Feast Your Eyes: Gorgeous Dining Room Decorating Ideas

By Gabrielle Purchon
C. Bingham
Want to create an inviting space that'll work for a party as much as it would a romantic dinner for two? Whether you're looking to simply breathe new life into your dining room or to completely overhaul your space with a remodeling project, these ideas should help you get closer to an elegant, functional dining room.
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Keep It Casual

C. Bingham
See More of This Gorgeous, Airy Home

Find that you are not using your dining room nearly enough? Your space might be too formal, which is fine, but you have to eat somewhere! A beautiful breakfast table adjacent to your kitchen can provide an everyday dining space that is more functional and inviting than a formal dining room.

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One Formal, One Functional

This home has two distinct dining spaces, with one area for eating and one for entertaining. This separation makes it easier to enjoy each space to the fullest.

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Brighten Up Your Floors

A brightly colored rug is a great way to liven up your dining space without having to break out a paintbrush. Adding a rug can also dramatically delineate the dining area in open-plan homes.

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... Or Keep It Neutral

View More of Kelly Oxford's Open-Plan Home

The neutral furniture and jute area rugs enhance the dining area without overwhelming it with patterns. The understated design also showcases the bright green plants and copper accent bar stools.

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Create an Area for Entertaining

If you're really happy with your dining room decor but simply want to make it more inviting for guests, try adding a curated bar cart. You can opt for a cheap (but gorgeous) DIY cart like this one, or spring for something a little fancier.

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Make It Mobile

Ellie Miller

Adding wheels to your dining room table means you have ultimate flexibility when hosting. Want to move the table out to seat more people? No problem! Bonus: Cleaning around your table is now easier than ever.

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Add Fun, Brightly Colored Accents

The bright-red chairs in this room make a bold statement that really draws your attention to the table.

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Create a Beautiful Backdrop

These wall-mounted plant brackets are a customizable and unexpected way to add color and greenery to your walls. Try this with succulents or sprawling bouquets for a modern look.

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Dress Up Your Tabletop

Get Expert Tips from an Interior Designer

A statement vase or low-hanging chandelier can add instant impact to your tablescape.

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Create a Focal Point

High contrasts -- such as black art on white walls -- will immediately draw your eye in! Align your chandelier and centerpiece with this in mind and you will create a dramatic focal point in your dining room.

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When in Doubt, Add Fresh Flowers

It goes without saying, but fresh flowers really add an instant lift to any dining room table. If you are hosting a dinner party, try a low, sprawling bouquet like this so your guests can see over it.

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