Regardless of your style, rushed breakfasts and TV dinners get tiresome after a while. Although some might argue that a formal dining room is redundant, and we agree that it’s not necessarily an everyday space, you shouldn’t overlook it. For that reason, you should dedicate as much effort as you can to decorating it as you would other rooms in the house. With a beautifully decorated dining room, you might find yourself setting the table more often than not.
Hopefully, these dining room decorating ideas will help you think outside the box and awaken your creative side. Take a look at a few ideas, and you just might find one that meets your needs.
Comfortable Elegance
When thinking about a formal dining room, we all think of large, spacious areas. However, dining rooms don’t need space to feel elegant, and even a tiny nook can generate a lot of elegance. We recommend a dark ceiling, maybe even a wood-paneled one, to contrast the light walls. Opt for pastel colors, like a light blue or yellow. Finally, lace dark hardwood floors over your magnesium oxide boards to complete the look. As a bonus, choose patterned upholstered chairs and a chandelier for an exquisite tone.
Royal Affair
Many of us go straight to the royals when thinking about formal dining rooms. After seeing them in many movies and TV shows, why not create something similar in your own house? You don’t need to go completely old-school with the colors and decoration if you don’t want to. We recommend white and grey tones with hints of gold and copper.
If your dining room has a french door, frame it with floor-to-ceiling draperies. Opt for a light grey tablecloth and add gold accents, like cutlery, glasses, even plates. To tie the room together, add a mirror with gold edges and a similar-looking chandelier.
Collected Cool
For a more modern take on a formal dining room, we recommend cool colors and a mix of styles. Opt for white walls, light hardwood floors, and throw an area rug to tie the two together. We recommend going for an off-white color or a vintage blueish design.
When it comes to the main event, choose a long, rustic-looking table and a set of mismatched chairs. Shop for some antiques and combine them alongside California-inspired accessories and eclectic artwork.
Timeless Simplicity
A formal dining room doesn’t have to be fussy. If you prefer a simple look and don’t want to make your dining room feel too elegant, we have a couple of tips. Opt for a classic wood look, with dark wooden chairs and a similar table. Complete the look with white or beige accessories and seat covers.
If you don’t want a gloomy space, we recommend white and off-white table sets. It will open up the area and give off fresh vibes. Naturally, if you have young children running around, this might not be the best idea for your home.
Standout Comfort
Although formal, the dining room doesn’t have to be uncomfortable and uptight. Regardless of your dining room’s size, you can create a comfortable nook that your family members will embrace. Opt for more comfortable upholstered velvet chairs instead of simple wooden chairs, and select a round table to bring everyone closer. Paint the walls a warmer color and choose an area rug that covers the whole dining set. A chandelier and a centerpiece will add a more elegant overall look.
Old and New
Older homes with period details, leaded glass windows, and elaborate trim work are easy to decorate in the same style. But how to bring the old and new together? Success is found in balancing the two.
For example, a Victorian-era dining room might still have remarkable trim work that you don’t want to eliminate. What you can do is paint them crisp white. Introduce a sleek white or silver-leafed table and add upholstered colorful chairs. You can even choose a print that will pop out and draw the eye. An antique chandelier and vintage-inspired wallpapers will bring everything together.
