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Dining Room Décor Ideas

Elegant dining room with brown leather chairs and fixture lighting.

Eight tips for making this room stand out

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.)

A gallery wall sets the background for a dining room table. Liven up an expansive wall with favorite photos.
Wall trim/molding sets the background for a dining room table. Install wainscoting to add dimension.

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.

Bright orange seats at a wooden dining table. Up the vibe with chairs that pop.
Blue accent wall sets the background for a wood dining set. Create a soothing ambiance with blue walls.

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.

A textured rug sits beneath a large dining table. Use a textured rug to enhance aesthetics.
A live-edge wood dining table. Opt for reclaimed wood to make a statement.

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).

Provenance® Woven Wood Shades highlight large windows in a dining room. Add organic style with Provenance® Woven Wood Shades in Millhouse Color: Burlap Sack
Unique lighting fixtures above a modern dining table. Swap dated fixtures for more modern styles.

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