8 modern dining room decor ideas

Today, entertaining at home is far less formal than it once was, and along with it, dining rooms no longer have to be a formal affair. Whilst lots of homeowners have embraced open-plan living spaces, there’s something special about a designated dining room. So whether you’re looking to demarcate your dining area or decorate your dining room, these 8 modern dining room decor ideas will get your home ready for guests.

Modern dining room decor idea: bold light fixtures

Lighting is another way to create the right vibe in your dining space. Set the mood with some eye-catching light fittings. From the soft glow of filament pendant lights to the gentle warmth of bubble chandeliers, hang your statement light fittings directly above your dining table to add instant appeal to your dining room.

Modern dining room decor idea: painted or wallpapered ceiling

And if you don't want to commit to an entire room, why not paint or wallpaper your ceiling ? This is a perfect way to make a statement without worrying about it being over the top. Combined with some statement lighting, it will draw the eye upwards for a dramatic look. 

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Modern dining room decor idea: eye-catching wallpaper

Wallpaper in dining rooms is always a good idea. Not only is it a space used less frequently, but it’s one where you want to create some drama. It’s a room where you can dare to go bold and go for an eye-catching wallpaper design. Alternatively, if you want to draw attention to a dining area, you could do so with a wallpapered feature wall. Get some inspiration with these 6 feature wall ideas.

Shop wallpaper for dining rooms and kitchen wallpaper

Modern dining room decor idea: painted wall mural

If wallpaper’s not your thing, you could make a statement with a painted wall mural. Not only does it answer the what to do with leftover paint dilemma, but if you’re looking to keep decorating costs down, you can easily create a wall mural on a budget. Another great option, especially if you want to demarcate a dining space in an open plan kitchen living room, is through colour blocking. From geometric designs to creating zones, these 8 colour blocking ideas will give you some useful tips.

Modern dining room decor idea: modern art

Go a little avant-garde in the dining room with some modern art. From bold colours to graphics to statement pieces, you can afford to be a little provocative, especially if this isn’t a room you’ll be using every day. Get your guests talking with some oversized modern art in your dining room.

Modern dining room decor idea: mismatched seating

A perfect example of how dining rooms have become less formal is the mismatched chair trend. Whilst once upon a time, mismatched seating just meant one-too-many relatives squeezed around the dining table, today it’s a design choice. It’s a great option if you’re into upcycling, as you can create a cohesive look by upcycling your chairs in the same colour or style. Need some inspiration? Take a look at these 5 colourful ways to upcycle furniture and our guide to upcycling furniture.

Modern dining room decor idea: statement centrepieces

Candlesticks and candelabras are having a real moment right now. Be they coloured glass, brass or ceramics, they are a great way to make a statement. Alternatively, go natural with flower or plant arrangements or even an oversized fruit bowl. Keep it colourful with lemons, limes, and oranges. Not only does it look good, but you’ve also always got them on hand for cocktails.

Modern dining room decor idea: gallery wall

Gallery walls and dining rooms are a match made in heaven. They're a perfect way to be a little playful and display some of your favorite art, photographs, and even mirrors or ceramics. These 10 gallery wall ideas will give you some great inspiration. We love the idea of ​​a mirrored gallery wall in a candle-lit dining room for some serious mood-lighting.

If these 8 modern dining room decor ideas have got you ready for hosting, why not take a look at our guide on how to design a living room fit for entertaining and these stylish home bar ideas.