Designing a Dining Room: Ideas, Brands, Furniture and Colors
The dining room is more than just a place to eat—it’s where daily meals turn into cherished memories and special occasions come to life with loved ones. Imagine hosting a dinner party where the ambiance is so perfect that your guests linger at the table long after dessert, lost in conversation. That’s the magic of a well-designed dining room. As a central hub in your home, a thoughtfully curated dining space elevates every meal and enhances the entire experience. Whether you’re dreaming of a full renovation or a simple refresh, these modern dining room design ideas will inspire you to create a stylish, functional space that reflects your unique taste.
Understanding Your Dining Room’s Potential
Before you start picking furniture or paint colors, take a moment to think about how you really use your dining room. Is it the spot for everyday family dinners, a stage for formal entertaining, or maybe even a makeshift home office? How you use the space should shape your design choices. According to a 2023 survey by the National Association of Home Builders, 68% of homeowners use their dining rooms for more than just dining—think working from home or studying. This trend underscores the need for a versatile design that fits your lifestyle.
“Too many homeowners design dining rooms that look gorgeous but don’t work for their lives,” says Stephanie Weinstein, a designer at 123 Remodeling. “If you’ve got little kids, those pristine white upholstered chairs might look amazing in a magazine, but they’re a spill waiting to happen.”
Condo kitchen remodel with a rectangular dining table, classic wooden chairs and modern chandelier by 123 Remodeling
Expert Tip: Grab a tape measure and sketch out a floor plan before you shop. Leave at least 36 inches between the table edge and walls or other furniture for easy movement. For seating, allocate 24-26 inches of table edge per person to keep everyone comfortable.
The Perfect Dining Table: The Heart of the Room
Your dining table isn’t just furniture—it’s the beating heart of the room. Choosing the right one means balancing style, size, shape, and material.
Round Tables: Perfect for square rooms, they encourage conversation and intimacy.
Rectangular Tables: A classic choice for long, narrow spaces, favored by most families.
Extendable Tables: Ideal for flexibility, letting you host extra guests without a permanent space commitment.
Round tables shine in cozy settings, while rectangular ones dominate for their practicality — 24% of homeowners prefer round, with 12% opting for square or oval shapes, while 64% of homeowners prefer rectangular tables according to a 2024 Houzz survey.
Material Matters
Here’s a rundown of popular options:
Wood: Warm and timeless, with oak, walnut, and maple leading the pack.
Glass: Light and airy, great for small spaces but prone to smudges.
Marble: Luxurious and durable, though it demands upkeep.
Mixed Materials: Think wood tops with metal bases for a modern edge.
For inspiration, check out brands like Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn, which offer diverse styles. Craving a sleek, contemporary vibe? The ‘Atlas’ table from CB2, with its glass top and metal base, is a standout.
Expert Tip: Look beyond looks. For family-friendly tables, prioritize sealed surfaces that resist stains and scratches. Love marble but dread the maintenance? Quartz alternatives like Caesarstone or Silestone mimic the luxe look with better durability. I once had a client obsessed with a glass table—until they saw the fingerprints. We swapped it for a frosted glass top, keeping the airy feel without the hassle.
Seating Options That Combine Comfort and Style
Dining chairs are where comfort meets personality. Here’s how to nail the balance:
Chair Styles
Upholstered Chairs: Cozy for long dinners, adding texture to boot.
Wooden Chairs: Sturdy and classic, a timeless pick.
Mixed Seating: Pair a bench with chairs for a laid-back, modern twist.
Statement Chairs: Use bold head chairs in a contrasting color or style to spice things up.
Explore brands like West Elm, Crate & Barrel, and Design Within Reach for variety. The ‘Eames Molded Plastic Chair’ from Herman Miller is a comfy, iconic choice, while IKEA’s ‘Stefan’ chair delivers simplicity on a budget.
Kitchen remodel with a round dining table and bold orange chairs by 123 Remodeling
Expert Tip: Sit in chairs for at least 10 minutes before buying—looks can deceive when it comes to comfort. Check the height too: aim for 10-12 inches between the seat and tabletop for perfect legroom.
Lighting: Setting the Perfect Mood
Lighting isn’t just practical—it’s transformative. The right fixture can turn a basic dining room into a showstopper.
Chandelier Considerations
Size it right: Aim for a chandelier one-half to two-thirds the width of your table.
Hang it 30-36 inches above the tabletop for clear sightlines and great light.
Go dimmable to switch vibes from casual to cozy.
Love options? The ‘Visual Comfort’ collection from Circa Lighting has sizes and styles for every room. On a budget? West Elm’s ‘Capiz Shell Chandelier’ is a stunner without the splurge.
Dining nook with a pendant light in a Logan Square home by 123 Remodeling
Layered Lighting
Don’t stop at the chandelier. Add depth with:
Wall Sconces: Soft ambient glow.
Buffet Lamps: Task lighting for serving.
Recessed Lights: Highlight architectural details.
Lighting designer Thomas Paterson of Lux Populi says, “The best dining rooms use at least three light sources at different heights for dimension and warmth.”
Expert Tip: Wire your chandelier to a dimmer switch. For dinner-party perfection, use warm LEDs (2700K-3000K) at about 40 watts per 50 square feet—enough to see your food, with an intimate vibe that flatters everyone.
Wall Treatments and Color Schemes
Your walls set the tone—literally and figuratively. They’re a chance to play with color and texture.
Color Psychology
Colors subtly shape the dining experience:
Blue: Calming but appetite-suppressing—use sparingly.
Red, Orange, Yellow: Boost conversation and hunger.
Neutrals (Greige, Taupe, Soft Whites): Versatile and timeless.
Deep Hues (Navy, Forest Green, Burgundy): Cozy and dramatic.
Dining room in Leather Saddle Brown (2100-20) by Benjamin Moore
Wallpaper and Texture
Wallpaper’s back in a big way. Consider:
Grasscloth: Natural texture.
Large-Scale Patterns: High drama.
Tone-on-Tone Designs: Subtle sophistication.
York Wallcoverings offers washable, durable options perfect for dining spaces.
Expert Tip: Nervous about full-room wallpaper? Start with an accent wall behind a buffet. Look for vinyl-coated options—they’ll handle the occasional splash or wipe-down.
Storage Solutions: Function Meets Style
Smart storage keeps your dining room chic and clutter-free.
Sideboards and Buffets
These multitaskers store dishes and linens while doubling as serving surfaces. Look for:
Heights of 34-38 inches to match your table.
Widths of 60-72 inches for most rooms.
Features like adjustable shelves or drawers.
IKEA’s ‘HAVSTA’ series offers customizable, budget-friendly units. For luxe appeal, California Closets crafts built-ins tailored to your style.
Kitchen renovation with various storage solutions by 123 Remodeling
Built-In Options
Go seamless with:
Glass-Front Cabinets: Show off your china.
Wine Storage: Built right in.
Custom Drawers: Perfect for flatware.
Expert Tip: Match storage to your habits. Host big holidays? Reserve space for seasonal pieces. For heavy gear like mixers, add hydraulic lifts in custom cabinets to save your back.
Flooring Considerations
Flooring ties the room together while braving spills and scratches.
Durable Options
Hardwood: Classic but scratch-prone.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Wood-look, tough as nails—per the 2023 Flooring Trends Report by Floor Covering Weekly, it’s the industry’s fastest-growing star.
Porcelain Tile: mimics anything, lasts forever.
Area Rugs: Add warmth and protection (go low-pile for chair ease).
Brands like Shaw Floors and Mohawk lead the LVP game with stylish, durable picks.
Expert Tip: For wood, choose engineered boards with aluminum oxide finishes. Add felt pads to chair legs and a rug extending 24 inches beyond the table edges, secured with a quality pad.
Bringing It All Together: Final Touches
The details make it yours.
Art and Mirrors
Mirrors: A large, ornate one from Anthropologie adds glamour and space.
Art: A Society6 gallery wall brings eclectic charm.
Table Settings and Centerpieces
Keep it simple yet striking:
A runner with seasonal touches.
Low centerpieces that don’t block chats.
Layered settings that vibe with your style.
Expert Tip: Build a go-to tablescape: runner, candleholders, versatile dishes. Add flowers for flair. Stock three napkin sets—everyday, seasonal, special occasion—for endless variety.
Creating Your Perfect Dining Space
The best dining rooms blend your style with real-life needs. Love sleek modern or cozy traditional? Focus on a space that invites connection. Life changes, and so can your dining room—from formal to family-friendly. The goal? A room you’ll actually use, filled with memories.
Considering a redo in Chicago or the North Shore? 123 Remodeling brings two decades of design-build expertise to turn your vision into reality. Contact us today to get a free consultation and estimate.
Stephanie is an interior designer who has worked in multiple areas of the design industry. She found her love for design while working in client services at a high-end retailer, and she has followed her passion to 123 Remodeling where she is thrilled to share her passion for design with her clients.
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