90 Gorgeous Dining Rooms Guaranteed to Strike up Conversation
From seating ideas to stunning wall choices, here's all the inspiration you need.
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As closed-concept layouts make a resurgence (yes, really), so are formal dining rooms. Once again, homeowners are craving quiet, private rooms dedicated to good food and great conversation. From packing style into small dining rooms to designing dramatic spaces, these designer-approved interiors are sure to spark conversation among guests. It might be the patterned wallpaper, vintage dining table or statement light fixture — the choice is yours.
Whether you love a rustic aesthetic, minimal style or maximalist look, we've rounded up unique dining room ideas that won't disappoint. Not to mention, you don't need a complete room makeover to revamp your space — a fresh coat of paint, a modern area rug or new set of curtains could be all it takes. Accessories, like framed artwork and chic tabletop decor (think candlesticks, ceramic vases and potted houseplants) can also bring your dining room design to the next level.
With a dining room this gorgeous, you'll want to host dinner parties for every occasion — bring on the Thanksgiving place settings and cozy Christmas table settings.
Lean Into Classic Black and White
This classic black-and-white color combination creates instant contrast in this traditional dining room. Wood wicker chairs bring in a touch of warmth.
Embrace Pattern and Color
From the botanical wallpaper and teal dining chairs to the oversized chandelier, this sunny dining room makes a statement. Interior designer Dana Schwartz tucks five chairs under a round table to promote conversation.
Photo by: Laura Metzler
Keep It Light and Airy
Creamy white walls, wicker dining chairs and floral curtains give this simple dining room a bright and breezy style. Design firm Seasons 4 Design weaves in gold accents, through the chandelier and curtain rod, to tie back to the kitchen's gold hardware.
Photo by: Amanda Archibald
Decorate Walls With Wainscoting
Wainscoting adds texture and architectural charm to your dining room, especially when paired with a patterned wallpaper above. Take note from Jefferson Street Design and paint wainscoting, molding and trim a bright white.
Photo by: Angela Newton Roy
Stick to Soothing Neutrals
Design a comfortable dining space with off-white walls and minimalist furniture, like slim dining chairs and an organic round dining table. Mix in bold black accents — you can even paint door trim in a contrasting hue.
Find a Floral Wallpaper
Bring the beauty of nature into your dining room with a floral wallpaper, just as interior designer Amy Zee Haight does here with a colorful print. A glass beaded chandelier furthers the drama.
Photo by: Sonya Sellers
Weave in Pretty Pastels
Bring in muted pops of color with pastel colors, like pale pink, baby blue and sunny yellow. Interior designer Emily Vaughan keeps this dining room light and bright with a subtle wallpaper print and white dining chairs.
Photo by: Laura Metzler
Match Curtains to Wallpaper
Embrace a "more-is-more" style with different textures in the same pattern, which give this dining room a charming feel. Shelby Van Daley, founder of Daley Home, ordered both the wallpaper and the fabric from designer wallpaper firm Thibaut, then had a local workroom create the drapes.
Photo by: Molly Culver
Play With Pattern
Don't shy away from pattern play. Interior designer Liz Goldberg opts for geometric wallpaper, upholstered dining chairs and a checkerboard area rug — all of which pair beautifully with glossy blue wainscoting.
Photo by: Abigail Jackson
Blend Modern With Vintage
Don't be afraid to mix interior design styles. A simple way? Pair a modern dining table with vintage dining chairs and patterned area rug.
See more at Chris Loves Julia »
RELATED: The Best Dining Room Tables, According to Design Pros
Embrace an Unexpected Hue
Painting the dining room magenta might feel like a risk, but it works in this Palm Springs house. The walls are painted in Dunn-Edwards' Raspberry Patch, which looks rich but not overly bright.
Stay Traditional With Slipcovered Chairs
This dining room, designed by Bungalow 10 Interiors, feels more elegant with the addition of slipcovered dining chairs. Not to mention, slipcovers protect the dining chairs and can be swapped whenever you crave a change.
Photo by: Angela Newton Roy
Don't Skimp on Texture
If you prefer neutrals, infuse charm and personality into your dining space with natural textures. Think rattan pendant lights, woven chairs, a wood beam ceiling and distressed area rug.
Layer in Warm Woods
Cozy up a well-lit dining room with warm woods in the form of a traditional dining set and built-in cabinetry. Take note from Third Street Architecture and tie the room together with floral vine wallpaper.
Photo by: Christy Kosnic
Hang Oversized Art
An abstract painting takes up nearly the entire wall in this vintage-inspired dining room by Teri Pugh Studio. The oversized art adds instant character.
Photo by: Sonya Sellers
Infuse Pops of Color
Nature-inspired blues and greens are popular in dining room design. Layer in pretty pops of color through printed wallpaper, upholstered dining chairs and light fixtures.
Photo by: Angela Newton Roy
Invest in a Statement Chandelier
Light fixtures can make or break a dining room. Upon entering this boho-inspired space, your eye is immediately drawn to the beaded chandelier.
Try Acrylic Dining Chairs
Create a clean look with transparent dining chairs (wipeable and kid-friendly!). Then mix in a variety of textures, like blue painted walls, a polished table and patterned drapes, just as LP & CO Design does here.
Photo by: Angela Newton Roy
Install a Rolling Ladder
Maximize storage in the dining room with a built-in ladder that ensures infrequently used kitchen appliances are within reach. This ladder, paired with white Shaker-style cabinets, helps "make the most of high ceilings," says DIYer Laura Skudder of @no5bristol.
Swap in Bright Curtains
For an energetic pop of color, designer Candace Shure hangs bold red curtains on a black drapery rod in this timeworn 1930s Spanish Revival in Los Angeles. Note: She opts for a longer length to allow for dramatic puddling at the floor.
Photo by: Michael Clifford
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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