How do you design a dining room that looks good and works for everyday meals? Start with the right size table for the room, leaving about 36 in (ideally 42 to 48 in) between the table edge and the walls or other furniture, and allow about 24 in of table width per diner. Hang a statement light fixture over the center of the table, define the space with an area rug that extends at least 24 in past the table on every side, and add storage such as a sideboard, buffet or china cabinet. Then layer in personality: a wall color or wallpaper, art or a gallery wall, a mirror, a simple centerpiece and comfortable seating, whether that's matching chairs, a mix of styles or a banquette.
Below are dining room ideas for every size and style: layout and spacing basics, lighting, color, wall decor, storage, small dining room ideas, ideas for open-plan dining areas, and the common dining room design mistakes to avoid.
Dining Room Layout and Spacing
| Measurement | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Clearance around the table | At least 36 in; 42 to 48 in lets people walk behind seated guests |
| Space per diner | About 24 in of table edge; 30 in for armchairs |
| Table height | About 28 to 30 in |
| Rug size | Table size plus at least 24 in on every side so chairs stay on the rug |
| Chandelier | About 30 to 36 in above the tabletop; roughly half to two-thirds the table's width |
| Sideboard clearance | About 36 in or more between the sideboard and the back of the chairs |
Is a 12x12 dining room too small? Not at all: a 12 ft by 12 ft room fits a 48 in round table or a 36 in by 60 in rectangular table for four to six with comfortable clearance. For table sizes by number of guests, see our dining table buying guide; for rugs, see what size rug goes under a dining table.
Dining Room Ideas: Furniture and Seating
1. Choose the right table shape
Rectangular tables suit long rooms and seat the most people. Round tables fit well in square rooms and tight dining areas, create better flow and make conversation easy. Oval tables combine the seating of a rectangle with the softer flow of a round table.
2. Mix and match dining chairs
Mixed seating styles create an eclectic, curated look. Keep one thing consistent, such as color, material or height, so the mix looks intentional. Upholstered chairs at the ends of the table are a classic option.
3. Add a banquette or bench
A built-in banquette or a dining bench maximizes seating in small spaces, fits more people along a wall and can hide storage under the seat. A banquette in a bay window or corner creates a cozy dining nook.
4. Invest in storage
A sideboard (also called a buffet) holds linens, serving dishes and flatware and gives you a surface for serving. A credenza is a long, low cabinet, often with sliding doors. A china cabinet or hutch stores and displays dishes. See our guide to what a credenza is and our dining room storage ideas.
Three glass pendants spaced along a long table light it evenly, and a sideboard against the back wall adds storage and a place for art and plants. The table here is the Dark Wood Dining Table with Split-Top Design (83.8 in by 40.1 in), whose dark finish stands out against light oak floors and white walls. Browse more dining tables.
Dining Room Lighting Ideas
5. Hang a statement chandelier or pendant
Lighting plays a key role in dining room atmosphere. An oversized chandelier, a cluster of glass pendants or a linear fixture over a long table becomes the focal point. See our guide to chandelier height over a dining table.
6. Layer the light
Add wall sconces, a pair of lamps on the sideboard and candles. Put the main fixture on a dimmer so you can go from bright homework light to a warm dinner glow.
Dining Room Color and Wall Ideas
7. Go dark and dramatic
Dining rooms are often used at night, which makes them ideal for deep, moody colors: forest green, burgundy, navy, chocolate brown or charcoal. Rich colors create an intimate atmosphere and make candlelight glow.
8. Choose elegant light colors
Soft blue, pale gray, warm white or a soft green feel elegant and fresh in a dining room that doubles as a daytime workspace.
9. Try wallpaper or a mural
Wallpaper is a great fit for dining rooms because walls aren't hidden behind much furniture. Botanicals, scenic murals, chinoiserie and grasscloth are popular. See how to choose wallpaper.
10. Add wainscoting, trim or a two-tone wall
Paneling, board and batten or a chair rail with a darker color below adds architecture and protects walls from chair backs. See our accent wall ideas.
11. Hang a mirror
A large mirror reflects light and visually expands a small dining room. Place it opposite a window or above the sideboard.
12. Treat the walls like a gallery
A gallery wall, a large painting or a collection of plates gives a dining room personality. See our gallery wall ideas.
Dining Room Decor Ideas
- Centerpiece: what should go in the middle of the dining table? Keep it low (under about 12 in) so people can see each other: a bowl of fruit, a low arrangement of flowers or greenery, candles or a runner with a few objects.
- Table linens: a runner or placemats add texture; a tablecloth for special occasions.
- Window treatments: floor-length curtains soften a room full of hard surfaces; see how to hang curtains.
- Plants: a large floor plant in a corner or greenery on the sideboard.
- Display: style the sideboard with lamps, a tray, a bowl and art above it.
For holidays, see our Thanksgiving table decor ideas.
Small Dining Room Ideas
- Choose a round or oval table with a pedestal base, so chairs tuck in and legs don't get in the way.
- Use a banquette or bench against the wall to save the space chairs need to pull out.
- Pick a drop-leaf or extendable table that grows for guests.
- Add a mirror to expand the space visually.
- Use light, leggy furniture such as chairs with open backs, or clear acrylic chairs.
- Go vertical with a tall, narrow hutch or wall shelves instead of a deep sideboard.
- Make it do double duty as a home office or homework spot.
- Embrace bold color: a small dining room can feel powerful in a saturated color.
Dining Areas in Open-Plan Spaces and Small Apartments
- Define the zone with an area rug and a pendant light centered over the table.
- Separate living and dining areas with a console table behind the sofa, open shelving or a change in wall color.
- Create a corner dining nook with a small round table and a banquette.
- Use the kitchen island as the dining table, with comfortable counter stools.
- Coordinate wood tones and colors with the living area so the great room feels cohesive.
See also our small living room layout guide.
Dining Room Ideas by Style
| Style | Dining room ideas |
|---|---|
| Modern | A simple wood or stone table, sculptural chairs, a linear pendant, minimal decor |
| Modern farmhouse | A trestle table, a bench, a wood hutch, a lantern chandelier |
| Traditional | A pedestal table, upholstered chairs, a crystal chandelier, a china cabinet |
| Scandinavian | Light oak, white walls, a paper pendant, wool and linen |
| Industrial | A reclaimed wood table, metal chairs, cage pendants, a brick wall |
| Eclectic and boho | Mixed chairs, global rugs, colorful art, plants |
See all styles in our guide to interior design styles.
Common Dining Room Design Mistakes
- A table that's too big for the room, leaving no space to pull out chairs.
- A rug that's too small, so chair legs catch on the edge.
- A light fixture that's too small, too high or off-center.
- Tall centerpieces that block conversation.
- Only harsh overhead light.
- Uncomfortable chairs; people sit for a long time at dinner.
Dining Room Ideas FAQ
How do I make my dining room look nice?
Center a statement light over the table, add a rug that fits, choose a wall color or wallpaper you love, hang art or a mirror, and keep a simple low centerpiece on the table.
How do I modernize my dining room?
Swap the light fixture, mix in modern chairs, paint the walls a current color, remove dated window treatments and simplify the decor.
What is the best color for a dining room?
Deep, warm colors such as forest green, burgundy and navy create an intimate mood; soft blues, warm whites and light greens feel fresh and elegant.
How do you lay out a small dining room?
Use a round or oval table, a banquette against the wall, at least 36 in of clearance, and vertical storage instead of a deep sideboard.
What should I put in the middle of my dining table?
A low centerpiece: a bowl of fruit, a low floral arrangement, candles or a runner with a few objects.
What is the 3-5-7 rule in decorating?
A guideline to group decorative objects in odd numbers (three, five or seven), useful when styling a sideboard or centerpiece.
What are the current dining room trends?
Warm woods, moody colors and wallpaper, statement lighting, mixed seating, banquettes and rooms that double as flexible spaces.
The best dining room ideas start with function (the right table, clearance, lighting and storage) and then add personality with color, art and a beautiful table. Plan the layout first, then make it a room where people want to linger after the meal.
Related: see our home bar ideas.