Dining Room Décor Ideas

The words “dining room” often invoke visions of a stuffy and formal space, relegated to a handful of special occasions throughout the year. But if you have a dining room in your home, why not use it as much as you can, rather than treating it as an afterthought? After all, a dining room is a nice change of pace from eating meals at a kitchen island or around the kitchen table. Plus, it’s ideal for homework, crafting and game nights. Maybe all your dining room needs to make it more enticing is a little love. The following tips can go a long way toward refreshing this space—for a room where you actually want to hang out.

Add a Gallery Wall

A floor-to-ceiling collection of art, framed photos, textiles, or a mix brings life to a dining room—and serves as great conversation starters.

Install Trim or Molding

Wainscoting or molding helps break up the predictability of a solid wall. (Plus, if you like the idea of a gallery wall but don’t want to dedicate an entire wall to photos or art, wainscoting or molding helps create an visual anchor for whatever you choose to hang.)

Take a Colorful Seat

Add whimsy to your dining room—while giving it a spirited vibe—with chairs in brightly colored upholstery.

Think Beyond Neutrals

Step out of the box with a paint palette that pops. Light blue or green evoke the calming qualities of nature, while reds or yellows boost energy.

Look to Textiles

The texture from area rugs and upholstered seating adds depth, dimension and visual interest.

Reconsider Your Table

While a dining room table is a hard-working piece of furniture, that doesn’t mean it needs to be ho-hum. If your table could use an upgrade, look for one that will make an impact in the space, such as a vintage-inspired piece or one handcrafted from a reclaimed piece of wood.

Dress Up Your Windows

Refresh outdated window treatments with light-diffusing sheer shades or the organic look of woven wood shades. A bonus? Choose styles that are available with motorization, for convenient control with a remote, your mobile device, automatically or with your favorite voice assistant.

Reassess Your Lighting

Take an honest assessment of the over-the-table fixture. Is it dated? If so, change it out for a more modern style that makes a statement. In addition, consider swapping standard light switches for dimmer switches. Putting dining room lights on dimmer switches is a convenient way to add instant ambiance to a room (in conjunction with adjusting shades).