What are the dining room trends in 2025? And what is expected for 2026?
Dining rooms are back and bolder than ever. Though there was a time when clients didn’t really want a traditional dining room at all—preferring instead to have an open-plan layout with a merged living and dining room design—Claire Sá says they’re once again part of the conversation, but with updated functionality. “Rather than being used only for meals, dining rooms are becoming spaces where people can do a bit of everything,” she says. “Children might do homework there, someone might work from home or even hold small meetings around the dining table. The table itself has evolved too. It is no longer just something to cover with a tablecloth, but a central feature that is designed to be seen and appreciated.”
Design-wise, the pros have also been seeing clients take more risks in dining rooms. “As 2025 comes to a close, we see clients continuing to embrace bold and expansive designs throughout the home, with the dining room being a key spot to explore high-impact ideas in a social home setting,” says Munroe. “Think of the dining room as the new powder room: It’s a confined space that almost every guest experiences, so why not have it exude the homeowner’s style?” Take risks with your color palette, hang bold window treatments, and mix up your furnishings. Another idea is to incorporate an antique sideboard or china cabinet with a vintage table and mismatched chairs rather than resigning yourself to cookie cutter dining set. Let your dining nook tell a story.
What looks good in a dining room?
A table and seating are arguably the only required pieces for a dining room. From there, additional decor depends on the room’s style. For a modern dining room, wall art and a striking centerpiece might be a top priority. Or, for a farmhouse dining room, a hutch or sideboard to display vintage glassware or French pottery could be key. Griffin, the designer based in Gainesville, Georgia, says, “Comfortable chairs are a must! And a buffet or chest for a pair of lamps and a mirror is icing on the cake.” She’s also a fan of an area rug underfoot. As for dining room lighting, a chandelier is always a glam option, “but I also love the addition of sconces and small can lights over each end of the table too,” adds Griffin. “All on dimmers, of course!”
What can I use instead of a dining table?
While a round, wood table is classic, other options are available. Says Manns, “I love a stone-topped table, particularly with a striking pattern. I’ve also commissioned a long table made from reclaimed beams that were sanded smooth and beautifully stained.” Other table design ideas include a repurposed library table with benches, a reclaimed door, as well as tabletops made of quartzite, marble, or enameled metal.
How do you build a perfect dining room?
Dining room design begins with understanding the space’s function to the fullest, says Kartheiser. “When I start designing a dining room, I want to first get a feel for how my clients will utilize the space—and we get specific. I want to hear about what weeknight dinners look like, if they ever eat at the kitchen island, how often they entertain, and how many people they frequently host,” she says.
How do I make the most of a small dining room?
It’s important to remember that not every dining room must accommodate a banquet table and 12–18 guests. For a small space, a round table with four chairs and a fabulous light fixture might do the trick—especially in an open floor plan. Designer Holly Hunt of House of Hunt in Chicago says, “Formal dining rooms are becoming less popular, as people are craving more casual spaces. An open floor plan can be just as elegant, but offers more of a communal feel.”
What are some budget-friendly dining room ideas?
DIY projects always make for budget-friendly ideas. Re-cover seat cushions; swap out sconces, chandeliers, or other light fixtures; add a new table runner; roll in a bar cart; or change your paint colors. “Small changes like these can completely shift the mood of a space without requiring a full redesign,” says Erin Hackett.
Additionally, Sá recommends giving the dining table itself some love. “Quite often, you can simply resurface the top of your existing table,” she says. “You might keep the legs and have a new polished stone top cut to fit, which can be a surprisingly affordable update. Or, if you have a wooden table, you could sand it down and add a lacquered finish in a bold color for a bit of personality without spending too much.”
