Though you don’t spend much time in your dining room, it should still look inviting and appealing to the eyes. Whether it’s your family time at dinner or having friends coming over for lunch, you can make it memorable with some extra-special tablescapes. Also, no matter if you have a small dining area, some designs, if incorporated mindfully, can enhance the entire setting.
The ideas in this blog aim to help you beautify your dining space while boosting its functionality. So, keep reading to find the ones that will suit your space and requirements.
6 Dining Table Ideas to Incorporate Into Your Home
Farmhouse Table
A farmhouse table is easy to DIY using a Kreg Jig (a pocket hole system). It allows you to create a table of your dreams without overwhelming your budget.
Harvest Dining Table
They are rustic and gorgeous. Depending on the size of your family, you can DIY this beautiful dining table to ensure everyone has their seat at the table.
Cottage Style Dining Table
A cottage-style dining table is a perfect one if you want something that also suits a farmhouse-style home. It can easily be DIY-ed, and you can do it on a budget.
Pottery Barn Inspired DIY Dining Table
If you adore Pottery Barn styles, you can DIY it at home. It may not be a beginner-friendly DIY, but if you are a pro, you can definitely consider creating one for your home. It can be made within your budget and is a less expensive alternative to store-bought options.
Steel-Base Dining Table
Though it is hard to build at home because of the welding work required to attach the base of the dining table to the top, you can hire a local contractor who can make a steel-base dining table within your budget.
Rustic Design Dining Table
Rustic design tables can be DIY-ed using reclaimed woods, and to enhance it even further, add decors, such as - woven chargers, drinking glasses, and mason jars for that earthy touch.
14 Dining Room Ideas to Make the Most Out of Your Space
Multi-Use Transitional Space
Pass-through dining rooms are often located in transitional areas. The best way to make the most out of such space is to treat the dining table as a multifunctional piece. For example, in addition to using it as an eating space, you can also use it for gaming, a buffet, or a sideboard.
Add an Oval Dining Table
An oval dining table has a narrow shape, which allows the traffic to scatter evenly while allowing everyone to sit comfortably. You can consider choosing one with a pedestal base, which allows more space.
Small Dining Booth
A dining booth makes the space perfect for relaxing while offering the best way to make use of the corners of your home. If you create a small dining nook near large windows, it’ll make the interior look more spacious.
Bay Window Conversion
You can place the dining table near your bay windows and use its seat as a bench. This is a space-saving option if you have a smaller home.
Window Banquette
A small window banquette is perfect for 2-3 people and also provides extra storage in the drawers below. You can also add simple chairs that can be easily relocated when needed.
Add Items That Fits the Room
Having a smaller room doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on the style. The best practice is to consider the scale of your room and add the items that fit perfectly. Consider adding a clean-lined chrome table with a clear glass top, which takes up less visual space.
Incorporate Colors
Incorporate smart color tricks by adding bright colors to a smaller space while allowing a lot of natural light in. This will make the room look larger and brighter. Also, you can consider including wooden chairs with caned details and a small table for minimalistic seating.
Add Modern Art
Choose your furniture smartly, as it creates a more spacious area and allows people to walk around easily. Also, you can consider adding modern art to the space to make the area pop.
Make Use of Scale
Opt for a tulip-shaped table base that maximizes the functionality without overwhelming the room. You can also include large, bold black and white tiles to add a sense of grandeur and visual presence.
Colorful Rugs
A colorful rug defines your space, while simple furniture can provide stylish and space-saving details. This will make the room open and inviting rather than making it heavy.
Envelope Appeal
Incorporate neutral color with a mix of textures by adding patterned rugs. You can also display art and accessories, such as adding shimmer lampshades to give the space a dash of contrast.
Opt for Traditional Style
You can incorporate a traditional-style dining area using the furnishings you choose. You can go for a velvet banquet edge and upholstered chairs for a timeless look that suits any space.
Fold Out Tables
Fold-out tables are an excellent choice if you are looking for some space-saving options. They have hinges, which allow the table to fold down when needed.
Monochromatic Movement
Incorporate a white corner banquette with matching walls and add cream cushions and subtle sconces, in addition to a dark table to anchor the space. Also, you can include some artwork to bring in character and soft color.
20 Dining Table Decor Ideas
A dining table seems incomplete without some decor. Here are table decor ideas you can incorporate -
Fresh Fruits and Flowers
Add fresh, juicy fruits along with colorful flowers to capture the essence of the season. For example, for a spring-inspired table, you can feature oranges and strawberries in a silver compote in addition to hydrangeas and layered flowers that resemble spring with eccentric china. Also, you can bring out the essence of fall with pomegranates and figs, while for summer, use peaches and cherries.
Incorporate Pale Hues
Paint your dining area white, and add a white dining table along with the chairs and textured vases with a bouquet of greenery. They are perfect for social gatherings, or you can use them as displays. Incorporate an earthy light fixture, which serves as a centerpiece without overwhelming the entire setting.
Coastal Setting
A general thumb rule says, “If you want to make the table more special, layer textures.” You can add a floral tablecloth with woven chargers, classic white dishes, and cloth napkins in bone holders. Use shining flatware and beautiful glassware. For that coastal touch, a blue and white tablecloth with bleached wood and woven trays can be the best choice. Use purple flowers to bring out the decor, which complements the scene.
Midcentury Charm
For a mid-century charm, less is more. The best approach is to opt for an oblong table surrounded by caned chairs. Place some miniature sculptures in a rainbow assortment of colors. They perfectly give a mid-century modern aesthetic.
Preppy American
For a classic American dining tablescape, consider incorporating timeless striped patterns. Also, add some structured floral arrangements and subtle preppy elements, such as - motif-adorned mugs and fresh white daffodils, to create an approachable atmosphere. Moreover, layer a woven light blue table linen as the base, and then place darker blue menus on the crisp white plates. You can also introduce bamboo flatware to add warmth and texture.
Wildflower Dream
For a dreamy dining table decor, keep the palette intentional and restrained using soft whites, greens, and a layer of crystalline texture that feels ethereal yet grounded. Subtly patterned and tone-on-tone table linen serves as a refined base for the table setting, along with some creamy ceramic chargers, crisp ivory plates, and a single, neatly folded napkin. Arrange Queen Anne’s lace, lisianthus, pincushion flowers, and climbing greenery for an elegant floral styling.
Ethereal Glass
Place a variety of translucent glassware in blue, lavender, aqua, and blush colors that serve as an airy and sculptured centerpiece. In addition, clear chairs and matching glass plates with silver cutlery bring out the beauty of the decor. Moreover, you can include some flora and greenery for natural texture.
Gilded Saturation
The Gilded dining table is a combination of an English garden and a European supper club. Though it looks bold, it can still be beautiful if done properly. Opt for a color palette between soft romance and bold saturation. Opt for light-colored linen layered with scalloped porcelain plates and hand-painted edges to instill texture. Also, include brushed gold flatware and darker linen napkins to add depth.
Autumnal Garland
You can create the essence of autumn by adding a rich, textured centerpiece set against a wooden backdrop. Use browned magnolia leaves as a base, and then place pomegranates, crab apples, chestnuts, berries, and fall leaves on time. Also, pair the arrangement with crisp white plates, burlap napkins, and clear glass drinking cups for a touch of simplicity.
Cluster Your Favorite Pieces
Placing items in close proximity creates cohesion, which makes it much easier to design appealing centerpieces. Group your decorative elements tightly, which creates a unified and impactful presence - and often appears more striking together than individually. You can either use the same color and size or use varying shapes and tones, which promotes a harmonious look.
Incorporate Asymmetry
The symmetrical decor seems amazing but try asymmetrical decorations. For example, place the centerpiece off-center and see how it beautifies the space. But remember, the placement should be mindful, and it must look intentional because an accidentally unbalanced placement can make the space look unappealing.
Add Vibrant Colors
Your dining room decor can be anything you prefer; it can be sleek or playful. It’s essential to select decor pieces that complement them. If you have a vibrant and colorful dining room, don’t limit yourself to one centerpiece. Instead, you can select bold vases, which enhance the palette of the space.
Decorate the Dining Bench
If you have a bench added to the dining table, decorate it instead of the table. This gives a clean and tidy appearance to the table while ensuring your space looks properly decorated. It is advisable only to add practical decor, such as a throw blanket, a few books, etc. When you add items that don’t make sense, the entire space starts to look out of place. So, ensure to add decorative items that serve some purpose as well.
Trendy Table Runner
Table runners are a popular accent for dining table decor, and with a few innovative ideas, you can make them feel fresh and contemporary. Choose a thinner, shorter one in one of the refined colors of the space, including black. Pair it with minimalist dinnerware and simple yet modern decorative elements to create a clean and sophisticated tablescape with a contemporary touch.
Cement the Palette
A centerpiece always adds a new color to the space and also reinforces an existing color. Consider using accent tones that are already present in your room, and select a centerpiece that complements or reflects those shades. It is also important to consider the scale of the decor, as it influences the visual impact. Coordinating the centerpiece with the chairs, instead of nearby items, will make the space a little bolder.
Pair Functionality With Aesthetic
The best decor is the one that enhances the aesthetic while considering the functionality. Try incorporating a lush plant along with an appetizing snack tray to make the room more inviting and warmer. However, it is advisable to replace the snacks, or it won’t be as appealing or practical as it should be.
Add More Greeneries
Most flower centerpieces always need to be replaced, while some are mostly fake. However, instead of flowers, you can use lush green plants to make the space more appealing. Before choosing a plant, consider checking the lighting condition of the room. This makes you select the right plant type which can thrive there. Also, consider choosing the right planter that suits your dining room’s aesthetic.
Assorted Candlesticks
In many homes, people prefer adding uniform candlesticks, but mismatched candlesticks can also make the space look great. Place and adorn the dining room table with candlesticks that have a soft resemblance to each other. Be sure that they don’t exactly match each other. This will create a lively and well-coordinated tablescape. Also, you are curating the decoration yourself; you have the flexibility to make it as bold or refined as you want.
Darker Decor
If you have a lighter room, a darker decor can make the space more welcoming. But if your room is already dark and cozy, it’ll make the room even more grounded. This is because, though a darker decorative element may seem like a bold choice, it can add life to your dining space. Adding black centerpieces, for example, a black candlestick, can transform the room.
Double Centerpieces
No rule says decorative elements, especially centerpieces, should only be one. But it doesn’t have to be a cluster of items, as well. But it can definitely be a pair of pieces that makes a statement. Consider combining taller items with shorter ones or keep the sizes consistent to create balance between both pieces.
You can experiment with some of the boldest and prettiest decor ideas using centerpieces, tablescapes, and many more.
