Dining Room Design Ideas and Inspiration
February 3, 2023If you've been following along with our recent posts, we've been offering many tips and suggestions for different rooms in the house. Today, we're focusing on dining room design! The modern dining room is where you make memories with friends and family, at holidays, get-togethers, and casual weeknight dinners. We want it to be a welcoming place where everyone is comfortable, so we've compiled various tips on furnishing and decorating your dining room.
Choosing the Right Furniture
Regarding dining room design, the best place to start is to choose what type of furniture you want. The furniture is the most important because you need it to be able to last for a very long time while also making a stylish statement. It can be overwhelming to pick all the pieces, but we are here to help with the following tips.
1) Find a dining table with enough room for the whole family
To start, the dining room table is the most vital piece of furniture in the space. It's where you eat, socialize, and enjoy each other's company. When you're gathering around for meals, you want to ensure you have enough space. If you don't know how big to go, here's a link to a previous post, which breaks down choosing the right size table.
2) Invest in a unique extension table
If you don't always need a large table but want to have the option to accommodate guests, extension tables are the way to go. We have many unique opportunities that are user-friendly, such as the Quasar dining table by Naos. You can choose the remote control option to extend the table with the click of a button.
3) Round dining tables bring a welcoming vibe
While rectangular tables may be the norm for most families, we love the look of a round dining table. It offers an inviting style and fits the whole family effortlessly, with everyone able to reach the center of the table for buffet-style meals.
4) Choose chairs that are simultaneously comfortable, supportive, and stylish
You don't want to sacrifice comfort for style or vice versa. Luckily, you don't have to do either of those things with our collection of dining chairs. One of our best-selling seating solutions that will work with any dining room design is the Blitz dining chair quickship. It's part of our in-stock program, so you can start enjoying it sooner rather than later.
5) Bring in benches
Benches are an excellent seating solution that fits multiple people at once. They save space, and we recommend choosing a bench with built-in storage to make them even more appealing for your dining area.
6) Sideboards make perfect storage and display solutions
The great thing about sideboards and buffets is that they allow you to store dishes, glasses, and other items, while also offering plenty of space on top for display opportunities. They come in many gorgeous designs that will complement your surrounding furniture and decor.
7) Cupboards are a space-conscious way to store fine china and other dishware
If you don't have enough room for a sideboard or are just after more storage, cupboards are a perfect choice. It's a compact storage solution that looks lovely in any contemporary space.
8) Keep an accent chair in the corner
Not only are accent chairs an ideal way to bring a chic style to space in a subtle way, but it's also incredibly practical. You can pull over the chair with little effort if you have an extra guest.
9) Think about wall-mounted pieces, such as bookcases, for additional display opportunities
Hanging bookcases and other shelving on the wall is a great way to save space. You can achieve additional decor opportunities by mounting the shelves to the wall without crowding the room.
10) If you're short on space, extension console tables are the way to go
If your home doesn't have enough space for a dining room table, extension console tables are the perfect solution. When you aren't using the table, you can keep it as a sleek console table, and when you have guests for dinner, you can extend it to a spacious dining table. We recommend the 4you extension console table by Ozzio Italia.
11) Make entertaining easy with a mobile bar trolley nearby
What's a dinner party without delicious cocktails? You can make serving drinks easy by adding a bar trolley to the dining area. Since these sit on castors, you can relocate them wherever you like and store them elsewhere when you are not entertaining.
12) Place different chairs at the heads of the table
If you're looking for a unique way to design your dining room, choosing two types of dining chairs is our selection. You can make the head chairs different colors, add arms, or choose a different silhouette to make the entire table setting stand out.
13) Rework vintage products
If you have old furniture that you don't like anymore, that doesn't necessarily mean you can't use it. You can refinish these pieces and give them a chic upgrade for convenience.
14) Furnish the room with multiple types of lighting
Getting the right lighting level is vital for every room, including the dining room. Adding a chandelier above the table and wall sconces will bring an unmistakable style to the space and give the proper level of illumination.
15) Poufs and stools are great to have around
We love accent furniture pieces in the dining room, such as poufs, because they are a great way to tie everything together. Also, if you need an extra seat in a pinch, you can use these items as well.
Finish Selection for your Modern Dining Room Design
Choosing the finishes for your selected furniture is the next step in designing your modern dining room. We have many finishes available for the entire inventory of our dining room collection, so you can choose exactly what you like. If you don't know what to choose and what will work best for your household, check out our suggestions below.
1) Ceramic tabletops are extremely durable
Our top choice for tabletops is ceramic because they are easy to maintain and will last a lifetime. The material is scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and heat-resistant for convenience. Cattelan Italia has many gorgeous ceramic tables to choose from.
2) Bring in glass accents to achieve a sleek, transparent style
Glass furniture brings an ethereal vibe to the modern dining room. Also, it may seem fragile, but it's incredibly strong and sturdy.
3) Wood finishes bring a bit of the outdoors inside
Wood options are a great choice if you want to achieve a rustic, outdoorsy vibe in the dining area. They are very strong and durable and will look new for years to come.
4) Stick with a color scheme when choosing finishes
When designing the interior of your dining room, it's crucial to have a color scheme in mind. You don't want the furniture to clash and the space to look sloppy; picking a color scheme is a simple way to avoid that.
5) Fabric upholstered chairs bring a cozy vibe to the space
Not only is the fabric soft to the touch and comfortable on your dining chairs, but it also comes in many fun colors and textures that stand out in the space.
6) Find durable upholsteries that are easy to clean
If you have kids or pets, finding durable upholsteries is a must. Our website provides the care instructions, composition, and Martindale rating for each fabric. The higher the Martindale rating, the more durable the fabric is, so that's a good indicator of which one you should choose.
7) Leather accents bring a touch of luxury to the space
Leather chairs are the best choice if you want a classy, formal look. They are luxurious, soft to the touch, and will last for a long time in your contemporary dining space.
8) Eco-leather upholsteries are an environmentally-friendly finish option for your chairs
If you love the look of leather but want something better for the environment, we offer eco-leathers designed to look and feel the same as leather. It's also at a lower price point for added appeal.
9) Avoid too many bright colors
Too many bright colors will overwhelm the space and distract you and your guests. A pop of color here and there is recommended.
10) Choose sparkling finishes for light fixtures to make the space stand out
Sparkling light fixtures bring a glamorous style to the area. For example, we love the Cristal chandelier by Cattelan Italia, which makes the whole room shimmer.
11) If you have an open-concept home, keep up the color scheme in the whole area
You want the entire space to have a cohesive design concept, which is why keeping up the whole color scheme in the open concept area is vital. This way, it will make the entire space flow nicely.
12) Metal finishes are sturdy and bring a bit of shine to the space
The available metal finishes come in many colors, bringing a shining style to the area. They are strong and robust. Because of this, all of the metal furniture will last for a very long time.
Accessorizing and Decorating the Contemporary Dining Area
Decorating the space and accessorizing the dining room is the fun part! The decorating opportunities are limitless, which can be exciting but also hard to navigate. There's the possibility of over-accessorizing, which can make the space look cluttered. Because of this, we wanted to offer the following advice to decorate your dining space to its best advantage.
1) Invest in stylish and easy-to-clean placemats
We love placemats for many reasons. They come in many fun colors and prints, are easy to switch out when you want, and make the clean-up process more manageable. There are no downsides to us!
2) Switch out tablecloths often to keep the space looking fresh
Another simple way to accessorize is by covering the table with a tablecloth. They are easy to clean and switch out seasonally or whenever you're looking to update the space.
3) Bring in some greenery through centerpieces or accent decor on the sideboard
Nature offers tranquility and peace, which we can all use more of in our life. That is why we love the idea of adding flowers and plants to your dining room design. You can add a bouquet to the center of the table or bring in fake plants on top of the sideboard.
4) You can't go wrong with mirrors
We love mirrors because they come in many fun shapes and sizes and allow you to play with dimensions. They make the space seem larger and are gorgeous pieces of wall art. One mirror we recommend is the Giolino mirror by Porada.
5) Bring in small pops of color through decor pieces
Small decor pieces and knickknacks are a great way to add subtle pops of color. You can find a bright-colored candle holder or vase that works with your color scheme. It will make a significant impact with just a small silhouette.
6) Find unique centerpieces for the table
While we love bouquets of flowers as a centerpiece, switching it up with unique centerpieces can be fun. Finding a sculptural work of art that speaks to you will make a lovely statement in your space.
7) If you don't want to cover your table fully, runners are a great choice
If you choose a ceramic tabletop, you don't want to cover up the gorgeous, natural pattern fully. However, runners are ideal if you're looking to bring in some extra texture and color. Burlington has some great options at a low price!
8) Hang artwork
If you've invested in a buffet or sideboard, hanging a beautiful piece of art over it makes a gorgeous focal point. Find a painting that you are passionate about that also works with the room's color scheme, so you are happy whenever you look at it, and it doesn't detract from the overall design concept.
9) Install wallpaper
Wallpaper is an easy way to transform space. Whether you want to feel like you're outside, in a different country, or a piece of artwork, you can achieve that with the options from LondonArt.
10) Spotlight the fireplace by hanging decor above it
If you have a fireplace in your dining area, highlight it by utilizing the space above it. You can hang eye-catching decor or place items on the mantel for convenience. If you don't have a fireplace in your home, you can always buy an individual one to achieve the look.
11) Hang photos on the wall
Bring personal touches to your modern dining area by hanging pictures on your wall. This way, you can have your favorite people around you and have cherished memories to look at as you eat and socialize.
12) Add geometric wall art for a bold touch
Bring a bold style to the area by geometrically hanging decor and photos. One iteration we love of this is the Tangram shelf by Lago. You can hang all of the pieces in so many unique ways.
13) Decorate with the seasons
Decorating seasonally is a great way to celebrate the time of year and update your space. Every dining room design needs a refresher from time to time, and this way, you are doing so every few months, so it always looks current.
14) Add cushions to wood or plastic dining chairs that come in fun colors and patterns
We recommend this to bring pops of colors to the space and make your seats more comfortable for long periods. Also, you can switch them out often to give your area a refresher.
15) Show off the view by highlighting your windows
Like we said before, nature has a calming effect, so showing off the view from your windows is a must. It brings in natural light, allowing you to get your daily dose of vitamin D.
Dining Room Design Inspiration From Different Styles
While our store's focus is on modern and contemporary styles, we definitely appreciate the other interior design styles. That is why we suggest mixing different types to create a truly unique look. Everyone will admire your space when you borrow from various styles.
1) Display collectible items passed down from different generations for a traditional touch
Just because you have a modern style in your home doesn't mean you can't display antiques. Having the juxtaposition between old and new will make the dining area stand out even more.
2) Go boho by adding baskets
Baskets are a great organizational tool, giving you plenty of space for belongings you want close by yet out of sight. They also bring a bohemian touch that pairs well with contemporary furnishings.
3) Achieve a coastal vibe by decorating with blues
If you are designing your beach house or just really like the beach and want to feel like you're there year-round, pair your modern style with a coastal vibe. Different shades of blue, white, and other neutrals give off this look.
4) Invest in eclectic decor pieces for a unique style
You're unique, so your dining room design should also be unique! You can achieve that one-of-a-kind look by bringing in eclectic pieces of decor that put a smile on your face whenever you look at it.
5) Go glam by bringing in sparkling accents
Adding sparkling light fixtures is the way to go if you're after a glamorous style. We love the Argent wall sconce by Terzani.
6) Go for a nautical vibe by adding shiplap
Love the water? Then you may be interested in combining your modern home with some nautical style. One way to do that is to achieve a shiplap look on the walls.
7) Highlight wood materials for a farmhouse chic look
Wood furniture adds a rustic, outdoorsy style that is ideal for people looking to add a bit of farmhouse style to their space.
8) Achieve a minimalist look by decorating sparingly
Minimalism is timeless, which will make your modern dining room look amazing for years and years. Decorate with knickknacks sparingly to achieve this look. As a bonus, it makes it easier to clean as well!
9) Play with different prints for a funky style
You can play with prints by adding seat cushions, unique artwork, and tablecloths. These all come in many options so that you can get the funky look mixed with your modern style.
10) Highlight the natural architecture of the house, whatever style that may be
We always want to highlight the house's quirks, be it exposed beams, brickwork, etc.
Our goal is to help you create the dining room of your dreams. We hope that these tips help with that. Contact us with any questions or if you would like help with the design process with our in-house design team.