Category: Dining Rooms

Many of us prefer one shape of dining table over another. But if you don’t have a clear furniture preference, how do you decide between a round vs. rectangular dining table?

There are many factors that can help you settle on which dining room table shape is best for your dining area. Keep reading to find out the pros and cons of each before going to the furniture store and choosing a rectangular or a circular table shape.

[view_toc]

What to Consider When Choosing a Dining Table?

The size and shape of your dining area should be the first consideration when shopping for a new dining room table and coordinating furniture. You also need to consider how many people you usually sit around your table, and how you most often use the space. 

For example, do you eat all meals around the dining room table, or is it saved for special occasions? Do you have a formal dining room and only use it when guests visit? And when you dine at the table, is it usually a formal or casual event? Finally, how much additional furniture do you need in the dining room, such as a buffet or china cabinet? 

Answering these questions will help you decide on a dining room table that maximizes the room’s size, flow and function. Certain table shapes work better under certain conditions, as explained in the pro and con lists below.

Read also: Best Dining Room Tables

Round Table Pros and Cons

Circular shapes are inherently soothing, all at once modern and classic. Small round tables are an excellent furniture option in a small space as they afford more leg room than a square or rectangular table. If you choose a round table with an extendable leaf, you can turn it into an oval table when you have more guests over. 

Pros

As illustrated in the tale of King Arthur, a round table has no head. Therefore, seating is equal for every person at the table. This was as important for the king’s barons as it is in today’s world of impartiality and equality. 

It’s easier to see all your guests or family members when you’re seated at a round table—even those sitting right beside you. If you need to add an extra chair or two, it’s easy to add a few seats to a round table. Also, no one gets stuck straddling a table leg.

If you frequently enjoy family style dining, it’s easier for everyone to reach the serving plates and bowls at the center of a round table. Add a lazy Susan and make the self-serving process even easier. 

A round dining table shape lacks the sharp corners and edges on square or rectangular table tops—something that you might appreciate if you have small children who tend to run and bump their little noggins into furniture. 

If you often play cards or board games, round tables allow everyone to have equal access to the middle of the table.

Cons

Although a round table allows people to see each other better, that benefit is lost if it’s too big. A huge round table can make your guests feel distant and disconnected from one another—and it will be hard for shorter people to reach dishes placed near the center. 

If you have an oblong dining room, a round table will feel like an afterthought. It will leave you wondering how to fill the empty space at each end of the room and leave your guests wondering why you didn’t get a table that matches the space.

A round table can be hard to maneuver around, interrupting traffic flow through the space. 

Rectangular Table Pros and Cons

Rectangular tables are probably the first style that comes to mind when you think about dining room furniture. A rectangular dining table is great if you have a big family or frequently entertain larger groups of people. Rectangular tables have other benefits besides ample seating.

Pros

Many rectangular tables come with extension leaves that allow you to expand the seating capacity by two, four, or more people. 

If you have a narrow dining space, you can place a rectangle table against the wall without losing its functionality. 

If you need extra seating, you can replace a couple of dining chairs with a bench. This will accommodate an extra person and will slide easily under the table after meals, freeing up more floor space. 

When it comes to home decor, it’s usually easier to find tablecloths in rectangular table size shapes than round or oval ones. 

Cons

If a rectangular table is too narrow, it can be difficult to fit place settings on both sides. Try to find a table that’s at least 36 inches wide.

A large rectangular table can feel awkward at mealtimes if you typically only have two or three people present. 

It can be hard to find a rectangle table in the right size to fit a smaller space. Most small dining table tops are round or square.

What about square or oval dining room tables?

Square tables and oval tables look great in the right space. Square dining tables are a logical choice in a square dining room. They’re great for small, intimate gatherings. A square shape is also a good choice for counter height tables that use bar stools instead of dining chairs.

Like a rectangular table, an oval dining table is great for larger groups and narrow dining room spaces. Oval tables are a good furniture option if rectangular or square dining tables are too angular for your decorating aesthetic. Keep in mind that you’ll lose some surface area if you get an oval table instead of a rectangular one.

The Base Matters Too

Your dining room table’s shape isn’t the only factor that determines how many chairs you can fit around it. Its base also plays a huge role in how well your dining table works in your space. A table might have traditional table legs, or a single pedestal in the center. Trestle style table bases are another trendy option.

A rectangular dining table usually has four legs, one at each corner. However, you can often find rectangle tables that have angled legs that connect to a single base. Modern style furniture is more likely to have that type of base.

A round table with a pedestal base is the best type for adding extra chairs because there aren’t any supports to block them. Keep in mind that center base tables can be more prone to tipping over, especially if a person pushes down on the table top when rising from a seated position. 

Oval dining tables may have two pedestal supports. Not only does that make the table sturdier, you still have room to add extra chairs without any of your guests bruising their shins against table legs. 

Trestle bases are popular on farmhouse style furniture and are more complex than simple table legs.

You should test how a table’s base influences the number of chairs it can accommodate. Sit down in different places and see if there’s enough room for your legs when you slide the chair all the way in, and if your legs hit the table’s legs at any point. 

The dining table and chairs you choose for your dining room can set the stage for the entire room. This includes the style, construction material, design, and size. For example, the fabric used to upholster the chairs can take a traditional craftsman-style chair and turn it into a contemporary or bohemian chair. The fabric also affects the dining experience of those eating at the table. For example, a rough and scratchy material can be unpleasant to sit on, while a soft leather can make the experience more enjoyable as it feels nicer. Keep these tips in mind, and you won’t have any trouble choosing the best fabric for dining room chairs. 

[view_toc]

What to Look For When Choosing Fabric for Dining Room Chairs?

Choosing new fabric for reupholstering dining room chairs is about more than finding a color or pattern that you like. Look at the old fabric and upholstery foam that is on your chairs. You could choose an upholstery fabric that is already on your dining chairs to keep things simple. However, if you’re changing out the main material on your chair frame, why not upgrade the upholstery fill material and fabric. If you have a solid wood seat base, choose a fill material and fabric that is just as durable. The fabric should be stain-resistant and easy to clean. This helps your chairs to look beautiful for years to come. 

Best Type of Fabric for Dining Room Chairs

1. Cotton blend

Using a cotton fabric to upholster your dining room chairs is a smart choice because this performance fabric is stain resistant, easy to clean, and durable. This is also why you see it so often used on kitchen chairs. However, for the best performance, don’t use plain cotton. Instead, use a cotton fabric that has a blend of synthetic fabrics. This blend works best because the synthetic fibers give the cotton fibers increased strength and stability. The higher the percentage of polyester in the blend, the more durable your polyester upholstery will be. Ideally, look for a fabric that is a 50/50 or a 60/40 blend of cotton to polyester fibers. You can also treat the fabric with Scotch Guard to protect it. 

Advantages 

The biggest advantage of using cotton or cotton blend is the fabric’s strength and durability. You can expect the upholstery to last a long time. Cotton blends are also affordable, making them ideal for people on a budget. You also don’t have to sacrifice style with countless patterns, colors, and styles available. 

Disadvantages 

The drawback of using cotton blends on your upholstered chairs is that cotton absorbs liquids. This can make treating stains more difficult if the liquid is allowed to soak into the fabric. 

2. Leather

Whether you decide to use real or faux leather, this type of material on your dining chairs will give your home an elegant and sophisticated feel. Leather is a bigger investment, but it can be worth the investment for its longevity and looks. Leather is also easy to use throughout the rest of your home decor, making it possible to have a coordinated look throughout your home. The leather gets wrapped around the chair seat and stapled into place. Continue using leather throughout your home, such as your office chair in your home office or a sofa in your living room. When choosing leather, there are three grades for the main material details. Top grain leather is the highest grade, full-grain is the next best level and might have slight imperfections, and the lowest grade is genuine or corrected grain leather. 

Advantages 

Using leather as the upholstery material for your chairs will give you the benefit of having a classy look in your home. It’s easy to coordinate with other home decor elements and furniture. Leather is easy to clean and hypoallergenic. It will continue to look beautiful as it ages if you care for it. 

Disadvantages 

The cost of leather can be the biggest deterrent for most people. High-quality leather can be expensive. It’s also limited in the color options you can choose from. There may not be a color available that works with your interior design. Leather can also be unpleasant to sit on when the weather is hot or humid. The leather can turn sticky and be uncomfortable against bare skin. Finally, leather can be damaged, which can degrade the look of the leather. It could be scratched or marked. Pet’s clause or metal elements on clothing can cause these scratches. 

3. Faux suede

Faux suede or microsuede is a modern material that is an affordable alternative to leather. The fabric is man-made and designed to mimic the look of real suede. It typically has a grain, so it looks one way if you rub your hand on it in one direction. Then when you rub your hand in the opposite direction, it creates another look. This soft fabric wears well, making it a good investment for long-term use. In addition, it comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, so creating a custom look is easy. 

Advantages 

Using microsuede on your dining chairs can give them a soft and luxurious feel without the cost of leather. In addition, cleaning and maintenance are a breeze, with dirt and stains being easily removed. This makes the fabric an ideal choice for homes that have pets and children. It won’t attract pet hair the way velvet does, and if hair does get on the chair, it’s much easier to remove. 

Disadvantages 

The main drawback of using microsuede is that it’s a faux material, so it isn’t as durable as actual leather. Additionally, if you choose a light color for your fabric, it will show marks and dirt easily, which can quickly degrade the look of your chairs. 

4. Tweed

Fabric dining chairs that use tweed to cover the chair cushion look traditional and have a classic sense of formality and sophistication. Tweed is also a smart choice for upholstery because the fibers are durable and have a nice feeling natural texture. In addition, you can easily maintain tweed fabric with routine vacuuming. If something gets spilled on them, you can spot clean the fabric with a mild detergent. 

Advantages 

Choosing tweed for your dining chairs will give you the benefit of it being water, soil, and odor resistant. This hardy fabric is ideal for chairs that will experience high use or in homes where there are pets and children. The course fabric has lots of texture, which can be a sophisticated accent to your home. Despite there being a lot of texture, the fabric still feels nice and comfortable. 

Disadvantages 

Because tweed is a woven fabric, liquids can quickly and easily absorb into the fabric. Once there, the stain can become locked into the fibers, making it difficult to completely remove the stain. Be careful with your cleaning methods so that you don’t grind the stain further into the fabric. 

5. Velvet 

Give your upholstered dining chairs a soft touch of luxury with velvet fabric. This fabric works well as both the seat cushion and the back lining. Despite its expensive feel and look, it’s relatively affordable. In addition, it comes in a wide range of colors and styles. Velvet finishes include plain, stretch, embossed, crushed, panne, and pile-on-pile. Each of these can create a different look for your chairs. 

Advantages 

What’s nice about using velvet is that you can use the excess fabric to sew custom window treatments for your formal dining room. The fabric is strong and durable, making it suitable for both the chair upholstery and window curtains. There are different types of velvet made from polyester, cotton, and mohair fibers. This lets you choose a velvet with the right look, feel, and price point for your project. Velvet has an ultra-plush feel that has a pleasing tactile feel. 

Disadvantages 

Dust and pet hair is a struggle for velvet. That plush texture attracted pet hair like crazy. If your velvet chairs are exposed to sunlight, the fabric will fade. The fabric breaks down and suffers damage from sunlight exposure over time. 

6. Vinyl

This synthetic fabric is popular for dining chairs because it’s affordable and durable. That is why you see it so often used on restaurant seating. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to keep it looking nice. You don’t have to worry about it suffering sun damage or fading if you leave the blinds open and let the natural light in. When buying vinyl, you’ll see that it comes in several finishes, similar to leather. There are textured, woven, leather, and ornate embossed designs. 

Advantages 

If you live in a messy house full of children and pets, then vinyl will be a lifesaver. You can easily wipe it clean and prevent stains. The smooth, durable finish is similar to leather, so liquids won’t absorb into the fabric. There are also many color and grain options, making it possible to create a custom look with your chairs. 

Disadvantages 

The problem with vinyl is that it tends to look and feel cheap. This can pull down the overall look and feel of your dining room. Vinyl also doesn’t age well, with tears, cracks, and rips developing over time. The material tends to dry out, which makes these issues worse. 

Worst Fabrics for Dining Room Chairs 

Some designers suggest linen as a suitable fabric for upholstering dining room chairs. However, be careful because linen is better suited for formal spaces and adult-only environments. In addition, it tends to get dirty easily and won’t withstand heavy wear and tear. While the fabric isn’t susceptible to fading or piling, it does require professional cleaning if it gets soiled. 

Silk is not a good option for your dining chairs. This fabric is delicate and is best used in a formal room that rarely gets used. In addition, it requires special care and professional cleaning if it gets soiled. There is a synthetic alternative acetate, but it tends to not offer much more durability and will fade when exposed to the sun. 

Do you know your proportions? A well-designed room is all about scale and proportions. If you get them wrong, it doesn’t matter how elegant or beautiful your chandelier and furniture are; your dining room will always feel slightly uncomfortable and off. Hanging your chandelier at the right height sets the stage for the rest of the room. This large light fixture is typically the focal point in the room, so it needs to be at the right height to properly illuminate the space. 

[view_toc]

The Standard Chandelier Height Over a Dining Room Table 

When hanging a chandelier over a dining room table, the standard advice is to measure from its lowest point to the table. It should be between 30 and 36 inches from the tabletop. However, this advice assumes that you have a standard ceiling height of eight feet. As a general rule, you should add three inches of hanging height for every additional foot of ceiling height. 

While this advice is helpful, it doesn’t consider the rest of the room’s variables. These include your table size, room size, amount of light generated, and chandelier size. 

How Far Should a Chandelier be From the Ceiling? 

This is the wrong way to look at it. When hanging a chandelier over a table, the vital measurement is the one between the table and the chandelier. Ceiling height isn’t as important. You only need to factor in the height when your ceiling is over eight feet tall or your dining table is in a large room that’s part of an open floor plan.  

Adjusting Chandelier Height For Room Size 

If you approach hanging your chandelier with the idea that its sole purpose is to illuminate the table, you won’t worry about room size. However, this is a narrow way of thinking. Yes, a chandelier is a fixture that’s meant for illumination. However, it is also a design feature for the space. Therefore, you may need to adjust the height of the chandelier up or down to make it fit better into the space. 

View your chandelier from these three angles once you think you have found the perfect height. 

1. Seated at the dining table. 
2. When entering the dining room. 
3. When seated elsewhere in the room. 

Large rooms that are a part of an open floor plan benefit from the third viewing point. The chandelier over the table needs to make sense when viewing it from elsewhere in the room. This could mean hanging it higher or lower than you usually would. 

Adjust For the Size of the Chandelier 

A large or elaborate chandelier will take up a lot of visual space in your dining area. Because of this, you may want to hang it higher. This brings the visual weight, helping to reduce the heaviness felt directly over the table. The added height can also make it easier to admire the chandelier and make the whole room feel more balanced. 

Adjust For the Size of the Table 

Start by picking a chandelier that is the right size for your dining table. It should be one foot smaller than the diameter of the table. To know this, measure the width of your table and subtract 12 inches. This is the maximum width of your chandelier. To determine the maximum length, measure the length of your table. Your chandelier should be one half to two-thirds the table’s length. If your chosen chandelier is on the large side, hang it higher. This will prevent people from bumping into it and help to visually reduce the chandelier’s size. 

Adjust For the Amount of Light 

Your chandelier needs to give off enough light that you can easily enjoy a meal at your dining table without straining your eyes. However, you don’t want it to be so bright that you hurt your eyes. Once you install your chandelier, turn it on and see for yourself the amount of light it produces. You can then adjust the height based on your needs. If the light is overly bright, hang the chandelier higher to help diffuse the light. If your chosen chandelier doesn’t produce very much light, hang it low to maximize the amount of light produced.

Because a chandelier is an overhead light, it has the potential to create unflattering shadows on people’s faces when sitting at the table. You’ll need to sit at the table and see how the light hits people’s faces to prevent this. You may find raising the light a couple of inches can fix this. 

Chandelier Positioning

No matter what height you choose for your chandelier, it needs to be correctly positioned over the table. It should always be placed in the center of the table. Now, it’s easier to move the table than the light fixture. However, you will want a smaller chandelier to make it easier to center the table under the light in a smaller room.  

Keep in mind that this could result in your dining table not being in the center of the room. That’s ok. It’s more important to get the light centered over the table than to have the table in the center of the room. 

What Happens When a Chandelier Is Too Low? 

The biggest problem with a too low chandelier is that people bump their heads into it. Additionally, the light can be too bright and harsh on the eyes. Depending on the type of bulbs in your chandelier, it can also generate a lot of heat, making it uncomfortable to sit under. 

What Happens When a Chandelier Is Too High? 

A chandelier that is too high will feel disconnected from the table and the room. This creates a disjointed design. The chandelier will look as if it’s just randomly floating in the air. You may also find that your table doesn’t have enough light because it diffuses too much before it reaches the table. 

Should Table Decor Affect Height?

Because table decor changes, you shouldn’t hang your chandelier based solely on this one factor. However, if you like tall table decor, you’ll want to hang your chandelier closer to the 36 inch measurement. This will give you more space for the decor underneath it. On the other hand, if you hang your chandelier at the 30 inch measurement, you’ll find that the tall table decor looks cramped under the low hung light fixture. 

Related read: 58 Dining Table Centerpiece Ideas

What If The Ceiling Is Slanted? 

Chandeliers are not a universal light fixture. If you have a slanted ceiling, you’ll need to buy a compatible chandelier. The base on these fixtures can move to account for the ceiling angle. This helps the chandelier to hang straight down vertically despite the uneven hanging base of the ceiling. 

The formal dining room has been fazed out of many contemporary homes. In its place, we often see kitchen nooks, makeshift breakfast bars, and tiny rooms that can barely hold a full-size dining table.

Even if sit-down meals are a rarity in your home, a dedicated dining room is a valuable asset. So making the most out of whatever dining space you have available is becoming more important than ever.

Check out the small dining room ideas below to learn how to transform limited square footage into a stylish gathering space for family and friends alike.

[view_toc]

1. Maximize Space with Banquette Seating

You probably associate banquette seating with a cozy breakfast nook or intimate cocktail corner. But you’d have a hard time finding a dining room seating solution that’s more space-conscience.

A banquette bench can be incorporated into a casual or formal atmosphere with ease. For a more luxurious aesthetic, opt for banquette seating upholstered with durable suede, leather, or velvet.

You don’t need to use only one type of seating in your dining room. Combining banquette seating with coordinating dining chairs is a great way to maximize capacity with minimal square footage.

2. Stylish Bench Solutions for Compact Dining

A banquette is not the only communal dining room seating solution out there. You can also swap out regular chairs for benches.

Place your dining table in the center of the room with benches on either side. Or tuck everything in a corner to save even more space. Again, feel free to mix and match your dining room furniture to suit your household’s needs.

Non-upholstered benches aren’t the most comfortable seating option for a home dining room. It doesn’t hurt to invest in a bench with a supportive back or supplement with accent cushions!

3. Minimalist Elegance in Small Dining Design

A minimalist approach to your dining room furniture and decor is the best way to maintain elegance in a small space.

Limit decorative pieces to just one or two special pieces displayed on your wall or dining room table.

Choose a dining table and chairs that are proportional to the available floor space. The worst thing you can do is spend money on a furniture set that is too large for your dining room.

Neutral colors are the ideal option for a simple yet elegant design. Accent your setup with a sleek glass tabletop or statement light fixture.

4. Cozy Farmhouse Charm for Small Rooms

Farmhouse decor can make even the most cramped living space feel like a home. There’s a reason this design trend has been at the top of the charts for the past decade and beyond.

Farmhouse-inspired spaces almost always boast bright white walls. This is perfect for a small dining room where maximizing light is a top priority.

You can warm up your farmhouse dining room with a wood dining table and chairs. Add vintage charm with a one-of-a-kind chandelier or reclaimed barn wood decor.

5. Revitalize Small Dining Rooms with Grey Decor

Rumor has it that grey home decor might be falling out of style. But, as we all know, neutrals aren’t beholden to the same rules as bolder design trends.

If grey is your color of choice for the dining room, there’s no need to reimagine the entire room.

Instead, find ways to update your dining space with textured wallpaper or contemporary dining furniture in shades of grey.

Grey is an excellent alternative to white. It still offers a bright, spacious feel with a more finished appearance overall.

With that said, contrasting your grey dining room decor with a stark white wall or sideboard will keep the space looking fresh and on-trend.

6. Luxury Dining in Small Spaces

Today’s real estate market has tricked all of us into believing that luxury design requires a ton of square footage.

Don’t worry — you can do just as much with a small dining room as you can an open-concept one.

A circular table will make the most of your small dining area. Choose a table with a heavy base and polished finish for a high-end look.

Hang a statement pendant light several feet above your dining room table to draw the eye up toward the ceiling.

Rather than fill your small dining space with the most diminutive furniture possible, dare to go big. Upholstered dining chairs have an unmatched presence that will make your dining room feel intimate (not cramped).

7. Streamlined Modern Design for Small Rooms

Modern design is a popular choice for any small space, largely because of its overlap with minimalism. You can create an intriguing modern dining room with far fewer elements than other interior decor trends.

You won’t be adding many decorative elements to the final design. So it’s important to curate your dining room furniture and fixtures to create an aesthetically pleasing dining area. You’ll see countless modern dining room ideas featuring statement light fixtures.

Another tenet of modern design is the use of geometric lines and shapes. An accent wall can add much-needed contrast to your dining room. You can also lay a modern accent rug under your dining table to split up the space.

8. Embracing Coziness with Rustic Decor

The best thing you can do for a small room is to embrace its size. Rustic decor thrives in an environment that’s short on space, especially if cultivating a warm, lived-in aesthetic is the goal.

Many homeowners have a biased opinion of what rustic decor really involves. While farmhouse design is a type of rustic decor, there’s much more to this trend than shiplap walls and vintage barn doors!

All you need for a rustic dining room is a mixture of neutral tones and organic materials. Wood is an obvious favorite but you can also include elements like stone, wicker, and living plants.

9. Integrating Dining in Small Homes and Studios

Decorating a small dining room is one thing. But what do you do when your dining space isn’t even in its own room?

The formal dining room is nowhere near as important as it once was to everyday life, and there’s nothing stopping you from eating every meal at a kitchen table.

This setup is ideal for anyone who lives alone or with a partner — families will have trouble fitting everyone into such a narrow space.

You can’t get even more mileage out of your small home or studio apartment by investing in space-saving furniture. A wall-mounted tabletop or folding dining chairs will free up floor space when you need it most.

10. Functional Style: Balancing Utility and Aesthetics

Like any living space, the dining room needs to be functional. Even the most stylish small dining room ideas must start with a table and seating.

Once the basics are covered, you can feel free to explore different design ideas for your dining room walls, floor, and more.

A curated color scheme is — arguably — the secret to a stylish interior space. Every element should fit into your chosen palette.

Don’t shy away from accent colors and statement pieces. Unique and textured finishes like polished metal, glass, knotty wood, and velvet upholstery are all great additions to an otherwise simple dining room design.

11. Unique Vintage Styles for Small Decor

Vintage interior design encompasses more trends than perhaps any other decor style.

Whether you lean toward mid-century modern or classic Victorian, your vintage dining room is guaranteed to be 100% unique!

A lot of vintage decor is, by its nature, warm and lived-in. Allow your dining room design to have a soft edge. Ultra-sleek furniture and finishes should only make an appearance in modern-inspired vintage decor.

No matter your passion for vintage items, it may not be possible to outfit your entire dining room with authentic goods. High-quality replicas can be an incredible resource, especially if you’re working within a set budget.

12. Enhancing Small Dining with Texture & Accents

Many small dining room ideas share a common color scheme: White, white, and more white. But creating an all-white room does not need to mean sacrificing your personal style.

White decor is famous for making spaces feel larger and brighter than they really are. However, it can also look cold and sterile in large doses.

Incorporate a textured area rug or natural wood accents into your dining room design to warm up the space. Potted plants are another excellent way to breathe life into your white dining room decor.

“Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of style.”  —  Billy Baldwin

Many of us only decorate our dining room table during the holidays or when we’re entertaining. However, a beautiful dining room centerpiece makes any night of the year feel special.

No matter your decorating style, there are countless table décor ideas perfect for every season. And like all fabulous touches in your home, they should reflect your tastes and personality.

Dining table centerpiece ideas range from long, detailed tablescapes to the simplest jar of wildflowers. Our gallery of ideas showcases dining table ideas to suit every decorating style and budget. Scroll through and discover how easy it is to brighten up your dining room table today!

[view_toc]

1. Use A Bowl Or Tray For A Styling Base

For your dining table centerpiece, consider a bowl or tray to act as the base for your décor. You can fill it with seashells, dried flowers, fruit, stones, faux seasonal items like poinsettias or pumpkins – whatever fits with the theme of your room.

For a unique touch, use a bowl made from natural wood or rustic metal. If you need some height, you can put a bowl or candle on top of books to create interesting levels.

Whatever creative idea you choose for your centerpiece, it should not overpower the other elements of your décor. Find something that is both stylish and practical!

2. Set The Mood With Candles

Creating a beautiful centerpiece for your dining table can be as easy as adding candles! Use candles of various heights to give the table some dynamic texture, and if you really want to impress your guests, choose a candle with an alluring scent.

Candlelight will create a gentle ambiance and make you and your guests feel even more relaxed and at ease during mealtime. All it takes are a few candles, arranged tastefully in the center of the table, and voilà, an eye-catching centerpiece!

3. Treat Driftwood For A Natural Look

Looking for an inspired centerpiece for your dining table? Consider treated driftwood to add a natural touch of style – it’ll make every meal feel like you’re dining beachside! Place two or three treated driftwood pieces atop a classic white runner and let the naturally beautiful look shine!

For added flair, tuck some fresh or dried flowers in between the pieces and top the ensemble off with candles for a romantic ambiance. Whether decorating for everyday meals or special occasions, treated driftwood is an easy way to take center stage.

4. Add An Oversized Sculptural Piece To The Table

If you are looking to give your dining table a contemporary and unique touch, oversized sculptural pieces can be the perfect centerpiece. A modern architectural piece in an oversized size, either made of ceramic or any other material like marble, brings elegance, sophistication, and visual impact to your space.

Of course, you can pair a sculptural centerpiece with clusters of seasonal flowers that will draw attention to it, while adding a more organic element. Alternatively, keeping it solo is also a great way to create a look that celebrates minimalism and simplicity. Taking creative risks like these is sure to bring out the best in your interior design.

5. Showcase Autumn’s Harvest With Fall Decor

If you’re looking for a creative dining table centerpiece idea, some fall decor is the perfect way to showcase fall’s harvest. Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes can be arranged together in the center of your tabletop to create a warm autumnal feel.

To give it more of an autumn touch, paint some pumpkins in burnt orange tones or stick on some fall-themed stickers for a fun look. Whatever autumn decorations you use, this is an easy and effective way to brighten up any dining room!

6. Place A Table Runner

If you’re looking to accessorize your table in style, table runners make an excellent centerpiece idea. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, and materials and provide an ideal base for your table decor. Try mixing different textures and materials like burlap, lace, sequins, or even vibrant fabric to complete the look.

You can even add an area runner for additional design accents or go for a long table runner that stands out on its own as a statement piece – it’s completely up to you! A table runner is a perfect place to start when creating an eye-catching table focal point.

7. Incorporate Greens To The Table

Adding life to your dining table is easy and fun with plant arrangements or terrariums as centerpiece ideas. For plant arrangements, arrange a few small to medium-sized potted plants of varying heights and colors in the center of the table to make a stunning centerpiece.

For terrariums, use a glass bowl or jar to display some cacti, succulents, or mosses. If you have extra space around the edges of the table, consider creating a potted garden with larger plants like ferns, ivies, and other foliage plants. With these creative centerpieces, your dinner parties will definitely be even more memorable!

8. Arrange Fresh Flowers For A Romantic Focal Point

If you want to make your dining table look fresh, chic, and welcoming, why not consider decorating it with a fresh flower arrangement centerpiece? Get inspired by nature’s bounty to create unique designs – incorporate warm-toned daisies, bold roses, or soft tulips!

Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to buy flowers for your fresh flower arrangement; using dried or artificial flowers could be an alternative if fresh ones aren’t available. However, if fresh flowers are accessible to you, the effort will provide stunning results that will fill the room with positive energy.

9. Invest In A Glass Vase

Spice up your dinner table with a beautiful centerpiece that stands out. One low-budget option is to invest in a glass vase and give it a DIY touch with ribbons and paint. Then, fill it with things you already have – like old candles, pebbles, stones, etc.

You can also use it to hold an arrangement of flowers or succulents to add a splash of nature’s beauty. But the great thing about this idea is that you can easily change up your centerpiece by switching out the flowers or plants while keeping the same vase!

10. Clean, Geometric Lines For A Modern Look

For an exciting geometric look, try crafting a unique centerpiece for your dining table. Use geometric shapes like circles, squares, stars, and triangles to create the perfect modern piece. Fill a tall glass vase with bright colors of stones or metallic objects to captivate the eye.

Contrast different colors, textures, and heights in one area to create contrast and interest. Hang geometric pieces from the ceiling, lower them slightly over the table, or feature them as centerpieces on each place setting. Create a visually pleasing geometric landscape and you now have created an eye-catching centerpiece!

11. Showcase Your Most Prized Potted Plant/s

Whether you want to update the look of your dining table or are hosting a special gathering, geometric centerpieces are one of the best ways to give it a modern and sophisticated aesthetic.

Whether using geometric terrariums filled with succulents, geometric vases full of woodland blooms, geometric candles, or any combination thereof, the possibilities are truly endless!

Not to mention that geometric centerpieces can also be some of the more cost-efficient decor items and they look great either alone or paired with other traditional décor components.

12. Collect Vintage & Distressed Items For A Rustic Vibe

If you’re looking to spruce up your dining table, vintage and distressed items are an effective and budget-friendly way to create a cozy rustic vibe. Start by shopping your own house for vintage accent pieces; vintage baskets, vases, and jars make great centerpieces.

Look for mismatched vintage plates or platters that when tested together create a unique look. Try also checking antique stores for vintage treasures. An eclectic mix of vintage pieces could be just the thing to take your dining table from blah to beautiful!

13. Decorate With Dried Fruits

If you’re looking for an eye-catching centerpiece for your dining table, dried fruits are a great way to go! Arrange dried peaches, pears and oranges along your table to create a visual feast.

For a unique twist, dehydrate slices of orange and place them atop the other dried fruits for added depth. To tie the look together, incorporate some eucalyptus greenery as an accent piece. It will bring the whole display together and give any space a fantastic rustic feel.

14. Play With Shape, Height, & Texture With Vases

To take it a notch higher, experiment with different vases with different heights and different textures. For example, hunt the flea market for some vintage vases or visit the garden shop for an array of greenery.

Place a jug filled with dried flowers on one end, while placing micro vases at different corners of your dining table. Playing with different colors and textures will create a unique atmosphere that is perfect for impressing your dinner guests!

15. Art Deco Style For A Sophisticated Look

If you’re looking for an art deco style statement piece for your dining table centerpiece, then investing in tall polished silver candlesticks and crystal vases is always a stand-out choice! Candlelight will create a beautiful atmosphere with its soft flickering glow – perfect for informal gatherings where you want to give a sense of sophistication.

You could even contrast the silver pieces by incorporating polished copper objects into your centerpiece too. Mix it up further by adding artfully arranged fresh sprigs of eucalyptus or have fun with blush pink roses, curling tendrils of ivy, and vibrant fruits like pomegranates and apples. The possibilities are endless!

16. Frosted Ornaments To Celebrate The Winter Holidays

If you’re looking for winter-themed centerpiece ideas for your dining table this holiday season, why not put together something nifty and fun? If so, consider frosted pine! You can find long evergreen branches or smaller twigs to spread around the centerpiece.

Then, use red ribbons to adorn the piece with some light holiday cheer. The wintery white from the frost and the saturated red from the ribbons make a stunning contrast of seasonal colors that will be a really eye-catching accent in your home.

Today’s dining room doesn’t always get the respect it once earned as a central living space. But you don’t need to treat your dining area as a formal space to justify giving it some well-deserved updates.

Dining room design can range from ultra-casual to proper and elegant. While these styles can seem extremely different on the surface, no dining room deviates far from the standard layout of table, chairs, and auxiliary decor.

The dining room ideas below will give you everything you need to reimagine your dining space for the upcoming era of homeownership.

[view_toc]

1. Create a Coastal Boho Dining Space

Embrace a relaxed, beach-inspired vibe with a Coastal Boho dining room. Mix natural materials like rattan or bamboo chairs with a light wooden table. Soften the look with a jute rug, and add pops of color through vibrant cushions or wall art depicting ocean scenes. This style thrives on airy, light-filled spaces, so consider sheer curtains to allow natural light to filter through.

2. Design a Dynamic Artwork Gallery Wall

Transform your dining area into a dynamic space with an artwork gallery wall. Select pieces that share a common theme or color scheme for cohesion. Arrange them at eye level for maximum impact, varying sizes and frames for visual interest. This approach adds personality and can be a great conversation starter during meals.

3. Illuminate with Stylish Pendant Lighting

Pendant lights can redefine your dining space, offering both style and functionality. Choose a statement piece that reflects your room’s aesthetic, be it a sleek metal design for modern spaces or an ornate chandelier for classic settings. Position the light directly above the dining table to create an intimate ambiance and draw focus to the meal setting.

4. Craft a Floral Centerpiece Masterpiece

A floral centerpiece in a vase can be the crown jewel of your dining table. Select a vase that complements the table’s shape and size—tall and slender for long tables, compact and round for smaller ones. Choose fresh flowers that match the room’s color palette. Remember to change water regularly and trim stems for longevity.

5. Choose the Perfect Dining Area Rug

A rug under the dining table helps define the space and adds warmth. Opt for a rug that extends beyond the table’s perimeter by at least 24 inches, ensuring chairs remain on the rug when pulled out. Material-wise, go for durable, easy-to-clean fabrics considering potential food and drink spills.

6. Enhance with an Elegant Table Runner

A table runner is a simple yet effective way to add texture and color to your dining room. It should be one-third the width of your table and hang evenly on both ends. Coordinate the runner’s fabric and pattern with your room’s theme—linen for a rustic look or silk for a more formal setting.

7. Style a Classic Farmhouse Dining Table

A farmhouse dining table anchors a room with its robust, rustic charm. Pair it with benches for a casual, communal feel, or upholstered chairs for a touch of elegance. Complement the table’s natural wood with earth-toned accessories and vintage-inspired dinnerware to complete the farmhouse aesthetic.

8. Achieve a Minimalist Scandinavian Dining Room

Achieve a minimalist yet cozy atmosphere in a Scandinavian dining room. Use a simple color palette of whites and greys, accented with soft blues or greens. Furniture should be functional with clean lines; think light wood tables and chairs with slender, tapered legs. Add warmth with textured throws or a woolen area rug.

9. Embrace an Edgy Industrial Dining Look

An industrial dining room combines raw textures with sleek design. Expose brick walls, steel frames, and pendant lights with Edison bulbs to set the mood. A robust, metal-legged table paired with leather chairs can amplify this look. Soften the industrial feel with a plush rug or green plants.

10. Utilize a Cozy Dining Banquette

Utilize a dining banquette to create a cozy nook. It’s ideal for smaller spaces, offering additional seating and storage solutions. Upholster the banquette in a durable fabric that complements your dining room’s decor. Pair it with a pedestal table to facilitate easy movement around the area.

11. Add Luxury with Velvet Seating

Velvet seating adds a touch of luxury and comfort to any dining room. Choose rich, deep colors like emerald green or navy blue for a regal look, or lighter shades for a more subdued elegance. Maintain balance by keeping other elements in the room understated.

12. Select a Sociable Round Dining Table

A round dining table fosters an intimate and inclusive dining experience. It’s perfect for smaller spaces and ensures everyone at the table can converse easily. Pair it with curved chairs to echo its shape, and hang a statement light fixture above to highlight its central position in the room.

13. Revamp with a Modern Contemporary Touch

For a modern contemporary dining room, focus on clean lines and monochromatic color schemes. Use a mix of materials like glass, steel, and wood for a sophisticated look. Keep accessories minimal – a single, bold art piece or a sleek vase can make a strong statement.

14. Infuse a Midcentury Modern Vibe

Channel the timeless appeal of midcentury modern design. Use a palette of warm woods, muted hues, and geometric patterns. Iconic furniture pieces like Eames chairs or a tulip table instantly evoke this era. Accent with vintage accessories or light fixtures for authenticity.

15. Transform with Decorative Wallpaper

Decorative wallpaper can dramatically transform your dining space. Choose a pattern that complements the room’s scale; large patterns for spacious rooms and subtle designs for smaller spaces. Balance the wallpaper’s boldness with more neutral furnishings to avoid overwhelming the room.

16. Detail with Chair Railing Moulding

Chair railing moulding adds architectural interest and a touch of elegance to any dining room. Paint the wall below the railing in a darker shade for a grounding effect, or use the same color throughout for a more unified look. This feature pairs well with traditional decor and can be used to create a visual division in open-plan spaces.

17. Arrange a Seasonal Dining Table Centerpiece

A centerpiece on your dining room table can be a dynamic focal point, reflecting either the simplicity of nature or the festivity of the season. For a floral arrangement, choose flowers that echo the room’s color scheme; consider low, sprawling arrangements for easy conversation across the table. For holidays, embrace themed elements – a pumpkin arrangement for fall, pinecones and candles for winter, or pastel eggs for spring celebrations.