Your dining room is an important part of your home. It’s where you enjoy delicious meals, entertain friends and family, and make moments that will last a lifetime. If you’re wondering how to create a modern dining room, there are several things you can do to elevate this space. Whether your current dining room feels old and outdated or you’re starting fresh, read on for some tips and inspiration that will encourage you to design a contemporary eating space you’ll love.
Just like the sofa is the focal point or a living room or the bed is the main feature in a bedroom, your dining room table should be your starting point. When you think about how to create a modern dining room, look for tables boasting sleek metallic finishes or sculptural designs. A pedestal table with a clear tempered glass top is a perfect way to elevate this room and give it a modern vibe. Uniquely shaped tables with bold finishes are a good choice over a classic solid wood dining table in a dark brown finish. The key is to bring in light, airy tables or something with a visually striking aesthetic. Materials like glass, metal, carved wood, or even solid stone will instantly take your dining room to a new, modern level.
Traditional dining chairs are great, but they might not be best in a modern dining space. Swap out classic chairs for a comfortable upholstered dining bench instead. You can place a bench on one side of the table, then add chairs on the opposite side for a fun touch. An upholstered corner banquette is a perfect alternative to chairs, especially if you have an eat-in kitchen or breakfast nook. Look for new options in seating that will bring a modern touch to this room. Velvet upholstered chairs in rich jewel tones will give a sense of whimsy and sophistication to your dining space. Mid-century modern styles are also ideal for this room. Look for a chair featuring tapered legs and a bucket-style seat to bring the dining room an uber-modern style. Clear acrylic is another excellent choice that will give the dining room an unusual, unique look.
Old and outdated lighting will make your dining room feel drab and dull. Switch out that old, frosted glass pendant light with something fresh and new like a Sputnik chandelier. A pair of sleek modern wall sconces will give the dining room a touch of warmth along with some contemporary appeal. Even a linear chandelier hung directly over the dining table can freshen up this space. Explore a range of new designs in light fixtures to help you get inspired. Simply changing your lighting can do wonders for any room, including the dining room. If this room gets a lot of natural light, use it to your advantage by hanging sheer curtains instead of light-blocking window panels or blinds.
With their low-profile silhouettes, buffets and credenzas are the perfect modern dining room storage solution. This sleek furniture features an elongated shape and a shorter design than traditional dining cabinets like hutches. Look for a striking credenza sitting atop tapered legs and featuring intricately designed doors. Bright metallic hardware is another great feature to give your dining space a modern touch. Explore a variety of dining cabinets in various sizes, materials, and finishes to give the room a touch of modern style. You can use this furniture to store your favorite dishes, barware, and silverware. Bars can also be a great option for modern storage. Whether it’s a rolling bar cart or something stationary, they provide you with a stylish place to keep your best drinkware and bottles neatly organized.
Color influences your home’s interior design, so choose a palette that will give the dining room a modern touch. Stay away from boring neutral hues of brown or white and update this room with more vibrant colors instead. A cheerful area rug featured in a playful pattern looks amazing under your dining room table. Pick out everything from furnishings to window treatments and décor in a lively color scheme. Classic black and white can also be a good choice for a modern dining room. Just make sure that all of your colors are coordinated somewhat so that nothing clashes. You can even display some amazing artwork like a custom canvas painting to give the dining room a pop of color.
As you think about how to create a modern dining room, don’t forget the table setting. Dress up your table with a modern tablecloth or choose some contemporary placemats or chargers. Upgrade your silverware and replace the classic silver finish with something in a burnished bronze, matte black, or rose gold color. A visually interesting centerpiece is another easy way to give the dining room a modern touch. Whether it’s a large modern vase filled with fresh flowers and greenery or a candle scape, the centerpiece can be the star of the show. Another easy tip? Place a modern sculpture in the center of the dining room table for an instant contemporary touch.
In eras past, the dining room was a place for formal meals and holidays. Today, this space is much more casual, often doubling as a home office, schoolroom, or even a bar. Make your dining room modern by giving it a casual, laid-back vibe. Instead of a formal table, consider adding a bar or counter-height table instead. Pair the table with a set of comfortable swivel barstools to give the room a much more relaxing feel. Whether it’s through your décor, a soft area rug, or a fun table setting, you can determine how the dining room functions, looks, and feels by making just a few simple changes. Use these tips to help you create the perfect modern dining room of your dreams.