Modern dining table ideas

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I hope you found this post informative and helpful!  Please let me know if you have any questions about decorating the dining room.   Have a wonderful day! xo jane

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15 Modern Dining Room Ideas

By

Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim is a home decor expert and product reviewer of home products for The Spruce. Her design education began at a young age. She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, formerly holding editorial positions at Time and AOL.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 06/21/21

The Spruce / Sophia Reay

The phrase "formal dining room" often elicits images of stuffy, traditional dining spaces fit for fancy events only. But a dining room doesn't have to feel formal to be formal. Modern dining spaces are just as classy and alluring as traditional dining rooms, but a little more approachable.

Whether you're into the Mid-century modern look, or you want to opt for something even more contemporary, the streamlined look and feel of a modern dining room is a great way to give your space an updated, refreshing vibe.

The 13 Best Dining Chairs of 2022

• 01 of 15

  Add Modern Art

  Instagram / johanna_reynolds

  Take a cue from this beautiful modern space and add a vibrant piece of modern art, like this one from johanna_reynolds, to create a finished, purposeful look in your dining room. Modern furniture is often comprised of stark lines and sleek angles, which could make a room feel stark and cold. But by adding a pop of color with an oversized piece of art, you can create a warmer, cozier look while maintaining a contemporary tone. 

• 02 of 15

  Go for Graphics

  Instagram / kcharlottephoto

  This stunning dining room from kcharlottephoto features soft yellow chairs, an eye-catching modern chandelier, and a stunning graphic rug to tie the whole look together. While modern can mean a lot of different things to different people, we think decorating in a modern style gives you a little more freedom to experiment with bolder colors and designs that won't clash with the furniture. 

• 03 of 15

  Keep it Simple

  Instagram / lily_atno3

  On the other hand, this modern dining space from lily_atno3 proves that with the right furniture, you can still keep your space simple and minimalist in approach without it feeling stark or unfinished. When opting for a simple, modern look, pick a dining room paint color that will add dimension to the space and play well with your table and chairs. 

• 04 of 15

  Chic and Elegant

  Instagram / easyinterieur

  This dining room from easyinterieur takes is a chic, feminine take on modern style. We love the ghost chairs and gold finishes that give it a glam look and feel. When adding gold accents to your dining space, keep the rest of the space muted with whites, beiges or soft pinks to avoid creating a stuffy atmosphere.

• 05 of 15

  Pick Statement Pieces

  Instagram / meinhausstaging

  Contemporary design often features a mix of neutral and bold colors and deliberate use of textures and statement-making materials. We love this dining room from meinhausstaging, which features deep blue chairs with a gold metal finish, plus an eye-catching chandelier. 

• 06 of 15

  Eclectic and Unique

  Instagram / beckybratt

  This dining nook from beckybratt is filled with personalization and elegance. The muted bench cushion gives it a modern cafe vibe while the square gold light fixture offers a touch of the contemporary. We love mixing different elements of modern style to create a space that feels purposeful and personal. 

  Kitchen Design

• 07 of 15

  A Contemporary and Formal Dining Space

  Instagram / gregnatale

  This oversized dining room from gregnatale proves that modern, contemporary design can still feel formal. We love the use of bold blue chairs and the metallic gold bookshelf that doubles as an art display. If you have the space, a dining room is a lovely place to showcase your favorite pieces and to provide more visual interest. 

• 08 of 15

  Bold Textured Wallpaper

  Instagram / ​rachaelsdrealtor

  A dining room is a great place to experiment with bold wallpaper, as seen in this space from rachaelsdrealtor. We can't get enough of this textured look, which is endlessly interesting and unique. By maintaining a fairly simple color palette, the designer is able to experiment with unique patterns and accents without overwhelming the space. 

• 09 of 15

  Open Concept Modern Dining Space

  Instagram / experimentingwithdecor

  If you have an open concept floor plan, a modern dining room is a great choice as it can create a seamless flow from dining to living space. We love this modern look from experimentingwithdecor that features a neutral wood table paired with contrasting black chairs. When you opt for simple modern furniture, a contrasting color palette can add enough visual interest to keep the space warm and welcoming. 

• 10 of 15

  A Mix of Modern and Traditional

  Instagram / revivalroom

  This lovely dining space from revivalroom features a table with traditional flourishes paired with modern accents, such as these bold teal dining chairs and the industrial-inspired light fixture. Don't be afraid to play with traditional pieces as long as the rest of the room feels fresh and modern.  

• 11 of 15

  A Modern Art Collection

  Instagram / loridennisinc

  This beautiful home from loridennisinc features an extensive modern art collection that plays wonderfully with the ultra-contemporary dining set. A modern dining room is a great place to display works of art to give the space dimension and texture. 

• 12 of 15

  Try a Glass Table

  Maite Granda

  Not only is a glass dining table elegant and modern, but it's also easier to clean and perfect for an open concept home. We love this stunning kitchen and dining space from Maite Granda, which utilizes a modern glass table to open up the space and give it even more light. Glass is also a great choice if you are searching for a table that plays well with modern embellishments like gold or brass.

• 13 of 15

  Mid-Century Modern

  Bespoke Only

  We can't get enough of mid-century modern style, and this dining room from Bespoke Only proves why this look has remained trendy year after year. With its angular designs and straight lines, Mid-century modern is a lovely way to bring a modern and vintage feel into your space. We love pairing MCM decor with deep hues such as navy, black, or hunter green, either as an accent wall or through accessories. 

• 14 of 15

  Mismatched Chairs

  Forbes + Masters

  While you may think the mismatched chair look is reserved for farmhouse or shabby chic homes, this dining space from Forbes + Masters proves it works just as well in a modern space. We love the array of different modern styles that play off of each other wonderfully. Plus, this allows the rest of the room to mix and match different styles (such as traditional and formal) and still keep this room modern and playful. 

• 15 of 15

  Keep It Minimal

  Cathie Hong

  The minimalist look is very much in vogue right now, and this open concept dining room from Cathie Hong proves it is a great way to style modern furniture. A minimalist space is often pared down to only the essentials. We love how airy and open a minimalist modern space can look, but adding in a few accessories like a rug and a framed print is a great way to keep it from looking boring. 

  27 Dining Room Lighting Ideas for Every Style

10 Dining Table Design Ideas • inTrends

A beautiful dining table is the centerpiece of your dining room, a place where friends and family gather to refresh themselves in body and soul.

Whether you use it daily or reserve it for special occasions, the table is the centerpiece of the room. The decorating ideas you choose for your dining table will set the tone for the entire space.

The traditional dining room conveys an air of formality, but modern outdoor spaces call for a more casual setting.

Browse our selection of table decorating ideas to find inspiration to match your style, from casual rustic to contemporary chic and everything in between. Whether you're looking for tips for a complete dining table update or just a few tips on new decorations to freshen up your decor, our creative gallery is sure to inspire you.

1. Breakfast table ideas

The breakfast table is often slightly smaller than the standard table and is located in the kitchen rather than in the formal dining room. Many old houses are built with the classic breakfast nook in the corner of the kitchen, with a banquette or bench instead of individual chairs. But in a small apartment or apartment, there may be enough space for a small breakfast table and a few chairs.

Decorative items on the breakfast table should be kept simple. A small glass vase with fresh flowers or a houseplant are fun and simple touches. To make it easier to eat in the morning, place a turntable or lazy sofa in the center of the table so that everyone in the family can easily reach milk, sugar and a napkin holder.

2. Candle Ideas for Dining Table

Nothing adds more warmth and coziness to a dining room than candles. Arrange candles and decorative candlesticks wherever possible - on the table, on shelves, in a sideboard or in a cupboard. An arrangement of candles, each at different heights, creates a gorgeous glowing table centerpiece, perfect for any special occasion.

Tall silver or glass chandeliers are a traditional dining room design idea that can fit into any decor style. Modernize them by adding sprigs of greenery laid on a linen tablecloth.

Be sure to use unscented or lightly scented candles, as highly scented candles will make it difficult to taste the food. Battery powered electric candles look almost as good as real ones and eliminate both the scent issue and the risk of fire.

3. Ideas for decorating the center of a dining table

The centerpiece of a dining table is its focal point, but it doesn't have to be limited to just one central spot. In fact, a long dining set or a collection of decorative accessories look great on an oblong or rectangular table. A strip of fabric can be the foundation for your centerpiece, and its length can be varied depending on the shape of the table and your sense of style.

Decor ideas are not limited to flowers or candles. Place a gorgeous glass dish or bowl on the table, empty or filled with fruit. A small sculpture is a suitable centerpiece, as is a tray on which to place a row of small potted succulents. Whatever centerpiece you choose, make sure it doesn't obstruct guests' view across the table.

4. Festive dinner table decorations

Holidays, parties and special occasions call for a festive dining table setting. Many people choose to periodically decorate the dining room depending on the season. For example, they display bunnies and Easter eggs in spring, flowers in summer, colorful leaves in autumn, and evergreen branches with pine cones in winter.

The Halloween table is the perfect place to experiment with pumpkins as centerpieces. In December, a tiny Christmas tree adorned with battery-powered lights will be a great center of attention in the dining area. Complete your Christmas table with pinecone candlesticks, a festive tablecloth, and other favorite Christmas decorations.

5. DIY Dining Table Ideas

Decorating your dining table doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, embellishments and centerpieces are some of the easiest DIY things to do, even if you have little to no needlework experience. Search your home for items that can be reused.

Glass jugs turn into beautiful vases, shells can be stacked in an antique wooden bowl, and greenery cut from your own bush will decorate your dining room quickly and for free.

6. Farmhouse style dining table ideas

The farmhouse style dining room brings back aesthetics to simpler times as it combines the best elements of the present and the past. Depending on the materials used, the design can lean towards both a relaxed atmosphere and a more formal one.

However, a farmhouse-style dining table doesn't have to be boring. Mix antiques and recycled items for an accent piece that will make your farmhouse look fabulous.

A scuffed white table is as beautiful as a polished wood top when it comes to farmhouse style. Mix and match chairs of different shapes and materials - all this will create a feeling of comfort and coziness. Hang a beaded chandelier to soften the space, and paint the metal with a matte bronze paint or other artificially aging finish.

7. Design ideas for glass dining table

Glass tables come in and out of fashion, but have been a fairly standard dining room idea for many years. Usually fans of glass tables prefer a more modern style of the room.

Glass tables are great for kitchens in small homes, as their "invisibility" helps make the room feel more spacious. Some glass tops are completely transparent, others are smoked glass or glass with a blue, pink or greenish tint.

If you have great chairs, a glass dining table is the best idea, as it provides an overview of each chair. The chandelier looks great above the table reflecting off the glass, especially if it has glass or crystal elements.

8. Ideas for decorating the kitchen table

The kitchen table is almost always smaller than the dining table, unless you have a small country style kitchen. Therefore, kitchen table decor items should be a little simpler than dining table decorations. Centered items should match the size of the table, but don't be afraid to use pretty rugs, napkins, and other decorative textiles.

In a particularly small space, the kitchen table becomes a small island with stools or a bar built into the wall. If your kitchen table is tiny, don't add centerpieces to it. However, even a small table can benefit from colorful rugs or a tablecloth that matches the tone of the kitchen.

9. Art Nouveau dining table ideas

Minimalism is a hallmark of modern dining room design. Look for furniture with simple, clean lines and no unnecessary details. Elegance and simplicity are key words when looking for a combination of modern dining table and chairs, but mixing textures and materials is acceptable. The overall neutral color scheme emphasizes the modern interior.

Mid-Century Modern is an era that is always appropriate in a modern home. The tulip leg table and Eames style dining chairs perfectly convey the feel of Art Nouveau even in a small kitchen or a separate dedicated area in an open concept living room. Be bold and use a color not often seen in kitchen or dining room centerpieces, like bright purple or chartreuse.

10. Rustic Dining Table Decoration Ideas

Rustic decor usually includes more masculine items, and the dining room is no exception. Furniture tends to have a rougher texture, with delicate linens being replaced with durable materials such as matting and sisal. Earth tones predominate, with more emphasis on warm wood finishes and an overall dark color scheme.

Candles, single or in metal sconces, help to add warmth and appeal to a rustic dining table. An impressive industrial-style lamp will draw attention to the dining area. A warped wood dining table top mounted on metal legs will continue the rustic industrial vibe, especially when flanked by dark metal chairs.

93 photo-ideas of lighting and lamps above the dining table

It is the dining table that brings together all household members, friends and relatives. Here we not only eat, but also communicate, which means that a single pendant lamp for such a multifunctional zone is indispensable. And convenience and a suitable mood in this variety can be achieved by various means - including by choosing the right lighting scenario.

To fully immerse yourself in the view, we advise you to click on the first photo and go to full screen mode. And then - flip through large pictures and enjoy our selection of bright ideas for lighting the dining table. On some photos you will find green labels that contain additional information about the items used in this interior. Under the photos you can find information about the project and the techniques and materials used. Share your ideas in the comments after the article!

The Way We Play

1. Natural light
By placing the dining table in front of the windows, you solve the problem of lighting at least during daylight hours. Not everyone, however, can boast of an abundance of natural light: in this Stockholm apartment, large windows are left over from the garment factory that was previously located here.

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NL Décoration

2. Single lamp above the table
To create an atmosphere of intimacy and coziness, we use a hanger hanging low over the dining table. In this interior, the authors of the project hung a designer lamp that gives diffused light, playing with shadows.

Chandelier: Suspension Bau Small by Normann Copenhagen; from crown: Chaise Masters, diz. Philippe Starck for Kartell

Zhenya Zhdanova

condition. When switched on, the chandelier creates uniform, glare-free lighting throughout 360 degrees due to the “petals”.