How to decor my dining room

65 Best Dining Room Decor Ideas

We’ve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Lighting fixtures, paint colors and tabletop decor fit for every interior, from modern to rustic.

By Monique Valeris and Alyssa Gautieri

Updated: Dec 20, 2022

Sara Ligorria-Tramp

A space dedicated to good food and great conversation, the dining room is an essential part of any family home — whether you have a small dining room that's outfitted with a cozy banquette or a formal design with a sophisticated dining set. From simple upgrades to full-on renovations, we've rounded up gorgeous dining room decor ideas that make meal time more enjoyable.

Considering you'll spend hours at a time gathered with friends and family in the dining room, the best decorative pieces should tell a story and strike up conversation. For that reason, accessorize a dining room with statement lighting, stylish rugs, lively wall art (plus DIY wall decor) and striking wallpaper patterns. As for dressing your dining table, you can't go wrong with luxurious candles, impressive centerpieces and fresh greens. If you're looking for a budget-friendly DIY project, you can create a gallery wall, revamp old furniture or give your walls a fresh coat of paint (note: these colors are trending).

There are so many directions to take, whether you're partial to the farmhouse aesthetic, crafting sleek spaces or you're hoping to bring some of the best 2023 design trends into your interior (hint: warm woods, gold accents and statement rugs are popular this year). Since most people swap their tabletop decor as the seasons change, we've sprinkled in ideas for Thanksgiving place settings, cozy holiday table arrangements and DIY centerpiece ideas that are fitting for spring.

Lauren Miller

1 of 65

Antique Decor

Accumulate vintage pieces to make a space feel unique, whether it's with furniture (like dining chairs and a hutch) or decorative items (like vases and a rug). "I love that antiques tell a story," says designer Ashley Montgomery.

Courtesy of Ruggable

2 of 65

Black Wall Paneling

A black-and-white palette doesn't have to be boring. Warm wood tones and an oversized patterned rug from Ruggable complement dramatic black wall paneling.

Sara Ligorria-Tramp

3 of 65

Pattern Dining Bench

Here, designer Arlyn Hernandez starts with a bold dining bench and Farrow & Ball's Inchyra Blue for the walls. Then she brings the space together with light leather dining chairs, a textured rug and wood dining table from Article.

See more at Style by Emily Henderson »

MEGAN MOURA

4 of 65

Natural Textures

With an oak dining set and two oversized pendants, this Honolulu home embraces natural materials and a coastal feel.

SHOP PENDANTS

Prue Ruscoe, Taverne Agency

5 of 65

Pop of Red

Use your dining chairs to bring in color (we love the red), then add other complementary hues with an area rug and artwork.

Jill Weller

6 of 65

Quartz Tabletop

Evin Krehbiel

7 of 65

Custom Centerpieces

"Take your tablescape to the next level by repurposing lanterns into custom vases for a creative centerpiece," says HomeGoods Style Expert Jenny Reimold, who fills these rattan lanterns with a mix of faux florals.

SHOP RATTEN LANTERNS

Alberto Bartolomei

8 of 65

Maximalism Design

Defined by gold accents, vibrant hues and oversized artwork, this eclectic interior proves more is more.

SHOP VASES

Boxwood Avenue

9 of 65

Reclaimed Wood Table

Go for a dining room table that takes center stage, like this historic one that's made from decades-old wood and was lightly sanded by artisans.

See more at Boxwood Avenue »

David Tsay

10 of 65

Bar Cart

Spacecrafting Photography

11 of 65

Green Touches

The small dining space in this traditional Greenwich home opens to the backyard, giving it a bright and nature-inspired feel. Woven chairs add texture, while potted plants make the perfect centerpiece.

SHOP WOVEN CHAIRS

Matt Albiani

12 of 65

Montauk Scene

Play up white shiplap walls with black-and-white art, then layer striped accessories like a runner and tablecloth for a nautical feel.

Jean Randazzo

13 of 65

Yellow-Green Accents

When used in small doses, a citrus-inspired pop of color can elevate an interior. "It’s like a punchy-colored throw pillow for the wall," says interior designer Jackie Terrell.

BROOKE HOLM

14 of 65

Hanging Planter

Not only does interior designer Jean Lin of Colony go for a globe pendant light, she also hung a planter from the ceiling. Two green vases complement the green of the fresh leaves.

SHOP HANGING PLANTER

Stacy Zarin Goldberg

15 of 65

Bright Palette

Don't shy away from experimenting with bright hues. The console's daring fuchsia shade and pastel blue dining chairs steal the show in this trendy space.

SHOP FUCHSIA PAINT

Thomas J. Story

16 of 65

Parisian Flair

Give your dining area a dose of Parisian style with a brass candelabra chandelier and bistro-style chairs.

SHOP BISTRO CHAIRS

Diana Paulson

17 of 65

Mixed Windsor Chairs

An assortment of Windsor chairs bring color and personality to this spacious dining room in Dowagiac, Michigan.

Katie Bowling/ One Delightful Home

18 of 65

Traditional Meets Vintage

Here, blogger Katie Bowling keeps a dining room's original chandelier and wainscoting, but dresses it up with a vintage-inspired gallery wall and striped dining chair covers.

Zeke Ruelas

19 of 65

Blue Walls

Navy blue walls stand out against doses of white in this Ginny Macdonald-designed dining room.

SHOP NAVY PAINT

Kim Cornelison; Design: Jenni Yolo

20 of 65

Barn House

Classic spindle chairs act as a counterpoint to an oval dining table in a light wood finish.

Jennifer Hughes

21 of 65

Thanksgiving Look

Give thanks by dressing your wood table with canary yellow plates and decking your chandelier with an attractive blend of greenery and berry branches.

Francesco Lagnese

22 of 65

Basket Gallery Wall

Gallery walls aren't just for living rooms. Bring your dining room to life with a striking arrangement full of woven baskets.

SHOP BASKETS

Miki Duisterhof

23 of 65

Blue, White and Yellow

Embrace the colors of spring and outfit your dining space with fresh pops of blue, white and yellow.

Tessa Neustadt

24 of 65

Round Dining Table

If large family gatherings aren't your style, a round dining table might be for you. It's perfect for small spaces and gives a dining space an intimate vibe.

SHOP ROUND TABLE

Brian Woodcock

25 of 65

Ranch House Dining

Dining areas, like the design in this 1980s ranch house, can benefit from contrast. Balance wood details with slipcovered chairs and industrial-style pendants to create visual appeal.

26 of 65

Mint Green Walls

If you've had enough of neutral walls, embrace a more daring hue. Consider mint green walls — a great complement for a slew of colors like white, beige and teal.

Raquel Langworthy

27 of 65

Charming Pastels

For an unexpected look, experiment with pastel hues in a dining room. Here, pale blue walls add a fresh touch to this traditional dining area.

SHOP WHITE VASES

Alyssa Rosenheck; Design: Mel Bean + Bailey Austin

28 of 65

Cozy Banquette

Embrace a relaxed vibe with a comfortable upholstered banquette that's topped with colorful throw pillows.

SHOP TULIP DINING TABLE

RELATED: How to Build a Banquette for a Cozy Space

Aaron Colussi

29 of 65

Statement Centerpieces

Go for a combination of rich red candlesticks and lush greenery for a sophisticated dining room look.

SHOP CANDLESTICKS

Raquel Langworthy

30 of 65

Coastal-Inspired

A blend of calming blue tones and warm neutrals give this dining space a coastal vibe.

36 Stunning Fireplace Decor Ideas

Monique Valeris Senior Home Editor Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital.

Alyssa Gautieri Associate Lifestyle Editor Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design.

How to Furnish a Dining Room

Is it just us, or is the dining area one of the most underrated rooms in a home?

Sure, a dining room may not be as key as, say, a living room or bedroom. And yes, most small spaces don’t even have an entire room dedicated to fine dining. However, whether you have a formal dining room, a small breakfast nook, or a few chairs propped up against your countertop, you need somewhere to scarf down that mouth-watering meal. If you’re going to have a dedicated dining space, you might as well make sure it’s well-stocked and well-appointed.

To help, we asked our favorite interior designers about the items everyone needs to buy for their dining spaces, stat. Turns out, you’re just five purchases away from a dreamy dining room.

01 of 05

Katherine Carter Design

Decorating a dining room from scratch? Start off with a dining room table, of course. After all, your dining room is for dining, so you need a sturdy surface to enjoy those meals. While dining room tables are available in plenty of sizes, styles, and materials, it’s important to find an option that works with your day-to-day routine, not just a fancy schmancy dinner party.

“Just because you want the option to seat 10 doesn't mean you need a 10-seat table on the daily,” explains Alessandra Wood, interior design expert and Vice President of Style of Modsy. “Use extendable tables to hit your entertaining goals without sacrificing space on the day to day.”

If you’re looking for a dining room table that can withstand the test of time, Roxy Te favors a rectangular option.

“Consider a square dining table if the proportions are right for your room,” the CEO and founder of Society Social argues. “Our large square dining tables were born out of a client's frustration that rectangular dining tables are not normally conducive for conversation amongst all—guests seated at the end of the table tend to get left out!”

02 of 05

Bespoke Only

Unless you prefer to eat all your meals standing (read: hard pass), it’s virtually impossible to enjoy your dining room table without a great set of chairs. But what type of dining chairs are you supposed to buy? Well, it depends on your aesthetic.

“The chairs can be neutral or they can have the 'wow' factor,” says Laurie Blumenfeld-Russo of Laurie Blumenfeld Design. “It all depends on your design scheme. I like to mix and match the chair design and/or style when it makes sense for the space. They don’t always need to be matchy-matchy.”

No matter which style you choose, it’s important to choose some chairs that are actually comfortable. “I have been to one too many dinner parties where I was squirming before the salad plates were cleared,” shares interior designer John McClain. “Choose a chair with enough cushion in the seat so that your guests can enjoy the evening.”

03 of 05

Katie Hodges Design

We know what you’re thinking: A rug seems like a silly essential—especially if you’re prone to spilling a glass of Malbec or a heaping plate of pasta that’s drenched in marinara sauce. But, as Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller argue, it’s integral for a dining room.

“People often look at us like we’re crazy when we suggest an area rug in a dining room, but grounding the space with a floor covering is essential in a dining room,” the duo behind design firm Toledo Geller share. “It’s even more critical in an area with a wood floor and a wood dining table—there needs to be some separation between the two wood surfaces; otherwise, you have a very stark and bare setting.”

When it comes to choosing the perfect rug for your space, it’s a good idea to shop with durability in mind. “I always suggest clients look at an indoor/outdoor rug for their dining room due to the ease in cleaning,” says interior designer Laurence Carr. “Look for rugs certified for GoodWeave, which guarantees the rug was made ethically and certified by Oeko-Tex, which guarantees the rug was made sustainably.”

04 of 05

Design by Arlyn Hernandez; Photography by Sara Ligorria-Tramp for Emily Henderson Design

Whether you want to keep Grandma’s china safe or have a surplus of wine bottles, it’s a good idea to add some extra storage to your space.

“Find a cohesive credenza, cabinet, or hutch where you can store tableware to avoid any time lost in the back and forth from the kitchen,” say Grant Fenning and Glenn Lawson, co-founders of Lawson-Fenning. “You can also place dishes on the storage piece during meals to save room for more important items, like many, many bottles of wine.”

Concerned your dining space is too small for extra storage? Don’t worry, there are plenty of storage solutions to go around. “A console table or buffet is a great way to make your dining room feel more complete, and hide away china, dishes, and seasonal pieces,” says Ashley Moore, founder and principal designer of Moore House Interiors. “If you don’t have room for a buffet, a corner bar cart is a great alternative!”

05 of 05

Julia Robbs

Chances are, you’re going to spend a lot of time in your dining room after the sun sets, so it’s important to find a lighting fixture that works with your space. “No dining room is complete without great lighting,” says interior designer Kendall Wilkinson. “Scale is important, so make sure the size is a good fit for the table.”

Now, the only thing left to decide is which type of lighting you’ll choose. Well, the trio behind Transition State has some ideas. “Ambient lighting and artful sconces are a must-needed layer in a dining room, especially if you don't have the ceiling height for a chandelier,” Lauren Schneider, Jenna Rochon, and Kelli Riley say in a joint statement. “Sconces are a way to create that sense of intimacy for any dinner party.”

These 31 Modern Dining Rooms Will Have You Eating In Style

How to arrange a dining room - photos and design tips

There is no better room in the house for daring fantasies than the dining room, which serves as a special place for entertainment and celebrations. It does not matter whether it is connected to the kitchen or a separate space is allotted to it, you should always perceive it as a very important element in which everything should be conducive to a pleasant pastime.

Mirrors

This accessory will perfectly emphasize the individual design of the room, as well as visually expand it. Whether it is a small mirror or a full wall, the room will look richer and more luxurious with it. nine0003

If it is made in an unusual form, for example, stars, then the guests will gasp with delight. Completing the look is the interesting use of glass, silver and other reflective surfaces.

In this room, details are especially successful, such as the coincidence of the lines of the edge of the table and the chandelier above it.

Paintings

If you move away from the usual representation of two-dimensional paintings, you can find many interesting modern options. Huge luminous letters immediately set you up for joy and fun. The main thing is that the walls should be neutral. nine0003

Attention

Theatrical echoes in the design do not have to be bright and big. A few interesting details, such as lamps above the table and an interesting piece of art on the table, can do the job. It is easy to breathe in such a dining room.

Lighting

This is a very important element for this style. Lamps and chandeliers should be memorable, so you can play with colors, materials, and even the level at which they can be hung.

Eclectic

Chairs and tables in such a dining room do not have to be from the same series. A classic table with modern chairs will create an unforgettable effect. Such a free approach can be observed throughout the interior, then it will be easier to select accessories.

Accent

There are many pieces of furniture designed specifically for dining rooms that are not only beautiful but also practical. Even old familiar sideboards and chests of drawers can be converted into a new room by updating handles, legs, or all at once. nine0003

Table

The dining table is the center piece of the room, so it's worth going out of your way to wow your guests. Marble, for example, is very elegant. A stack made of chips will be even more durable than a solid piece of this breed or wood.

You can also change the shape. A rectangular table is a classic by default, but a round or square one is more conducive to conversation, especially if many people participate in it. The main thing is to make sure that the size fits the size of the room. nine0003

Wallcoverings

Models with a large pattern are more suitable for the theatrical than with a small one. If the dining room is relatively spacious, then even all four walls can be covered with such a pattern, but even one accent wall will look interesting.

Stocks

An elegant drinking bar is nice, but what about a hidden area? You can turn an ordinary sideboard into a refrigerator and add a mirrored back wall. Or even use a screen to separate a special area for drinks. nine0003 Categories: Dining room interior
Places: Interior mirror • Chandelier • Dining table • wallpaper • Lighting design

You will also like:

5 years ago

HOW TO DESIGN YOUR DINING AREA: 7 ORIGINAL IDEAS

BRIGHT COCKTAIL BAR WITH DESIGN FURNITURE

-20005 900 | Design

The design of this bar is built around the furniture, which is the main focus. This technique is a win-win solution for any institution!

WORLD'S FIRST LOUIS VUITTON RESTAURANT AND COCKTAIL BAR

18-02-2020 | Design

Another trend is to combine branded stores with restaurants, as exemplified by Louis Vuitton Fashion House.

GASTRONOMIC RESTAURANT WITH A BEAUTIFUL PHOTO ZONE

18-02-2020 | Design

New restaurant in Budapest meets all modern design trends.

VIENNA CHAIRS IN A FRENCH RESTAURANT

14-02-2020 | Design

The Chinese desk at the French restaurant in Shanghai used our favorite Viennese chairs. | Design

Wine bar in the center of Kyiv is another must-see.

7 FAMOUS CHAIRS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

16-01-2020 | Design

Let's explain why the models in the article are especially popular!

BAR LITAK IN RETRO STYLES AT JOHN KENNEDY AIRPORT

16-01-2020 | Design

If you're at any airport, look up to the bar that is in the middle of a regular airliner!

BRIGHT FURNITURE IN THE INTERIOR OF THE PINCHO BAR

16-01-2020 | Design

This bar in Amsterdam is defined by colorful furniture. 04-01-2020 | Design

Did you like the movie Interstellar? Then you will probably open this article and visit the establishment if possible! nine0003

RECYCLING IN THE DESIGN OF ZMIST KIEV BAR BY YOVA YAGER HOSPITALITY DESIGN

-28 | Design

Here it is - modern and conscious design!

Restobar in the Madrid vid Ukrainian Studi Yaroslav Galant Innovative Design

Restobar in Madridі VID Ukrainian Studi Galant Innovative 9000-12-2019| Design

Project for a restaurant in Spain, the interior of which was created by a Ukrainian studio.

CHAIRS FROM MAYER TRADE IN THE LARGEST CAFE-BAKERY "KHLEBNY" IN THE PASSAGE

9 | Portfolio

Khlebny has more than 100 seats, and our company has successfully provided a batch of professional furniture.

YUG: MODERN RESTAURANT WITH SEA VIEW IN ODESSA

20-12-2019 | Design

Boom Project has created a project for a new restaurant in Odessa. The result exceeded all expectations of the customer!

DESIGNER CITY SQUARE FOOD COURT

DESIGN CITY SQUARE FOOD COURT

20-12-2019 | Design

New conceptual food court with designer interior.

BANGKOK COFFEE URBAN DESIGN

BANGKOK COFFEE SHOP URBAN DESIGN

13-12-2019 | Design

Unusual interior will help attract the attention of potential customers to your cafe or restaurant.

The winner of the competition "INTERES ROCO 2019": Trade of the Prigister of I O'KTI HORECA

The winner "INTERIS ROCO 2019": Trading Primeschenstnaya і ’’ ’’ ’

10-12-2019 | News

Let's win the contest!

Most Popular:

FRANK WRIGHT STYLE NEAR KIEV

03-03-2016 | Architecture

Surely Frank Wright would highly appreciate this project from Yunakov Architecture&Design. And we are proud that there are such houses in Ukraine!

16 RESTAURANTS WITH AMAZING CEILING DESIGN

21-03-2016 | Design

Restaurant in Kyiv from YOD Design Lab is also included in this international list. Look for more of his photos in the article. nine0003

TOP 10 BEST INTERIOR IN Kyiv ACCORDING TO MAYER TRADE

05-09-2016 | Design

The most stylish and unusual projects in Kyiv, in our opinion, are in front of you! Beautiful interiors that you must see at least once again.

GEOMETRIC PATTERNS ON THE WALL: 20 STYLISH IDEAS

24-10-2016 | Ideas and tips

The triangle will be a good accent that will turn any wall into a work of art. Look for stylish ideas in our article.

25 BEST IDEAS: MODERN LIVING ROOM FURNITURE

14-03-2017 | Furniture

Everyone who chooses living room furniture needs to know this! Many ideas and tips that will come in handy sooner or later, look in the article.

TERRACE IN THE HOUSE: 10 INSPIRATING IDEAS

TERRACE IN THE HOUSE: 10 INSPIRATION

25-04-2016 | Ideas and tips

Our examples will make anyone think that it's time to create a terrace in your own house or even apartment.

NORMAL: TRANSFORMING ESTATE IN KYIV FROM YOD DESIGN LAB

26-06-2018 | Design

They are always on trend. Every time they present something interesting and modern. Today, a transforming establishment from YOD Design Lab.

Julia Kostik

Thinking through the design of the dining area is not as easy as it might seem at first. Especially if you want it to be not only stylish, but also functional. Have you decided to do this on your own? Then take advantage of our win-win ideas. Here are 7 original

Published: 05/31/2017 Hit: 3271

Thinking through the design of the dining area is not as easy as it might seem to you at first. Especially if you want it to be not only stylish, but also functional. Have you decided to do this on your own? Then take advantage of our win-win ideas. Here are 7 original options, whichever you choose - it will make your dining area stylish and comfortable. nine0003

Combine the table with built-in furniture
A banquette built into the wall or a low window sill upholstered with soft fabric will be an excellent alternative to the usual chairs. A good option: two identical banquettes and a rectangular table in the middle. But such an arrangement of furniture requires a non-standard kitchen layout. Start from the size and shape of the room, but use it to your advantage.

Bench instead of chairs
Long benches sometimes look more original and modern than regular dining chairs. You can choose a simple wooden bench or a modern upholstered version, it all depends on the desired result. Interestingly, a long bench takes up less space than 3 chairs. And if necessary, you can always slide it under the table and save space.

Playing with contrasts
When setting up your dining area, remember that color contrasts are a good design trick. It will help to put the right accent, and the dining room is no exception. For example, under a white table, you can choose red or black chairs. A great idea for those who also want to quickly and effectively update the interior.

Round table. Why not?
Round dining table is a great option for owners of small kitchens. This solution will save space. Tip: if you put a table next to a corner bench, you may not need chairs. nine0003

Trend: Different chairs
Different dining chairs – this is something we recommend everyone try. A set of chairs of different shapes and colors will make your dining area bright and original.