Paths/Instagram
Rustic kitchen made of wood and white cabinets, black backsplash, recessed ceiling
my_hygge_my_home/Instagram
small wooden dining table and chairs with exposed beam ceiling fan
qchinteriors/Instagram

13. Increase the atmosphere in the dining room

Any type of window treatment that suits your style will work in the dining room. Dining room curtain ideas usually involve some sort of layering. A country-style dining room might have flowing white curtains over rolling bamboo shades, while a more elegant dining room might have sheer curtains under darker, solid curtain panels.

A bold choice of curtains will help make a large dining room feel cozier. If you have an open floor plan where the kitchen and living room are open to the dining area, make sure your curtains complement the entire room. While it’s okay to use a different type of window treatment in this scenario, try to repeat the overall colors and textures in each area.

Dining room pattern curtains, long table and chairs, chandelier
gotchacoveredofparkcities/Instagram
Modern dining room, gray curtains, round table with chairs, Sputnik chandelier
smithericksondesigns/Instagram
small corner table and chairs, floral curtains, framed floral wall art
sweetiedeervintage/Instagram
Wooden table and bench, dining room pattern, floor carpet, wall art
thetennesseehome/Instagram

14. More dining room ideas

Abstract dining room chandelier with green columns and curved roof
aumarchitects/Instagram
Vintage Dining Room Wooden Table Fireplace Bookshelf Sputnik Chandelier
cara.co_/Instagram
modern wooden dining room table, white chairs, bench, white kitchen cabinets, red wall clock
christyforandesign/IInstagram
Farmhouse Dining Room Wall Mirror Table Decorations
fallons.homestead/Instagram
Boho dining room, large wall mirror, wicker chair, dining table and chairs, potted plants
iamarchetype_collective/Instagram
Modern floor carpet with dining room table and six chairs
life.with_.marion/Instagram
Vintage dining room table, black chairs and cabinets, wooden floor, bats on wall shelves
oops.i.dunn_.it_.again_/Instagram
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