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Decorating ideas for formal dining room


51 Formal Dining Room Ideas With Tips And Accessories To Help You Design Yours

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Sure, we take snacks at the kitchen island and light lunches in the dining nook, but there’s nothing quite like laying the table in a formal dining room to really set a festive mood. The formal dining room may be used frequently by a large family or mainly for momentous get-togethers and special holidays, but always for making memories. With that in mind, this room deserves a special kind of attention. It should be a space that feels magnetic, to draw family members and friends to it and make them want to linger awhile. This collection of 51 formal dining room ideas provides inspiration, tips and accessories to help you design yours.

Define your best features. This formal dining space draws attention to a set of elegant arched window frames by using a defining black paint finish that contrasts dramatically against soft white surroundings.

Use screens to set the scene. These arched window frames are softened by fine lattice screens, which lightly shade the influx of natural sunlight to make a mellow mood. The modern dining chairs bring in contrast to the scheme with their deeper shades.

Eclectic glamour and golden accents. Assorted upholstery covers these dining chairs with creative, eclectic flair, whilst gold coloured accent pieces introduce a luxe aesthetic.

Ensure even distribution of light. In large spaces with long dining tables, it‘s important to supply good light to the diners situated at each end of the table. These two elongated sputnik chandeliers spread illumination far and wide.

Earth colours. Despite their formality, chic dining rooms can still feel connected to nature. Select rich earth colours to complement a lush garden view and elevate with metallic accents, like this eye-catching golden circle chandelier.

Anchoring light installations. In an open plan living room arrangement, anchor a formal eating area with a commanding light installation like this cluster of unique dining room pendants.

Create neat zoning with a dining room rug. Flatweave rugs provide an island of colour and differential texture beneath an open plan dining room. Choose machine-washable options for easy maintenance.

Disrupt stuffy appearances with unexpected colour. Bring formal dining room schemes into the modern realm by introducing randomly interspersed accent chairs, multicoloured chandeliers, and colour-blocked paint effects.

Dripping with wealth. Nothing takes a sophisticated dining room design more upmarket than a fabulously oversized crystal chandelier–except maybe a classical work of sculpture. If you’re going all out, one of each makes a winning combination.

Clear foundations. Lighten the presence of your dining suite in an open concept by selecting a table or chairs with a clear acrylic or glass base.

Luxurious layers. Patterned dining chairs, floor-to-ceiling display shelves, an oversized chandelier, statement art, and a deeply textured feature wall all come together to create a feast for the eyes.

Ethereal eating areas. Crisp white drapes, clean white walls, and rose gold accents style a heavenly dining room decor scheme. A delicate dining room chandelier diffuses the light like wisps of cloud across the sun.

A great place for a piano. Whether it’s just to build a look of grandeur or to perform at an after dinner soiree, a piano makes an impressive and entertaining addition.

Living the high life. Draw attention to a high dining room ceiling with attractive wood panelling. Accentuate tall and narrow alcoves to further stretch the vertical plane.

Delicate additions. Slender slices of white marble and metallic strips thread between bookmatched wooden boards to create an exquisite feature wall. Decorative mirrors and a blossom-like chandelier add bright overlays.

Create your own architectural interest. If you want to get in on the arch trend, you don’t have to move home or rebuild. Fashion a partial arch with a custom-made, open-sided bookcase, which can work double duty as a light permeable room divider. The mid century modern dining table and chairs feel right at home against the arching backdrop.

Bring balance to decorative neoclassical settings with a simple, modern dining set. The decorative intricacies of classical boiserie should not have to compete for their rightful limelight.

Be there or be square. A square dining table is great for keeping conversation between the whole group whilst seating couples evenly side by side.

Be bold in black and white. It’s simple, it’s crisp, and most of all it’s highly effective.

The bespoke lighting plan. Mini pendant lights can be clustered or aligned to make a focal lighting feature that is as large or as small as you desire.

Create a courtyard connection. Art is nice, but Mother Nature’s own creation is unbeatable.

Curate a sculptural focal point with artistic dining room pendant lights.

When the table isn’t set for diners, it should be made presentable for the rest of the day. Decorative trays and bowls make simple centrepieces that are easily removed when meal times roll around once more.

Symmetrical style. Not only do these luxe gold wall sconces complement a stunning central light fixture, but they evenly flank a fabulous feature wall and gold trimmed buffet. Tufted accent chairs place a pop of mirrored colour at either end of the table.

Bask under skylights. This glass ceiling treatment allows sunlight to illuminate the warmth of woodtone panels behind an integrated bookcase.

Play with scale. If there is only space for a small dining set, make the area into a larger statement with a sprawling modern light fixture.

Create visual stops in a centrally situated dining space. Use striking storage units and mature indoor plants to slow the eye from gliding straight past.

Exaggerate a round dining set with a much larger round rug, the combination will create a visual pull toward the centre of the arrangement.

A striped rug contributes easy interest to a plain dining room decor scheme. Select a wireframe pendant light shade to complement the linear pattern.

Areas of attraction. It doesn’t take a lot to elevate a small dining area; select just one piece of 3D wall art and a striking modern fireplace to completely transform the essence of the room.

Where natural light doesn’t quite make it from the windows to the table, install high-gloss floor tiles to help light reflections travel.

Marvellous marble. Marble tables, artistic marble focal walls, and marbled rugs, we love them all.

Instate a stately dining room design with not just one but several exquisite chandeliers. Follow up with deeply decorative crown moulding, boiserie, gilded mirrors, and sensational dining chairs.

Colour kissed. Whilst boiserie remains under a graceful cloak of white, upholstered dining chairs and a floral mural add just a kiss of teal.

Counteract the linearity of a wainscot or boiserie panelled room with a round dining table and curved dining chairs. In this example, a modern buffet unit continues the curvaceous motif.

Be inspired by art, like this abstract, red accent dining room. The modern dining table and red chairs play their part beautifully in the overall setup.

Complement your architecture. Airy, open plan layouts and light filled dining areas require sizeable furniture sets, otherwise nothing makes sense to the eye. Team with a large area rug and a substantial buffet to amp up the impact.

Green, gold and glamorous. Emerald green dining chairs set a rich aesthetic alongside gold framed mirrors and a luxurious gold-trimmed sideboard.

White stone and simple lines fashion a formal minimalist dining room.

Where formal dining rooms are attached to the kitchen, create a cohesive flow with similar materials and complementary tones.

Sapphire accents, spectacular modern chandeliers, and marble flooring make striking companions for the counteractive industrial properties of a raw concrete feature wall.

Widen the dining party staging area with a double-width wooden dining table and a complementary wood slatted ceiling.

A racetrack shaped dining table will put your room bang on trend. Accompany the trendy furniture piece with equally curvaceous chairs and gently rounded alcoves.

Hitting on another popular trend, rattan dining chairs aren’t only for relaxed boho settings. Match this earthy aesthetic with a high-end table and designer pendant lights to retain an air of elegant formality.

Wooden dining chairs and tables sit well in industrial surroundings where they achieve a warming effect on cool metal elements, exposed brickwork, and raw concrete.

Look up. The view just gets better and better with atmospherically illuminated ceiling beams and a pool of overlapping circle chandeliers.

Grounded in grey, this suave dining room design is boosted by decorative wall mirrors, large light installations, and the iconic Easy Chair by Pierre Jeanneret.

Ruby red accents, art relics, and rounded motifs shape a unique dining room design with a deep allure. Luxurious Platner chairs surround the glass top dining table.

Let amazing views do the talking, and keep dining furniture on the down-low.

Choose one standout piece to mould your dining area. The white dining table stands out against the black chairs.

Pick an off-beat hue to give your dining room individuality and go all-out.

1. Upholstered dining chair 2. Platner dining chair 3. Wegner style chair 4. Sputnik chandelier 5. Long dining table 6. Tear drop dining pendant lights 7. Dining vase 8. Decorative mirror 9. Rug


Recommended Reading:  51 Luscious Luxury Dining Rooms Plus Tips And Accessories For Decorating Yours

For more dining room decor ideas, visit: 51 Dining Room Decor Ideas To Elevate Meal Times

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10 Formal Dining Room Ideas from Top Designers

In this age of rushed breakfasts and dinners parked in front of the TV, it’s easy to argue that a formal dining room is superfluous. And while we’ll concede that it’s not an everyday space (no one has time for multicourse meals seven nights a week!), its value as an entertaining hub shouldn’t be overlooked. Plus when your dining room is as beautifully decorated as the rest of your home, you might find yourself whipping out the good china little more often.

Here we’re peeking into the dining rooms of 10 top designers. As we head into entertaining season, let these swoon-worthy spaces inspire a refresh.

Photo by Erica George-Dines

Suzanne Kasler’s Quiet Elegance

Designer Suzanne Kasler is celebrated for her serenely elegant aesthetic, and the dining room of her own Atlanta home captures that signature sensibility flawlessly. A soft palette allows the luxurious details, including custom de Gournay wallpaper, mirrored molding at the cornice line, and silk curtains, to stand front and center.

Idea to steal: Station extra chairs around the edges of the room to give guests with a place to perch during cocktail hour—and to provide additional seating for larger dinner parties (the more the merrier!). They should coordinate with your main dining chairs but don’t need to match exactly.

Shop all dining chairs →

Photo by Lesley Unruh

Michelle Adams’s Collected Cool

Michelle Adams’s Michigan home reflects that masterful mix of styles we love so much. Her version is a place where European antiques live happily alongside California-cool accents. With its mismatched chairs, eclectic artwork, and cultivated collections on display, the dining room blends seamlessly with the other rooms in the house.

Idea to steal: Show off your favorite dishes and serveware by artfully arranging them in a glass-front cabinet or an open hutch. Not only will this add to the collected vibe of the space, but it’ll also allow for easy access to your entertaining essentials.

Shop all cabinets →

Photo by Manuel Rodriguez

Jeffrey Bilhuber’s Historic Charm

The dining room of designer and master entertainer Jeffrey Bilhuber is exactly as you would imagine it: immaculately appointed, perfectly suited for entertaining crowds both large and small, and brimming with his signature dose of heirloom furnishings, rich color, and Americana charm.

Idea to steal: Eschew the standard set of dining chairs for a mix-and-match collection, as Jeffrey does here. A pair of upholstered chairs at the ends of the table help unify the look.

Learn how to master the mismatched dining chair look →

Photo by Tony Vu

Jane Scott Hodges’s Refined Warmth

Luxury-linens maven Jane Scott Hodges outfitted the dining room of her New Orleans home in a rich plum grass-cloth wallpaper, an antique chandelier, and a multitude of traditional textiles. It’s a formal yet approachable look—one perfectly befitting the consummate Southern hostess.

Idea to steal: Jane Scott cuts the formality of the space by pulling up a settee on one side of the table in lieu of chairs. “We’re a little cozy,” she says. “But for me, it’s about taking it down a notch and remembering that it’s about the experience for everybody else and not about appearances or perfection.”

Shop all settees →

Photo by Tony Vu

Bunny Williams’s Classic Grace

Bunny Williams’s dining room exudes everything she’s celebrated for as a grande dame of American interior design: effortless elegance, inviting warmth, and style that transcends trends.

Idea to steal: If your dining room is square, try a round table instead of a rectangular one. It will complement the room’s proportions and bring in an elegant curve, all while encouraging cozy conversation.

Shop round dining tables →

Photo by Nicole LaMotte

Hutton Wilkinson’s Major Maximalism

As the protégé of Tony Duquette, Hutton Wilkinson is not one for small gestures when it comes to design. This ethos extends to the dining room of Hutton’s L.A. home, which is—to say the very least—spectacularly outfitted, brimming with rich color and carefully curated antiques from around the world.

Idea to steal: Pick a theme and go all-out. Here, Hutton focused the design around Venetian (the chairs, the candlesticks, the paintings) and Chinese (the rug, the lacquer accents) antiques to give the space its lavish aplomb.

Shop chinoiserie →

Photo by Nicole LaMotte

Photo by Nicole LaMotte

Timothy Corrigan’s Dramatic Moment

Timothy Corrigan has a rule when it comes to the dining room: Go big and make a statement. “I feel that there are three rooms in a house where you can really go for broke and go for big drama: the entrance hall, a formal dining room, and a powder room,” the designer says. “The thing that they all have in common is that none of those are rooms that you stay in that long. I don’t find high-drama rooms, for the most part, that comfortable to live in over a sustained period of time, but in those three rooms, you can make a big statement. ”

Idea to steal: Dishes and serveware aren’t the only accessories that can live in a dining room. Outfit yours with books to bring a collected, literary sense to the space—the perfect setting for a convivial dinner party among friends.

Shop all books →

Photo by Tony Vu

Amanda Nisbet’s Ladylike Glamour

“I just don’t think that any colors don’t go together,” proclaims designer Amanda Nisbet. “There isn’t a color I don’t like.” This fearless philosophy is expertly displayed in Amanda’s own dining room, where bold hues are paired with glamorous gilded accents to create a space that feels both fashionable and fun.

Idea to steal: Follow Amanda’s lead by going bold with your color pairings in the dining room. Since it’s not a space you’ll use every day, it’s the perfect place to push the envelope.

Get even more color inspiration →

Photo by Tony Vu

Madcap Cottage’s Patterned Panache

Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke, the duo behind design firm Madcap Cottage, are true pros when it comes to decorating with pattern. Case in point: their ebullient dining room, outfitted in five prints to create a look that feels high-spirited—and yes, a little madcap.

Idea to steal: Don’t be afraid to go big—really big—when it comes to pattern. The trick to making it work is sticking with a core palette of three or four colors that weave a thread of continuity throughout.

See more tips for decorating with bold patterns →

Photo by Joe Schmelzer

Photo by Joe Schmelzer

Mark D. Sikes’s New Take on Tradition

Mark D. Sikes doesn’t do a lot of formal entertaining in his dining room, instead using it as a place to sit and get work done. And it’s quite the inspiring space to be productive, designed in Mark’s signature new-traditional look: a blue, white, and neutral palette, polished furnishings, and character-rich antiques. (And if he does decide to entertain, the space is certainly more than capable!)

Idea to steal: Maximize the light in your dining room by lining the walls with mirrors, which will bounce sunlight into the space during the day and play up the candlelit drama at night.

Shop all mirrors →

21 dining rooms decorated for Christmas

Decorate your dining room with festive joy! (Lowe's Home Improvement)

It's only a few days until the holidays and you haven't decorated your house yet? Many do not have time to think over Christmas decor in advance, but even at the last minute, great options can be created.

First of all, you need to pay attention to the rooms that give the greatest visual effect when decorating. This is the place where you spend a lot of time with family and friends - the dining room! After all, she is always at the head of our holiday plans.

The readers of the Design Museum saw a lot of Christmas decorations. But often, when decorating rooms, the area near the dining table is overlooked from our field of vision.

But this place can make any family dinner magical. These 21 inspiring designs will show you how to create a table wonder in different styles:

Fun and Modern

So your home is filling with joy as you prepare for the holidays. It is not necessary to use bright trinkets in the traditional manner of green and red flowers, bright garlands and lights in the decor. There are many other ways to decorate rooms and keep the spirit of celebration.

Recent trends are towards alternative uses for conifers. Scandinavian-style dining rooms are the most popular now. An interesting design can be modern Christmas decorations used in a room furnished in a traditional way.

For those who love innovation: festive decorations and frescoes on the walls! (Regina Gust Designs)

Sleek and contemporary dining room with shimmering Christmas tree (LUX Design)

Think sparkling cascading chandeliers that perfectly mimic the glitz and charm of Christmas tree decorations. Such additional elements will delight you for more than one season.

Use mistletoe; even a few random Christmas decorations and candles carefully placed around the space can brighten up your dining room for the holidays!

Scandinavian style design for a progressive dining area (30smagazine/Photo by Louise de Miranda)

A dazzling chandelier will add snowy charm to the dining area (Mindi Frang Designs)

Ornaments will add a festive atmosphere to the dining room (the gudhouse company)

A cheerful dining area in an eclectic setting Style (Lowe's Home Improvement)

All about wood!

Have you thought about adding a Christmas tree to the dining room? This option is for those who have enough space in the room where the whole family gathers for a gala dinner.

Why enhance the Christmas atmosphere with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree that will be the center of everyone's attention? Even if you don't have an empty corner for this purpose, you can move a closet or remove a couple of extra chairs to make room for a holiday tree!

Add Christmas tree charm to the dining room [Design: Dawn Hearn Interior Design]

Fabulous Christmas Ornaments for Contemporary Decor (AMR Design)

Stunning Dining Room Decorated for Christmas (SAJ Designs)

Even those with a smaller dining room can easily embrace the idea of ​​a Christmas tree. It is enough to place a small spruce or even tree branches on the table to create a dazzling center of attraction for all eyes.

Whatever the style or color palette of your dining room, a Christmas tree will easily elevate the holiday spirit.

Large dining room with wonderful Christmas decorations (Susie Watson Designs)

Decorating the dining room in gold is so festive! (Regina Gust Designs)

Cozy rustic dining area (Teakwood Builders)

Embrace the beauty of a white Christmas! (Michelle)

Lighting, decor and more

No matter how your dining room is decorated for the holidays, all efforts will be in vain without solemn lighting. At Christmas, be sure to light a few candles, even if you have enough electric lamps, sconces, etc.

Candles will help create a truly fabulous atmosphere, and if it's snowing outside, they will add even more magic. Decorate your mantel (if you have one) with the overall style and color scheme of your table setting.

Dazzling Mediterranean-style Christmas dining room (Spallina Interiors)

Brilliant use of garlands to decorate the mantel (Photo: Rikki Snyder)

Skillfully placed holiday wreaths add to the celebration (Photo: Mary Prince Photography)

From the porch to the kitchen, and from the dining room to the bedroom, the Christmas spirit fills the whole house. You can be sure that these beautifully decorated interiors will be an excellent instruction on how to decorate rooms for the holiday.

Add some color and fun to your living room (Mindi Freng Designs)

Natural Christmas Dining Table (Laurel Ulland Architecture)

Rustic Family Dining Room (DA Interiors)

A Simple and Effective Way to Decorate a Dining Space for Christmas ( Jill Asher

New Year's interior

DIY table decorations for the holiday

Succulents and candles from Green Wedding Shoes will create a stunning accessory for the celebration

Do you want to decorate a festive meal? At present, among a wide range of products, it is extremely difficult for many homeowners to choose products for a beautiful table setting.

In today's story on the portal Design Museum , we will show our readers several options for transforming the dining room that you can do yourself. The good news is that they don't require sewing!

Painted napkins

Let's start with unique accessories made with paint! In the photo, your attention is shown burlap, decorated in rich colors! Make your own with a stencil and masking tape.

Burlap by Bespoke Bride

A similar item in two-tone finish will fit perfectly into the decoration of any apartment. Get some canvas and paint it using a stencil. You will definitely love this project for its delightful and easy implementation process.

Interesting item from A Beautiful Mess

Inspired by a subtle polka dot pattern, this piece of art will fit perfectly into any interior design. Make this unique masterpiece with snow-white fabric and blue color scheme!

Unusual model by Charm

Have you ever tried painting with bleach? When using this chemical on a dark fabric, you will get a stunning contrast pattern. Using improvised and uncomplicated materials, and a simple eraser, you can bring a phenomenal project to life.

Painted Doilies by Cosas Bonitas

This exceptional item from 100 Layer Cake features black triangles applied to muslin fabric. And as a stamp, you can use vinyl flooring. Pay attention to the photo on the left, which shows an unusual expressive ornament that can fill the atmosphere with brightness.

Geometric Pattern by 100 Layer Cake

Vibrant Felt Placemats

This stationery is easy to cut and comes in rich colors that can easily brighten up home decor. To create an accessory, you will need scissors and adhesive tape.

Say Yes Rainbow Tablecloth

Bring tropical style to your living room with beautiful felted pineapples by Studio DIY for Scarves.net ! Secure these elements to the fabric with a few stitches.

Tropical Style by Studio DIY

Looking to decorate your home with a contrasting geometric style? Felt, scissors and hot glue are all you need to make this craft from Girl Loves Glam . In addition, such a tablecloth does not hang from the table, which is suitable for couples with animals and small children.

Geometric pattern by Girl Loves Glam

3D modern art pattern

The following accessories have an unusual and fantastical look. For example, Sarah Park Events & Design for Ruffled has a 3D style with geometric accents! The suction cups and magnets can be easily decorated with bamboo skewers to form an unusual and expressive installation!

Magnet Colorful Arrangement by Ruffled

You will love this artwork from Paint Stick Table Runner for Ruffled . The wooden planks were painted bright yellow and joined together with glue. The unique design can be easily stored and transported!

Yellow Plaques by Ruffled

Wooden discs look great in a composition by Studio Simons. In order to make such an unusual piece of furniture, you will need to cut the branches and glue the resulting mugs onto a sheet of felt.

Wooden tableware

This bright napkin from Design Sponge is accented with mesmerizing textures! Designed by Jessica of Miniature Rhino , this project requires embroidery to complete. But such a gorgeous and quirky product is well worth the effort.

Constellation by Design Sponge

Temporary options

These decorative accessories are great for budget apartment decoration. Talented craftsmen created this piece of decor and interior for Martha Stewart using bright paper and stencils. Vary silhouettes and designs to decorate special occasions!

Vibrant Tablecloth by Martha Stewart

This napkin by Ampersand Design Studio was created using paint and fabric, however you can also use craft paper to decorate your next party:

Geometric Ornament by Ampersand Design Studio

Living decorative element has a fresh and expressive appearance. In addition, you can give the installation a modern look by choosing unique, unpretentious plants such as succulents.

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