Modern dining table setting ideas


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

Modern Dining Room Ideas for Beautiful Gatherings – jane at home

Today I’m featuring one of my favorite rooms in the home — the dining room.  Any space that encourages eating, celebrating, and making memories is my kind of space!  If you feel the same way, this post is for you, because I’ve gathered dozens of beautiful modern dining room ideas filled with inspiration to share with you today.

The dining room is the perfect place to get creative and try out a new color scheme, unique wall treatment, statement chandelier, or large piece of artwork. 

Whether your style is modern coastal, minimal, farmhouse, contemporary, traditional, or an eclectic mix of all the styles, I hope you find all sorts of great ideas in these beautiful dining spaces.

This stylish dining room features a dark ceiling color, panel wall molding, and statement chandelier.  From Julie Howard for Timber Trails Homes, via Home Bunch.

 

This beautiful modern coastal dining room, from Pure Salt Interiors, features a round wood dining table, wishbone dining chairs, and a statement woven pendant light. 

 

Such a stylish and elegant kitchen dining area!  I love that statement chandelier.  Design by Kate Marker Interiors.

 

I love the contrast of neutral and black elements in this chic dining room from Lindye Galloway Interior Design:

 

Here’s how to bring a modern look to the dining room: fresh branches popped in a rustic terra cotta vase, a warm wood charcuterie board (complete with linen napkins), a natural rope chandelier, and touches of black.   From Kelsey Leigh Design Co. Photo by Emily Hart Photography.

 

I love this beautiful dining area with its statement dining table, upholstered benches, and modern pendant lights.  From Studio McGee:

 

A black cone pendant light, modern artwork, and woven dining chairs create a striking touch in this modern kitchen dining area and breakfast nook.  From Coco & Jack.

 

This lovely modern coastal dining room features the same woven dining chairs we have in our dining room.  From Becki Owens. Photo by Ryan Garvin.

 

I love the calming feeling in this beautiful kitchen dining area, featuring a white dining table, wood and woven dining chairs and  woven chandelier.  From Salt Design Co.

 

This modern kitchen dining area features a light wood dining table, black pendant lights, and wishbone style dining chairs.  From Anthology Creative Studio:

 

A show-stopping light fixture creates a focal point in this beautiful dining room from Brynn Olson Design Group:

 

Love the mix of wood tones, natural elements, and metallic finishes in this light-filled modern dining area from Pure Salt Interiors:

 

This chic and stylish dining room features cane dining chairs, a statement chandelier, oversized area rug, and modern artwork.   From Studio McGee.

 

This modern dining space features wood beams, black dining chairs, and a unique light fixture. From Leclair Decor: 

 

I love the unique mix of dining chairs in this wonderful dining room from Kate Marker Interiors.  These Arteriors Richmond side chairs are sold out, but similar chairs are available here and here.

 

This is one of my favorite dining rooms!  The mix of modern black cone pendant lights, with the wood table and dining chairs, against the white walls, is simply stunning.  From Olivia Babarczy:

 

I love the unique dining chairs, black lantern chandelier, and beautiful modern coastal artwork in this lovely dining room from Kate Lester Interiors:

 

This beautiful contemporary dining room design features a wood dining table, black wishbone dining chairs, and an amazing chandelier.  From Light and Dwell.

 

I love this light and airy modern coastal dining area, with its stylish dining chairs and chic light fixture over the dining table.   From Pure Salt Interiors.

 

This chic contemporary dining room, with its statement ceiling and beautiful chandelier, is from House of Jade Interiors.

 

Here’s a fresh and lovely dining area with modern coastal artwork and a unique beaded chandelier, from Pure Salt Interiors.

 

Isn’t this lovely?  A narrow wood dining table (to encourage closer conversations), comfy slipcovered dining chairs, rustic wood sideboard, and cascading pendant light come together to create the quintessential California coastal dining room.  From Jill Egan Interiors.

 

I love this stylish dining room from Studio McGee.  The oval dining table, upholstered dining chairs, buffalo plaid rug, coastal artwork, and cabinets work beautifully together to create a stunning and functional space.

 

This beautiful dining room from Amber Interior Design features both modern and traditional touches.  Photo by Tessa Neustadt.

 

I love the fresh take on modern coastal style in this beautiful dining area from Pure Salt Interiors.   Here’s a source for the dining chairs and expandable dining table.

 

Here’s a fabulous dining space and family gathering area featuring woven side chairs (from RH – here’s a similar option), and a modern pendant light.  Home and Design Magazine.

 

This lovely contemporary dining room features beamed ceilings and a statement chandelier, from Kate Marker Interiors:

 

This modern farmhouse dining room from Studio McGee features a lovely wood dining table and black dining chairs:

 

I love this stunning modern dining room design with its beautiful ceiling, fabulous side chairs, and statement chandelier.  From The LifeStyled Co.:

 

This stunning dining room features statement pendant light fixtures and a fabulous black and white checkerboard floor design.  From Chris Loves Julia:

 

I love the mix of light wood, black, and white elements in this organic modern dining room design from Mindy Gayer:

 

There’s so much to love about this gorgeous contemporary coastal dining room, with its statement chandelier and sideboard (here’s an alternate sideboard source.  

The large round dining table, and comfortable upholstered dining chairs encourage guests to linger a while after dinner.  From designer Paige Stephens and Mike Stevens Homes, via Home Bunch:

 

I love the organic feeling of this stunning dining space.  The twin chandeliers over the dining table are such a fabulous addition. From Anthology Creative Design Studio.

 

This stunning modern dining area features an oval dining table, white captain’s chairs, and a lovely black and white chandelier. From Studio McGee.

 

This beautiful modern coastal dining room features lovely slipcovered dining chairs, and a statement chandelier.  From Kate Marker Interiors.

 

I love the lighting and airy feeling of this beautiful open-concept dining area and kitchen from Alexander Design.  Here are sources for the dining chairs and chandelier.  And here’s a similar dining table.

It must be clear by now I love decorating the dining room!  Just a few simple changes can result in a stylish, timeless space where everyone wants to gather.

Where to Shop for Dining Room Lighting, Furniture and Decor

Updating your dining room or kitchen eating area doesn’t have to break the bank.  Below are a few of my favorite places to shop for dining furniture, lighting, rugs, and decor.  Find more sources on my Favorite Dining Tables and Dining Chairs page.

Wayfair
Serena & Lily
Crate and Barrel
CB2
Dear Keaton
Kathy Kuo
Pottery Barn
Rejuvenation (lighting)
West Elm

And here’s a selection of dining tables, dining chairs, lighting ideas, rugs, and artwork in different styles and finishes.

Dining Tables:


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Dining Chairs:


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Dining Room Lighting Ideas:


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Dining Room Rugs:


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Dining Room Artwork:


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Looking for more design and decorating ideas?  Here are a few favorite related posts from the blog:

Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home

Restoration Hardware Style: How to Get the RH Look for Less

How to Add a Touch of Nancy Meyers Style to Your Kitchen and Home

What is Coastal Grandmother Style? (and why I love it)

The New 2022 Studio McGee Target Collection

Colors of the Year + Top Home Color Trends for 2023

2022 Home Decor Trends and Design Styles You Will Love

Pendant Lighting Ideas for Every Style and Budget

Stylish and Affordable Area Rugs for Every Space

Where to Find Affordable Vintage Turkish Oushak Rugs and Runners

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

   

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click a link and purchase something, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, please read my full disclosure here.

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simple ideas from Instagram* - INMYROOM

Tips

No rules, eclectic, minimalist, practical - that's what table setting is all about in 2021. We have collected 8 simple ideas that you will definitely be able to repeat

"Your" set of dishes

The times when the table should have plates and cups strictly from the same service are over. A cup with a “pot-bellied” handle from a set presented by my grandmother next to a minimalist ceramic plate is excellent. Allow yourself to add another vintage milk jug brought from a flea market, and a crystal sugar bowl that was gathering dust behind the glass of the Soviet wall.

The combination of silverware and gold plates is another ban lifted in 2021. It is better to layer eclecticism on a neutral background - a pastel-colored tablecloth (although this is not accurate!).

@dasha__soboleva

@dasha__soboleva

Linen tablecloth

Pastel colored tablecloth made of natural materials is a suitable background for any set of dishes. Especially designers love a linen tablecloth for practicality and versatility.

Flax is not afraid of stains from wine, fruit and sauces. It is not necessary to iron such a tablecloth - just spread it on the table and sprinkle it with water. And, most importantly, the linen tablecloth, due to its “wrinkled” effect, is suitable for both everyday use and special occasions. It is enough to supplement it with table napkins and candlesticks.

@annaxazina

@annaxazina

Functional decor

It may seem that the more different textures and decor on the table, the better. In general, yes, but there are nuances. It is good if the function of the decor will be performed by all the items required for the table. For example, a ceramic figurine in the form of a bunny will be a salt shaker, and in a wicker basket there will be not artificial flowers, but bread or cutlery.

@foxinvogue

Fresh flowers

Flowers are now on the table not only on holidays. And it doesn’t have to be a huge bouquet of peonies, a fragrant twig in an IKEA glass instead of a vase is enough for magic.

@dasha__soboleva

Tableware color

It is easiest for beginners to choose white as the main color of dishes. Let the large white dishes be coasters. And then on such a “skeleton” you can “string” dishes of any color. To begin with, choose two additional colors and create your collection based on these shades, and then improvise more and more. By the way, plates in a circle, stripes and even a rhombus can also be put together.

@dasha__soboleva

@foxinvogue

Dining Table Runner

Runner is a strip of fabric that runs along the table along the tablecloth or along the tabletop itself. In addition to the fact that the runner is a great decoration for the dining table, it is also a very practical decor. Place main dishes, drinks and snacks on it, and the runner will protect the tablecloth or countertop from stains.

@annaxazina

@annaxazina

Wooden serving board

Textured wooden board in 2021 firmly took its place on the everyday and festive table. Fruits, cheeses and other snacks can be interspersed on such a board, and all this will look picturesque.

@servirovkastola_elena

Serving and table napkins

You can decorate any table (and not necessarily for a celebration, but just like that) with the help of serving napkins - cotton and linen. By the way, they can match the tablecloth or contrast with it and match the color of the dishes.

Table napkins can also be used instead of tablecloths. For example, braided. Large ones are for plates, and small ones are for cups or containers with honey and jam. Woven napkins are versatile and will look good on both glass and wooden tables.

@servirovkastola_elena

@servirovkastola_elena

*Meta Platforms, Facebook and Instagram have been recognized by a Russian court as extremist organizations whose activities are prohibited on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Table setting for the holiday (50 photos)

Festive table setting is a whole art that involves following certain rules and knowing the basic norms of etiquette. The ability to rationally set the table with a clear arrangement of cutlery testifies to the taste and level of intelligence of the mistress of the house. We will talk about how beautifully and economically you can decorate the festive table in our article. For clarity, we have selected for you simple but interesting ideas with pictures and photos that will be a good help for you in this interesting and exciting process.

Choosing a tablecloth

Before serving, the tabletop is covered with a tablecloth. It should be made of high quality thick fabric. It is carefully ironed beforehand. Stains and smudges left over from previous meals are excluded. This item is washed after each use.

The color tone is selected in accordance with the general decor of the room. The most organic look are beige, cream tones, shading any color shades. A colorful or richly gilded tablecloth will require only very high-quality white dishes and impeccable crystal.

Roses are always appropriate on the festive table, they give special meaning to the celebration

Luxurious and elegant table decor in white and pink

An important role in serving the festive table is the length of the tablecloth. On parallel sides of a rectangular table, it should be the same. Ends that hang down to the floor are not recommended as they are not comfortable as guests can accidentally snag them.

In such a situation, it is necessary to provide special clips that will play the role of an additional decor. An overly short tablecloth does not look advantageous either. Choose the "golden mean".

A dark tablecloth goes well with white tableware

An interestingly designed tabletop may not be covered completely. It is enough to arrange decorative large napkins according to the number of guests. This technique creates a bright accent and serves as a unifying link for other accessories.

Equally interesting are several tablecloths, usually in contrasting colors, which intersect on the table in any order and create a picturesque look.

If a tablecloth is not used in table decoration, beautiful decorative napkins must be placed under the plates

Beautiful table setting at home: ideas, photos

One of the main stages of table setting is the correct arrangement of plates according to the number of guests. As a rule, three of their varieties are used - dining room, snack bar, soup. Place at regular intervals.

Then you need to place the cutlery, choosing their types depending on the menu. For basic accessories, the classic scheme is followed. The place for the knife is located on the right side of the plate. The fork is placed with the tines up on the left. The dessert spoon should lie perpendicular to the knife behind the plate.

Pretty wine glasses in dark brown color - a spectacular addition to the festive table

A snow-white starched tablecloth is traditionally used at important celebrations

When choosing napkins for the festive table, it is important to consider the theme of the celebration

To the right and above the plates place glasses for certain varieties of alcohol into which mineral water or juice will be poured.

Riot of colors on the festive table

Name and serving rule for cutlery

Types of glasses

You need to know that special glasses are used for a particular alcoholic drink:

  • An elongated “flute” shape is designed for champagne, allowing you to admire the play of bubbles inside the liquid.
  • Red wines are poured into glasses on a thin stem with a rounded voluminous bottom, tapering upwards. But there are glasses even for individual varieties.
  • White wine oriented glasses are distinguished by their elongated oval shape.
  • Cognac low glass has a thick bottom and extension at the top. Suitable for whisky too.
  • A martini glass with a graceful long stem is easily recognizable by its tapered shape.

A set of glasses and glasses made of crystal for different types of drinks

Napkin arrangement

Apart from decorative items, two main types of napkins are used when setting the table - linen (for knees) and paper (for hands).


Fabrics are beautifully folded or rolled and fastened with a special ring. Placed on a plate. It is advisable to put an elegant sign next to it, on which they write a wish or indicate the name of the guest. Can be complemented with an elegant miniature flower.

Napkin on a plate tied with a weak knot

Decor elements placed on the table should harmonize well with each other

Decorative napkins serve as additional decoration. They are placed on the table in a certain order, highlighting a specific zone.

The perfect combination of bright colors in table decor

Several special holders are placed under paper napkins, available to any guest. Be sure to have convenient containers with spices on the table. The main ones are salt and pepper. If sauce is prepared separately for dishes, then it is placed in a convenient aesthetic dish.

Yellow napkins and tulips will add a special atmosphere to your festive table

Additional table decor (photo)

Various decorative items complete the festive table setting, among which the most unexpected options can be noted:

  1. Fruits . They are stacked not only in vases, but also create original compositions by placing them on a beautiful stand, greenery or a lace napkin.
  2. Balls . Decorators are increasingly including balloons in the festive decoration of the table. They can be located in the center or near each plate.
  3. Paper figurines . The ability to create figures in the origami style from colored, white or craft paper allows you to make a themed table design.
  4. Branches . By placing graceful twigs in vases or glass glasses and supplementing them with candles, you can bring a little mysticism to the atmosphere of a festive dinner. The decorative coloring of the branches with mother-of-pearl or fluorescent paint will enhance.
  5. Feathers . The hit of recent years is the addition of feathers to the serving. They must be thoroughly disinfected.
  6. Greenery . In different versions, greenery in the form of single twigs, garlands, wreaths, bouquets serves as a bright table decoration.
  7. Bottles . You can use glass bottles of an interesting shape or with unusual color shades not only as vases, but also as a separate decorative element.
  8. Cans . Decorated with an openwork slot, tin cans turn into charming candlesticks. You can decorate these items with feathers, a shiny cord, an openwork ribbon and put them on the table as an unusual flower pot.

An abundance of blue in tandem with beautiful tableware

A pot of fresh flowers is a great idea for table decor

The tablecloth on the table should not have wrinkles and stains, and the dishes should not have cracks and chips

Decorating a festive table in different styles

When serving, the festive table is completed by a variety of decorative details. They should not create a sense of chaos, located in strict accordance with the overall composition and a certain style.

Shabby chic

The main features of shabby chic are cream, white, pink, beige, powdery shades. Antique crockery with scuffs is used. Present in the serving candelabra with candles, flowers, decorative ornaments, sustained in a single decor. On textiles and dishes there is a floral, as if faded, small pattern.

Complements the overall entourage with wooden furniture with wrought iron details, vintage lace or natural linen napkins with a striped print. Photo frames, openwork planters and original flowerpots add additional decor.

Gold-plated candlesticks and candelabra are an invariable attribute of the shabby chic style

Restrained and sophisticated decor in soft colors

Glamor

The main differences of the refined glamor style are luxurious materials, rhinestones, elegant shapes of vases, furs and wine glasses. An abundance of feathers, mirrors and crystal is welcomed in the design of the table with your own hands in this popular style. Silk fabrics, silver cutlery, glossy surfaces are used.

To decorate the table, small sculptures, crystal candlesticks, complemented by pendants are installed. Snow-white lace is shaded with hints of black.

Trendy chairs and a spectacularly decorated table for a glamorous party

Black and white tablecloth is the trend of this season, gaining great popularity

Techno

The modern dynamic style of techno at the table design impresses with fantasy effects. The integration of mirror bright surfaces with backlight creates a sense of presence in an unusual world. The abundance of metal, glass, refracting light rays complements the originality of the created atmosphere.

In techno style, constructivism should be felt in everything

Beautiful table decoration in techno style

Minimalism

When serving with elements of minimalism style, they prefer the strict geometry of the tabletop without a tablecloth. Under the plates you can put square plain linen napkins.

Important! Only the necessary cutlery and utensils should be present on the table. The main criteria are simplicity of forms, functionality, elegance.

The intelligence and subtlety of taste of minimalism in black and white

Artfully and immaculately decorated table with Scandinavian touches of minimalism

Country

The character of country style with rustic notes is emphasized by a small strip or check on a neutral tablecloth, linen.

Woven openwork baskets for sweets and pastries, wooden cutlery, clay vases with wild flowers, decorations made of branches, birch bark or ornate snags fit organically.

Country style table dominated by wood and metal

Fashionable and unconventional table setting without tablecloth

Rustic

Naturalistic rustic style suits a wooden table without frills. It is not covered with a tablecloth or lace napkins. Among the serving elements are glass jars, decorated with lace ribbons with burlap, as candlesticks or flower vases, mats under cutlery.

Tip! Wood saw cuts and even stacks of books are used for coasters and pots. Cones are sure to be present as a decor, and moss is also used.

White veil will be indispensable for giving idleness and sophistication

The list of table setting fabrics includes cotton, veil, linen, muslin

Eco-style

Popular eco-style suggests naturalness and organic simplicity in the design of the table. They use clay or wooden dishes, vases painted in accordance with Russian traditions.

Eco party table decoration

Eco decor usually has a lot of green in it

Provence

A white tablecloth, pastel napkins, light dishes, delicate lavenders in a bucket allow you to feel the gentle charm of the French province.

Provence style decor is created with ribbons, linen lace or embroidery on the tablecloth, candles in elegant candlesticks. The main shades are olive, yellow, lavender. There is a blue, terracotta, gray tone.

Slightly worn wooden furniture with paintings or carvings, planters woven from straw complete the overall impression.

Provence style table setting

Vintage

Graceful little things with a touch of antiquity, a lush floral ornament with bright shades on the dishes, a carved tray next to a white teapot allow you to decorate the table with elements of a charming vintage style.

The dominant shades in this solution are white, pink, purple, delicate green, noble ash, blue. Their palette is extensive from pastel sound to rich juicy tones.

Antique vases, porcelain figurines, forged candlesticks, silver cutlery, carved frames are welcome. Organically fit lace napkins, embroidered tablecloths made of natural fibers.

Vintage style should be buried in an abundance of white, pink and cream colors

English style

Luxurious and discreet English style is supported by emerald, rich red colors or gold.

Expensive gilded crockery, crystal goblets and glasses for drinks are used for serving. Complement the composition of metal cutlery.

Holiday table decor with touches of English style

Boho

Free from conventions, boho style easily combines a variety of tableware, exotic and everyday life. The bright shade of flowers is repeated on napkins, glasses, creating an amazing overall color scheme. Ethnic ornaments, unusual plants, various materials look organic in a single composition.

An abundance of textile napkins, fringe on the tablecloth, candles in original candlesticks, voluminous vases with lush bouquets, small frames are welcome.

Flowers on the table will help guests immerse themselves in the atmosphere of real celebration and fun

Fusion

Fusion kitchen style ignores the strict serving rules. Any plates, cups left over from commemorative services will find application here.

Fusion combines expensive exclusive items with cheap everyday items on the table. Next to it, plastic and glass, outdated shabby vases and trendy appliances will look charming. It is important to observe the measure, creating an overall harmonious atmosphere.

It is a pleasure to celebrate a solemn event in such an environment

Loft

The free-spirited loft style requires a lot of space and a bold combination of shabby and worn objects with modern gloss.

Massive metal coasters and glassware are placed on a table with a rough wooden surface. Perfectly polished cutlery is placed nearby. Tablecloths in this design are not appropriate.

Burnt wood table looks stylish and unusual

Eclecticism

Popular and romantic eclecticism in serving does not negate styles. This direction assumes their organic integration.


This eclectic table manages to create a modern harmony of Bohemian crystal, modest tableware and oriental patterns. It is necessary to carefully consider every detail, creating a single composition with the inclusion of elegant vases and original candlesticks.

Trendy eclectic colors with carefully selected cutlery

Freestyle

The trendy expressive freestyle style prefers minimalism in overall serving and asymmetric dishes. On the table, the edges of various salad bowls, vases, cups, plates have different heights, forming an unusual atmosphere. The legs of wine glasses can have a creative curved shape.

Minimalistic and budgetary freestyle style table design

The ability to set the table in an original way demonstrates the refined noble taste of the hostess. Knowledge of the features of various design styles allows you to harmoniously combine a variety of decorative items, dishes, creating an unforgettable festive atmosphere.


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