80 Modern Dining Room Ideas to Strike up Conversation
Make mealtime more enjoyable, whether it's with a small, simple setup or formal design.
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From dinner parties and holiday hosting to casual meals with family, the dining room is an essential part of any home. While formal designs aren't as popular as they once were, we can appreciate the value of a space dedicated to good food and great conversation — even if all you have is a small dining room. Ranging from simple setups to dramatic designs, we've rounded up dining room ideas to pair with every home style.
There are endless ways to dress a dining room — think statement lighting, area rugs, modern furniture and striking wallpaper patterns. For storage, consider console tables, built-in shelving systems or designate a space for a stylish home bar. Accessorize with framed artwork and chic tabletop decor, like luxe candlesticks, ceramic vases and potted houseplants. As for budget-friendly ideas, you might choose to arrange a gallery wall, paint walls a fresh hue or hang dramatic curtains.
We've included decorating ideas that run the gamut, so you're sure to find something that inspires — whether you love a farmhouse aesthetic, minimal style, vintage-inspired design or maximalist look. And if you love swapping tabletop decor as the seasons change, we've sprinkled in ideas for Thanksgiving place settings, cozy Christmas table settings and DIY centerpiece ideas that are perfect for spring.
Install a Rolling Ladder
Maximize storage in the dining room with a built-in ladder that ensures infrequently used kitchen appliances are within reach. This ladder, paired with white Shaker-style cabinets, helps "make the most of high ceilings," says DIYer Laura Skudder of @no5bristol.
Make a Statement With Asymmetric Lighting
To draw the eye upwards, designer Ryann Swan hangs a floral-inspired chandelier over a natural wood dining table in this charming East Hampton bungalow.
Swap in Bright Curtains
For an energetic pop of color, designer Candace Shure hangs bold red curtains on a black drapery rod in this timeworn 1930s Spanish Revival in Los Angeles. Note: She opts for a longer length to allow for dramatic puddling at the floor.
Build a Library Wall
Floor-to-ceiling shelves painted in Benjamin Moore’s Mozart Blue turn this dining room into a feast for the eyes. When using books as decor, designer Colleen Simonds doesn’t arrange them by color. Instead, she creates visual balance without making them look too "perfect."
Let an Area Rug Act as a Focal Point
To complement warm white walls and a warm wood dining set, Banner Day Interiors adds an oriental rug packed with color.
Cheer Up With Floral Wallpaper
Perfect for hosting friends and family, this sun-filled dining room is bursting with color and pattern. Designer Amy Sklar chooses to adorn the walls with a floral wallpaper, then adds bright red dining chairs at each end of the table.
Allow Artwork to Tell a Story
Hang an eclectic mix of prints, paintings and antiques on the wall to showcase personality in the dining room. Here, DATE interiors uses a variety of frame sizes and colors to ensure dimension.
Hang Elegant Curtains
Install drapery rods four to six inches higher than your windows to create the illusion of a larger space. Here, designer Lindye Galloway sticks with a warm neutral fabric to create a timeless design.
RELATED: How to Hang Curtains the Right Way, According to an Interior Designer
Reserve Space for a Home Bar
This compact bar tucked into the corner ensures an endless flow of drinks for guests — plus it packs a lot of style. To create this simple setup, Morse Design uses a white bar cabinet with a gold shelving system above.
RELATED: Stunning Home Bar Ideas That Pack Style Into Small Spaces
Bring in Shades of Blue
Dreamy blues are versatile enough to elevate any room — but we're loving how they look in this farmhouse-inspired dining room designed by Studio Munroe. Layer in the color using wallpaper, area rugs and throw pillows on bench seating.
Get Creative With Wall Decor
Skip framed artwork and instead, hang a cherished collection of antiques on the wall. Take note from LH.Designs and source a mix of traditional African masks — you may even find some online.
Reflect Light With Mirrors
Dress a blank wall with a simple round mirror, just as DATE interiors does here. Our advice? Hang mirrors high enough so guests won't be able to see themselves as they dine.
Infuse Texture in the Form of Lighting
This cozy dining area, by Design West, was missing something until a set of three wicker pendant lights were hung above — instant texture and style.
Focus on Warm Tones
Defined by earth tones, this vintage-inspired dining area features rattan weave dining chairs, a gold finish chandelier and a marble dining table. To make use of an awkward alcove, designer Kelsey McGregor of Kelsey Leigh Design Co. creates a small bar space with warm wood cabinetry.
RELATED: Inside a Modern Oklahoma Abode With a Collected, Vintage Feel
Put Paintings in Unexpected Places
Rather than sourcing various pieces of art, invest in a single piece that you really love — like this calming abstract print by Lindsey Letters. To complement the look, artist Lindsay Sherbondy flanks each side with antique-inspired lanterns.
Experiment With Geometric Prints
Wallpaper is having a moment — especially in the dining room. In this maximalist-inspired space, designer Ashely Delapp chooses a black-and-white geometric pattern.
Play With Color Contrast
Black and white is a timeless color combination and a surefire way to create contrast in the dining room. Here, House of One starts with fresh white walls then layers in a jet black dining table set, chandelier and photo frames.
Don't Skimp on Pattern
From floor to ceiling, design firm Studio Munroe does not miss the chance to infuse creativity into this space. When it comes to balancing pattern in the dining room, try a statement accent chair at each end of the table.
Incorporate 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.
Install 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.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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