Always a room for creating a statement — chandeliers, grand tables, antique chairs — dining rooms have been serving a different practical function in 2020. But just because a space is a part-time home office, sometimes-entertainment room, and occasional classroom doesn’t mean that it can’t still sparkle. And whether or not you’re able to host guests in the same way, these spaces can still be the centerpiece of a beautiful evening well spent.
With that in mind, we gathered some of our favorite dining room pieces together for a showcase of must-have chairs, tables, lights, tabletop accessories, and much more. Be sure to watch our live webinar, Dining at Home – The Fall Preview, and browse a selection of our favorite pieces below. To shop our curators’ picks of everything you need for the dining room this season, click here.
Dining tables run the gamut, and quite a few of our faves step outside the ordinary. Mid-century modern expandable tables, delicately carved and rounded wood tables, and even full marble pieces are just a few of the one-of-a-kind options that have been catching our eye as of late.
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Lighting gives you an opportunity to switch things up with different types of pieces throughout the room. If you go for a chandelier, aim for a piece that measures about one-third the size of the table. And don’t forget the sconces when you’re thinking about dining room lighting.
Chairs are an excellent way to change up your decor, and even make a contrasting statement to the room’s table. Consider a bench for one side of the table, or different types of chairs to change things up. You can even mix vintage and modern with the right selections.
With rugs, think practically about usage and consider something that’s patterned. Darker is of course safer — only the truly bold (and red wine-abstinent) can consider light shades. Remember that rugs are sound-absorbing as well, which is an important feature if the dining room ever does double duty as a home office (not that we’d ever…).
Dining room storage can take a number of delightful formats, including tall breakfronts, sideboards, and — our favorite — bar carts of all styles. These pieces can serve as storage for tabletop items as well as a way to display curios (and bottles).
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Maybe the most fun element of the design of a dining room is putting together the tabletop items. Think of it as an equation, where you can combine disparate plates, glasses, cutlery, napkin styles, centerpieces, and more to create a fabulous whole.
Dining rooms are a classic way to display beautiful, elegant wallpapers and handpainted murals. If you’re thinking along more contemporary lines, consider choosing edgier, eye-catching art options in a dining room — nothing makes for a better conversation starter.
As with any room design, don’t forget the finishing touches. These “little luxuries” are the elements that make your space unforgettable and truly imbue a room with personality. Embrace antiques here, with candlestick holders, vases, trays, and even potted plant holders.
And if you’re thinking outside the dining room and venturing into the kitchen, think about ways to rejuvenate your space with new counter stools, whether you’re choosing a newly made or vintage set. An update here can make for a less expensive refresh and keep things up to date.
