What are the dining room trends in 2025? And what is expected for 2026?
Dining rooms are back and stronger than ever. Although there was a time when customers didn’t really want a traditional dining room at all—preferring to have an open plan with a combined design of the living room and dining room—Claire Sá says it’s part of the conversation again, but with improved functionality. He says: “Instead of being used only for food, dining rooms become places where people can do everything. The children may be doing homework, someone may be working at home or holding small meetings around the dining table.” The table itself has also changed.
Design-wise, experts are seeing consumers taking more risks in dining rooms. “As 2025 draws to a close, we see consumers continuing to embrace bold and expansive designs throughout the home, with the dining room an important space to explore high-impact ideas in the home’s public space,” says Munroe. “Think of the dining room as the new powder room: It’s an enclosed space that every guest sees, so why not speak to the homeowner’s style?” Take risks with your color palette, hang bold window treatments, and mix and match your furniture. Another idea is to incorporate an old table or china cabinet with a vintage table and mismatched chairs rather than opting for a cookie cutter set. Let your dining area tell a story.
What looks good in the dining room?
A table and chairs are the only necessary parts for a dining room. From there, additional decorations depend on the style of the room. For a modern dining room, wall art and a stunning centerpiece may be first. Or,for a farmhouse dining room, bathroom or sideboard displaying vintage glass or French pottery can be key. Griffin, a designer based in Gainesville, Georgia, says, “Comfy chairs are a must! I’m also a big fan of the rug for the area under the feet. When it comes to dining room lighting, a chandelier is always a good choice, “but I also like the addition of sconces and small lamps at each end of the table,” adds Griffin. “All dimmers, of course!”
What can I use instead of a dining table?
While round, the wooden table is old, other options are available. “I love a stone table, especially one with a dramatic pattern,” says Manns. “Other table design ideas include a reclaimed library table with benches, a reclaimed door, as well as quartzite, marble or wrought iron countertops.”
How do you create the perfect dining room?
Designing a dining room starts with fully understanding the function of the space, says Kartheiser. “When I start designing a dining room,” he says, “I want to start with a sense of how my clients will use the space—and let’s face it.”
How can I make the most of a small dining room?
It is important to remember that not every dining room should accommodate a banquet table with 12-18 guests. For a small space, a round table with four chairs and bright light fixtures can do the trick—especially in an open floor plan. Designer Holly Hunt of Chicago’s House of Hunt says, “Formal dining rooms are falling out of favor, as people crave unconventional spaces.
What are some budget-friendly dining room ideas?
DIY projects are always budget-friendly ideas. Cover the seat cushions again; replace sconces, chandeliers or other lighting fixtures; add a new table runner; roll into a bar cart; or change your paint colors. “Small changes like these can completely change the feel of a space without requiring a complete makeover,” says Erin Hackett.
In addition, Sá recommends giving the dining table itself some love. “Most of the time, you can resurface your existing table,” he says. “You can save the legs and have a new stone polished to match, which can be a cheap replacement. Or, does has a wooden table, you can sand it down and add a bold color to it for some personality without spending a lot of money.
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