The way you decorate your dining room can have a big impact on how you use it. Are you hoping to create an elegant, formal space for special occasions? Do you want it to feel like an extension of your living room, where family members eat, do their homework, and gather for game nights?
Whatever your lifestyle and design tastes are, we’ve got you covered. We’re bringing you our favorite magazine-worthy dining room décor ideas to help you create a space that meets your practical and aesthetic needs.
Features To Include in a Dining Room
A Dining Table
In a formal dining room, the entire design centers around the table, so be choosy. Think carefully about the size and shape, and how your table will fit into the footprint of the room. Also consider the material and whether you plan to use a tablecloth or not.
Comfortable Chairs
Many families end up never using their dining table because it’s just never as cozy as the couch. But a comfortable seating arrangement with upholstered chairs can make all the difference.
A Console Table or Bar
You can use this area to store wines or spirits. Alternatively, decorate it with houseplants, family photos, figurines, and other décor. It’s usually a good idea to select a console table or bar that isn’t exactly the same height as the dining table to add dimension.
Decorative Wallpaper
One of the simplest ways to infuse your own personal style into your dining room setup is by adding a detailed wallpaper. From traditional patterns to intricate wall murals, there’s no limit on creativity. You can even use the colors and patterns in the wallpaper to inspire your other design choices.
Lighting
Lighting can have a big impact on the mood in your space. Sheer curtains that let natural light in can encourage a happy, light-hearted mood. Warm, dimmable lighting evokes a cozy, refined feeling. It’s a good idea to choose a variety of different types of lighting so you can adjust it to suit your needs.
Mirrors
Adding mirrors can help reflect light around the room and make your space feel larger than it is. This effect is even stronger when you place mirrors opposite from light sources.
A Rug
Not everyone wants a rug in their dining room, and that’s perfectly okay. But a rug can add an extra decorative dimension to a dining setup. It also helps with noise reduction and comfort!
Seasonal Décor
The dining room is the perfect place to experiment with seasonal decorations. Switch up your tablecloth, centerpiece, and other décor items as the seasons change or to celebrate the holidays throughout the year.
Go Traditional
A traditional style is perfect for dining rooms, especially if you’re looking to use the space for formal occasions or if you have a separate, designated dining area. Traditional dining rooms are usually filled with classic details.
Here are a few elegant features you can include to achieve this style:
- A deep wooden table with matching chairs
- A chandelier
- A wooden hutch or other shelving to display china
- Classic wallpaper like the floral lace deep sea wallpaper or the large porcelain flora wallpaper
- A compact bar cart
- Vintage and antique décor items
Opt for a Cozy Breakfast Nook
Incorporating a breakfast nook into your kitchen area is a great way to make the most of a smaller space. If you have a large or curved window, then you already have the perfect place to bring your vision to life.
This approach also gives you a lot of room to play with patterns, textures, and shapes. For example, you can opt for a diner-style booth or choose a simple round table and mismatched chairs to make it feel extra homey.
Cottage-style elements such as a floral-patterned tablecloth or a cute knick-knack shelf, are tailor made for cozy breakfast nooks. Add a charming wall pattern with the floral bliss mixed wallpaper or the clark plaid wood lawn green wallpaper to complete your cottagecore nook.
Keep it Light and Airy
Light colors, smaller furniture, and simple details will help give your space that casual and inviting feel. This fresh style can offer more versatility in how you use the room on a daily basis. It means you can enjoy the space for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even family game night.
Here are some ways to create a light and airy dining room:
- Let natural light in with sheer curtains or drapes.
- Choose smaller furniture in lighter wood tones.
- Use mirrors and other reflective surfaces to scatter light and make the room feel bigger.
- Incorporate coastal elements such as the sailboats blue wallpaper or the pinstripe umbrella wallpaper.
- Fill the space with potted plants, fruit bowls, and other organic elements.
Embrace a Rustic Feel
Rustic dining rooms are great for family meals and casual dinner parties. Whether you’re inspired by a cozy cabin in the woods or a sandy beachside cottage, you can achieve a rustic look by incorporating natural, organic, and unpretentious elements.
Start with a wooden table. Reclaimed wood is a great option if you want to really lean into the natural, rugged vibe. Then add a woven rug and some industrial or mismatched wooden chairs. An organic or nature-inspired wallpaper, like the Betty White palm leaves camel floral wallpaper will add to the atmosphere.
Rugged décor shouldn’t look too planned. Try to avoid matching wood tones and colors too closely, and opt for a centerpiece that utilizes natural materials like pinecones, greenery, or seashells.
Add Moody, Dark Colors
A dark and moody color palette is perfect for homeowners who love a dramatic, bold style. Incorporating deep colors along with large furniture is an easy way to add a soothing, yet mysterious ambiance.
Rich greens, reds, and blues evoke luxury and elegance and can be infused into many different elements, from walls and tablecloths to artwork and décor items. Want to create a moody atmosphere while still maintaining some more traditional or light elements? Consider adding a black accent wall with the African art deco shell wallpaper in blue and black or the diamonds black wallpaper.
Find Your Dining Room Style With Mitchell Black Wallpapers
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to designing your perfect dining room. It needs to serve your practical needs and reflect your unique aesthetic sensibilities.
At Mitchell Black, you’ll find a large and diverse selection of high-quality wallpapers and wall murals to enhance any space and achieve any style. We offer premium wallpapers, peel and stick, grasscloth, and type II vinyl varieties.
