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Pics of modern dining rooms


31 Stylish Modern Dining Room Design Ideas

Brit Dot Design

If you're lucky enough to have one on your floor plan, the dining room can be the crown jewel of the home. Unlike the kitchen counter, which tends to get crowded with, well, stuff, or the living room that needs constant vacuuming touch-ups, the dining room gets to exist in an idyllic in-between state—plates set, tapers standing at the ready, surfaces clear.

As nice as it is to catch a glimpse of a more glamorous, pulled-together version of your home, that's not really what dining rooms are for. They're meant to be used—for entertaining neighbors, dining with friends, and welcoming family. This is why we find ourselves favoring more modern, effortless designs when it comes to dining rooms lately.

Modern design fits perfectly with a dining room, according to writer Sarah Zlotnick. "Because dining rooms aren’t always regularly used in a home, they’re a great opportunity to step out of your design comfort zone," she says. "You can be bolder with your choices because you won’t have to look at them all the time—and being bold is a crucial part of modern style. Dining rooms are where we entertain guests, so you want to invoke curiosity. Discussing décor is the perfect way to kick off an evening of dinner conversation."

If you're on the same wavelength, welcome. Click through for our favorite modern dining rooms, and ditch the stuffy setup of old this season. It might not always be polished and pristine, but we can promise you'll get a lot more memories out of it.

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Design: Cortney Bishop, Photo: Katie Charlotte

In a picturesque, windowed room like this, taking a modern and sleek approach to designing a dining room is a no-brainer. Natural materials and muted tones take center stage here, echoing the landscape outside and infusing the space with a feeling of calm that's welcoming and casual, not stuffy.

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Reena Sotropa

Because it’s typically not one of the regularly used rooms of the house, a dining room is a perfect opportunity to get a little more daring with your design choices. Black wainscoting is a chic way to bring the drama, especially when paired with moody floral wallpaper and plenty of natural light. 

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Victoria Bell Design

In dating, it’s a major no-no, but in interior design, you’ll get nothing short of a seal of approval from us when it comes to going all-in on the ghost—we’re talking about chairs, of course. Clear acrylic ghost chairs are an easy, goes-with-anything way to add a touch of modernity to any room.

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Design: Designworks Home

This dining room just goes to show that achieving a chic, modern vibe can be subtle, too. In place of a traditional matching set of 6 dining chairs, this design substitutes in a long bench with playful patterned pillows at one side.

This dining room embraces a less formal setup and the home embraces an open floor plan, which adds to the character of the dining room. "When all of your living spaces are visible at once, you want them all to feel cohesive," Zlotnick explains. "That generally rules out the option of having a dining area that feels separate, distinct, and too formal to get regular use."

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Design: Gillian Segal

Round dining tables are quickly replacing large rectangular ones as a go-to, and we're fully on board. Not only are round tables better adapted to uniquely shaped spaces, but we think they make for better conversation, too. This modern option balances sleek lines with cozy warmth, topping Eames-style chairs with soft sheepskin throws. But the piece de resistence is the light fixture, which is a true showstopper.

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Design: JDP Interiors

We've never seen minimalism look so inviting. A mix of complimentary—but not-quite coordinating—chairs are joined by upholstered benches, adding both seating and a new element of softness to this space. Textural interplay is part of what makes it work, with the light wood table picking up on the cane of the chairs, while something warmer lays underfoot.

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Design: J. Kurtz Design; Photo: Amy Bartlam

Want to help a small dining room feel larger? In lieu of an art piece, adorn the wall above your credenza with an oversized mirror. In addition to the reflection giving the illusion of more space, it’ll also bounce light from outside and make the room feel brighter. This means: your dining room can be just as much a spot for a casual breakfast as it is for special occasion suppers.

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Design: sKout

Feeding a crowd never looked so fashionable. We're in love with the unique array of elements in this space, which borrows from a few different trendy design styles to create something completely one-of-a-kind. Modern farmhouse-inspired chairs intermingle with an oversized banquette seat—ideal for expanding the guest list on short notice—and the whole shebang is grounded by a stunning artisan table.

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Cachet Demain Interiors

“My family and I spend a lot of time in our dining room, and I wanted my kids to feel like they were at home,” designer Cachet Adams of Cachet Demain Interiors says. To that end, she hand-painted the accent wall, which was “a tedious undertaking, but cost-effective compared to wallpaper."

She also recovered the vintage mid-century chairs in mud cloth, and used a wooden frame found on Facebook Marketplace to highlight a beloved Josephine Baker print. The resulting look: a homey, ultra-personalized space to match the vibrancy of the family occupying it.

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Architecture: Studio William Hefner, Design: Catherine Dunn, Photo: Laura Hull

Sensing a pattern? A great light fixture can be the ultimate way to ground your dining space, and infuse it with plenty of personality. The understated lines of these chic chairs and rustic wooden table strike the perfect balance between dressed-up and easygoing, so there's always an excuse to invite a few friends for dinner.

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Design: La Maison, Photo: Catherine Nguyen

On the flip-side, this space is made for maximalists. Personality drips from the walls here, showing off an eclectic art collection and a similar array of seating options, from oversized upholstered chairs to bright coral-hued bamboo styles. A few midcentury touches in the form of lighting bring the whole space together, creating an effect that's doubtless as unique as the homeowner who lives here.

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Design: Lindsey Brooke Design; Photo: Amy Bartlam

In case you’ve somehow missed it, caning is in the midst of a major comeback. And for good reason, too—done in neutral shades, cane adds texture to a room without feeling too heavy. In a dining room, it adds a hint of homeyness and comfort to what sometimes can feel like an overly formal space.

9 Cane Furniture Pieces That Will Turn Your Home Into an Airy Oasis

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 Design: Decorist, Photo: Aubrie Pick

Not sure how to translate your laid-back boho aesthetic into the dining room? Look no further for inspiration, as this space achieves it beautifully. A bold mix of textures—plush rug, woven cane, and soft, light-diffusing curtains—keeps the look feeling eclectic without sacrificing an element of sophistication. A "status plant" in the corner, none other than the famous fiddle-leaf fig, rounds out the guest list in this space.

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Architecture: Studio William Hefner, Design: Sheila Bouttier of Galerie Provenance, Photo: Stephen Kent Johnson

Dark dining rooms are trending in a big way—but don't let the moody colors intimidate you. At its heart, this dining space is a real crowd-pleaser. A dramatic wall color handles the heavy lifting in creating a sense of atmosphere, so all that remains to do is pick out a dining set—in this case, one that marries a sleek black table with timeworn leather for a handsome (but low-maintenance) look. Add a dimmer switch or light a few candles and voila, dinner is served.

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Design: Lindye Galloway

For those without a dedicated space, turning an eat-in kitchen into a sort of de facto dining area can be a clever solution—and one that dispenses with the unnecessary formality of a room you'll only use a few times a year. This design is a great example of how to define the space using art and accessories, and our perennial favorite seating option, the banquette, makes another appearance, creating a family-friendly option that houseguests will come to love, too.

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Design: Decorist, Photo: Sean Litchfield

A little color goes a long way, even if you're not blessed with as dazzling a dining room view as this one. Wallpapering a small section of wall at the side adds a bolt of whimsy and cheer to this otherwise understated space, making for an element that will undoubtedly elicit cocktail party conversations for years to come.

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Brexton Cole Interiors

Looking for an easy way to make your dining room seating feel a touch cozier? Lay down a sheepskin or two. This go-to stylist trick instantly adds dimension and also makes even the most severe surfaces look and feel more linger-worthy. A faux version can be bought for a song at IKEA. 

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Bespoke Only

There’s something supremely calming about natural wood grain, don’t you think? Combine multiple shades with just a few natural accents for a dining room that feels serene and inviting—and will encourage guests to linger over wine and conversation long after the last course has been served.  

Neutrals and simplicity are all the rage today. "Society as a whole has become much less formal and a lot more fluid," Zlotnick explains. "You see it in wedding registries—it’s a lot less common to register for formal china these days. Instead, most couples select one set of versatile white or neutral dishware that can be dressed up or down."

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Glasshouse Interior

If dinner parties are meant to inspire conversation, shouldn’t it follow that the spaces we throw them in be, well, inspiring? That’s certainly the case for this vibrant dining room by Glasshouse Interior, which turns the accent wall quite literally on its head. The punchy patterned wallpaper that lines the ceiling serves as a delightful surprise that’s guaranteed to put guests in the party mood.

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Casa Watkins Living

For a modern bohemian look in your dining room, layer in contrasting patterns, bold colors, and lots of texture. A variety of seating options enhances the intentionally eclectic look, as does an abundance of potted greenery.  

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Pure Collected Living

Like a bold pair of earrings with your go-to cocktail dress, the lighting centerpiece of your dining room has the power to completely transform the vibe. For a space that feels modern and cool, forgo the traditional glitzy chandelier in favor of something sleek and slightly whimsical, like this unexpected design. 

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Forbes + Masters

In a traditional dining room, you’ll typically find that all chairs are exactly the same. For a modern twist, choose coordinating statement chairs for the ends of the table, as Forbes + Masters designers Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters did in this Caribbean-inspired dining space.

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Forbes + Masters

For a muted yet maximalist look, opt for window treatments that seamlessly blend into your wall pattern. The trick to keeping it all from looking too fusty is to choose sheer fabric on the drapes, opt for a pattern that reads modern but not busy, like this hand-painted design, and to go minimalist on the furniture.  

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Brit Dot Design

Sticking with a palette of similarly-hued neutrals allows the unique textures of Midwest designer Brit Arnesen’s dining area to take center stage. The no-color color palette also makes swapping out seasonal decor a breeze.

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Reena Sotropa

Sometimes, what makes a room “modern” is that it goes against the grain of what we typically expect that room to be. And, if we expect dining rooms to be formal, then a more casual, rustic look suddenly feels quite fresh.

Love that ski chalet vibe? Go full-tilt by replacing individual chairs with some unexpected bench seating. Not only will they play up the casual nature of the design, but they’ll also help the space fulfill its true purpose: to bring as many people as possible together for good food and good conversation). 

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House of Chais

Abstract collages + matching gilded frames = a dining room accent wall that screams sophistication and spunk. Pro tip: If you want to give the space a more formal flair, go for a symmetrical grid, as shown here. For a more casual look, incorporate different sizes and styles of frames into a more organic design. 

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Dazy Den

Velvet is an ideal fabric for dining rooms because it instantly makes a space feel more dressed up. Opt for bright, unexpected colors—like marigold, or this blush pink—to skew the space a little more boho; to go glam, select rich, deep violets and teals. 

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Gray Space Interiors

If there’s anything Beauty and the Beast taught us—besides, you know, the importance of looking past physical appearance when choosing our romantic partners—it’s that candlesticks are a core component of any formal dinner. But, there’s no reason to feel beholden to crystal and gold. The matte black numbers in this dining room are the perfect modern touch, especially when paired with the navy chairs.

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Rikki Snyder

While shelves stacked with books usually feel most at home in an office or library, they can lend a den-y feel to a dining room. To make them more “art pieces” than reading material, wrap the spines in the same hue. Services such as Books by the Foot can also help you acquire vintage tomes in your specific shade specifications.

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Katie Martinez Design

Chairs and wall art aren’t the only conversation piece possibilities in a dining room. The table deserves just as much attention, and a one-of-a-kind live-edge option is guaranteed to rake in the compliments. The design is an especially interesting way to bring natural texture to an otherwise contemporary room. 

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Design: Liz Mearns; Photo and styling: Molly Watson

Built-ins have long been a traditional dining room mainstay, and for good reason: where else made sense to stash all that fine china? For a modern twist, install open shelving and display your bar essentials. That way, you won’t need to venture to the kitchen to serve up another round. 

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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 2023

50 unique photos of modern dining room design

We are glad to see you again on the Room Interiors portal.

Not every family has a separate dining room in the house. This article will show you how to do this, as well as ideas for small interiors for those lucky ones who have free space.

The traditional centerpiece of the dining room is the large dining table. However, this does not mean that the rest of the space should be oriented towards it.

The examples below will help you organize your dining room in the best possible way.

Replace the traditional table with a more modern one, and you can make the dining room multifunctional: a room for creativity, for work.

This is one example of a stylistic match between the dining area and the cooking area.

Most families choose a medium-sized table. In this example, you can see how the living and dining areas are visually separated by arranging furniture and using carpets of different colors.

In this room, the dining area is presented as a small dining table, which is well suited for small apartments, where it is important to make the best use of all the space.

Huge pendant lights in this room play a more important role than the table and draw the main attention to themselves.

Thinking about the option of decorating the dining room, first of all, you need to decide how many people will be here often, and who will appear from time to time.

Small dining tables are great for small spaces or can be used as a tea table in a larger home.

Practice shows that more often they buy a round table, but an oval one can be a great option.

A simple table in a room with Japanese motifs in the interior can be used not only as a dining table. Here you can play board games, read, write letters, etc.

Another example of an interior for a spacious dining room, here the chairs are replaced by benches.

An ideal option for meeting your beloved relatives and long-awaited guests.

Despite the large amount of free space, the owners decided to purchase a small dining table, rather than cluttering the dining room with items and furniture.

Transparent chairs against the background of black walls - an original modern dining room interior.

Another variant of the visual division of zones, brought almost to perfection by the combination with the beautiful view from the huge windows.

White walls and colorful wall murals give the impression of dining in a quiet cafe on a cozy street.

This room cannot be called a dining room. It looks like a conference room, and the exhibited examples of alcoholic beverages suggest that the premises belong to the owner of the respective production.

Custom-made kitchen furniture blends perfectly with each other and the rest of the interior.

An example of a simple and homely environment. An excellent choice for a family.

Sometimes imperceptible and insignificant details give the atmosphere that very elegance and charm that cannot be achieved in other ways.

Another example of the perfect combination of all interior details from the chair to the lamp.

The underlined simplicity and minimalism of this dining room require space to implement.

Just look at these chairs! Despite the unusual shape, they are very convenient to use.

The dining area, located in front of windows or glass walls, creates the impression of a picnic in nature.

The dining room can be made not only in a monochromatic and soft palette. In a bright environment and dining is more fun.

The fireplace is traditionally placed in the living room, but why not place it in the dining room?

The focus is on the chairs again. The unusual shape supports the design of the entire room.

You can make the best use of space by using kitchen furniture designed to suit the architectural features of your home, as, for example, in this case.

Nothing out of the ordinary at first glance. But look at the table!

This is how the owners decided to contribute to the creation of their own design.

Great use of space. Living room, dining room and kitchen in one room.

Are you used to the fact that the dining table is in the center of the room? Look at this example. The location in the corner also looks interesting.

Above, we have already talked about the possibility of using the dining room not only for eating. See how others are doing it.

The dining table can be used as a desk in your free time.

Make your dining room bright and airy!

Change the color of one of the walls, and your dining room will turn from the most ordinary into an example of design excellence.

Transparency is the main characteristic of this room.

The combination of elegant furnishings and carefully thought-out color scheme is the key to the success of this room.

Strict and clear architectural lines, combined with furniture made in the same style, do not deprive this room of home comfort.

Unusual Z-shaped chairs are the highlight of the minimalist decor of this dining-living room.

The use of a fluffy rug adds cosiness to this room.

Very cheerful room. Bright colors and unusual decor elements cheer you up for the whole day.

Quite often a combination of seemingly incompatible things makes a room unique and original.

In this modern room, everyone chooses where they want to sit: on a chair, on a bench or in an armchair.

How nice it is to be able to create and change the atmosphere in your favorite room yourself, using different colors, furniture and interior items.

A very refined and calm atmosphere reigns in this room with a fireplace, sofa cushions on wide windowsills and a dining table.

The skillful use of the color palette adds sophistication and chic to this room.

A table with an original base is the main stylish accent in this room.

Sometimes you just need to experiment a little with colors to achieve the perfect result.

Another way to use the oddly shaped chairs in the dining room.

An ideal example for a small family. Warm, beautiful and cozy.

Use colorful chairs and your dining room will become brighter, more cheerful and interesting.

The original design of your dining room depends only on you and your possibilities.

Decide how you will use this room, how much time you will spend in it and with whom.

Then evaluate the available space and material possibilities and go! And we wish you success in all your endeavors! And finally, a few more design ideas.

Beautiful dining room interiors for 60 photos. Beautiful interiors and design

The dining room is a place where all family members meet to discuss the events of the past day, plans for the future and have a delicious meal in a pleasant company. The working day ends with a joint dinner, and the weekend begins with a family breakfast. Of course, the dining room is an important room for mutual understanding and friendship to reign in the family.

Modern interior of the dining room in a studio apartment

The trend of recent years is the use of different chairs in the interior of the dining room - designer and antique ones, which were inherited from my grandmother, with simple chairs from the nearest furniture. It is important that they all have some kind of the same feature - whether it is color, shape or material of manufacture, then the interior will look harmonious.

Classic elements in a modern interior

The centerpiece of the dining room is the table. It should be durable, suitable for daily active use. You will find a large selection of dining tables in classic and modern style here. How to choose the right dining table? The size and shape are determined by the dimensions of the room and the size of the family. Don't forget to leave room for friends! The minimum table area for four people is 1 sq.m. In addition, it must be assumed that a seated person needs an average space of 70 cm wide and 40 cm deep.

A practical solution for small rooms is an extendable or even folding table. Round and oval tables look lighter, but this shape does not allow optimal use of the available space. But still, the round table creates a sense of equality, since everyone is sitting at an equal distance from each other. This feeling makes communication easier and smoother.

Table by Eero Saarinen, chairs by Eames and Magic Plastic Puppy

What is the best material for the countertop? For lovers of natural materials, solid wood is ideal. If scratches appear, it can be sanded, but it requires care. Ideally, solid wood should be regularly lubricated with a protective agent. On a cheaper option - plywood or veneer - it is impossible to get rid of the scratches that have appeared. Glass tops are ideal for small spaces due to their transparency. But any prints, greasy spots will be visible on the glass, and over time, scratches from cutlery and dishes will appear.

Carpet unobtrusively divides space

Accessories play a big role. Tablecloth, flowers, vases give the dining area appeal. And the carpet binds all the elements together.

The chandelier above the dining table also defines spatial relationships, especially in large rooms: a striking chandelier in an unusual shape or color emphasizes the special role of the dining table, and in the evening creates a cozy atmosphere, illuminating only the dining room.

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