These Modern Dining Room Ideas Are Worth Recreating (2024)

These Modern Dining Room Ideas Are Worth Recreating (1)

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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.

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1

Install a Rolling Ladder

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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.

SHOP LADDER

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2

Make a Statement With Asymmetric Lighting

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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.

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3

Swap in Bright Curtains

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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.

SHOP RED CURTAINS

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4

Build a Library Wall

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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."

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5

Let an Area Rug Act as a Focal Point

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To complement warm white walls and a warm wood dining set, Banner Day Interiors adds an oriental rug packed with color.

RELATED: Best Places to Buy Modern, Affordable Rugs Online

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6

Cheer Up With Floral Wallpaper

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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.

SHOP FLORAL WALLPAPER

RELATED: Latest Wallpaper Trends That Designers Are Loving

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7

Allow Artwork to Tell a Story

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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.

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8

Hang Elegant Curtains

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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

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9

Reserve Space for a Home Bar

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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

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10

Bring in Shades of Blue

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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.

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11

Get Creative With Wall Decor

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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.

SHOP MASKS

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12

Reflect Light With Mirrors

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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.

SHOP ROUND MIRRORS

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13

Infuse Texture in the Form of Lighting

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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.

SHOP WICKER PENDANTS

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14

Focus on Warm Tones

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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

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15

Put Paintings in Unexpected Places

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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.

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16

Experiment With Geometric Prints

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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.

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17

Play With Color Contrast

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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.

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18

Don't Skimp on Pattern

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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.

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19

Incorporate Antique Decor

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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.

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20

Install Black Wall Paneling

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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.

These Modern Dining Room Ideas Are Worth Recreating (2024)

FAQs

Is the dining room making a comeback? ›

Dedicated dining spaces are making a comeback over large open-concept spaces, but interior design experts predict that in 2024, dining rooms will be more than just a space for eating formal meals.

Does anyone use a dining room anymore? ›

Some people still want their formal dining room—although they may only use it two or three times a year, they still like that traditional feel of a set formal space,” she says. “The other 50 percent mainly comes from new construction.

How do you revamp a dining room? ›

8 Ways to Update Your Old Dining Room
  1. Refresh with paint. A fresh coat of paint can completely transform the look and feel of your dining room. ...
  2. Purchase a new dining room set. ...
  3. Switch up the dining chairs. ...
  4. Add a rug. ...
  5. Create a gallery wall. ...
  6. Add some lighting. ...
  7. Hang new curtains. ...
  8. Add plants.
Mar 19, 2024

What is a contemporary dining room? ›

Contemporary interiors are all about smart designs, clean lines and aesthetically pleasing finishes. So we have designed this dining space with a rectangular dining table in a light wood finish with matching chairs.

Are table runners out of style 2024? ›

Chiffon table runners will continue to be a favorite among event planners in 2024, offering a touch of soft elegance to table settings. These lightweight and ethereal runners will be used to create romantic and whimsical atmospheres, particularly at weddings and upscale events.

Why don t houses have dining rooms anymore? ›

For some, it's more than just a matter of putting unused spaces to work; many buyers and owners today prefer a more open feel in their homes, which often requires removing the walls that separate a formal dining room.

What is the style of dining chairs in 2024? ›

Dining room chairs will step into the spotlight as sculptural masterpieces of dining room ideas in 2024. Unique and artistic designs will elevate seating to an art form. Expect bold shapes, intricate patterns, and unexpected materials, building prominent focal points of contemporary dining spaces.

Do people still use end tables in living room? ›

When decorating your living room, side tables are an often-overlooked yet important element that can add stylish functionality to your space. Not only do they provide a convenient surface to place drinks, books, and other items, but they can also add visual interest and balance to your room.

Are separate dining rooms old fashioned? ›

Thanks to the economic climate, many people are also choosing to recreate that restaurant feel at home, rather than spend money eating out, so it's no surprise that more formal separate dining spaces are once again proving popular.” Linda Wesson, director for prime country sales at Hamptons, adds: “Recent times have ...

What to do in a dining room that is not being used? ›

Turn that unused space into an office, a library/reading nook, or a second living space just for the kids! You could always throw a folding table in there if you ever find yourself in need of a large table to host a meal on. But until then, make the room a spot you will love and use.

How to make a luxurious dining room? ›

How can I make a dining room look expensive?
  1. Invest in statement lighting. ...
  2. Focus on standout chairs. ...
  3. Add a talking point with some artwork. ...
  4. Choose luxury wallpaper, millwork, or paint finishes. ...
  5. Mix luxury materials with antiques. ...
  6. Find good quality floor coverings. ...
  7. Customize furnishings to create an expensive, bespoke look.
Oct 1, 2023

Should dining chairs be lighter or darker than table? ›

The chairs should be the same or darker than the dining table to create a cohesive look. Generally, lighter chairs create an airy and spacious feel, while darker ones add depth and drama to the dining space.

How do you make an old dining room table look modern? ›

To make an old dining table look modern, you can consider the following options:
  1. Paint it a bold hue: Covering the table with a fresh, modern color can give it a contemporary look.
  2. Refinish the top: Applying a new finish or re-staining the table in a more modern tone can significantly change its appearance.
Mar 17, 2023

How do you make old dining chairs look modern? ›

Obvious, but still effective:
  1. Reupholster. If your chair has any cushioning at all, chances are it has some sort of fabric material on it. ...
  2. Refinish. Your chair's hard surfaces can get a dramatic makeover simply by updating the finish, which might mean sanding and staining another wood tone. ...
  3. Paint. ...
  4. Pillows/throws.
Mar 11, 2020

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