Design 101

A Guide to Modern Formal Dining Rooms

October 17 2024

Your dining room should be a warm, welcoming space that flows seamlessly with the rest of your home’s style. It’s the perfect room for guests or family to gather around a great meal. However, old-school formal dining rooms often need a little help to get there.

Feel like your formal dining room is stuffy or dated? This guide is for you. We’ll walk you through the steps to create the perfect modern formal dining room, from choosing the right table to lighting your space. Here’s how you can make your dining room the focal point of your modern home.

What Is Modern Formal Style?

You may be familiar with modern home decor, which involves a neutral color palette, clean lines, and minimalist, low-profile furniture. Modern home interiors are designed for comfort and efficiency, keeping the frill to a minimum.

Formal style, on the other hand, draws on Victorian influences to create elegant, luxurious spaces. It may involve gold accents, rich leather, and moody or bright color palettes.

So, what exactly is modern formal? This home decor style combines modern and formal styles, adding creative elegance to modern living. For example, a modern formal living room might pair neutral sofas with colorful velvet throw pillows. An antique gilded mirror can brighten up a modern bedroom or den.

Because a dining room is traditionally considered a formal space — designed for proper sit-down meals — it’s the perfect room to blend modern and formal styles. Modernizing your formal dining room will help it fit with the rest of the house and make it a more welcoming place for family and friends to gather.

What Are the Basic Rules of Formal Dining Rooms?

While there are no “rules” in home decor, there are a few basic elements that make up a formal dining room. Those include:

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A designated space

If you don’t have a separate room for dining, you can designate your dining space with careful rug and furniture placement.

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A centered table

The dining table should be the center point of the room, unlike in an eat-in kitchen or breakfast nook.

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Dining-focused furniture

Other furniture in your dining room should fit the room’s primary purpose, such as sideboards to hold plates and glassware, a bar cabinet, or additional seating where guests can relax after the meal.

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No TV

Leave the TV in the living room. A formal dining room is just for dining, games, and conversation — the only entertainment you need happens at the table.

How To Set Up Your Modern Formal Dining Room

Ready to set up the perfect modern formal dining room in your home? Here’s your step-by-step guide.

Choosing a Dining Table

The dining table is the focal point of your dining room. Similar to transitional style, modern formal furniture can combine a mixture of new and old while keeping the overall appearance simple.

Here are a few considerations when selecting the perfect dining table:

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Material

While wood is the most traditional dining room table material, a metal, marble, or glass-top table will also work if it fits your home's style.

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Size

Your table should take up most of the floor space in your dining room — but not the entire room. Leave enough space for shelving and a significant walkway around the table.

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Shape

A round or square dining table can save space in a smaller room, while rectangular or oblong tables look great in larger spaces.

Selecting Dining Room Seating

Next, pick the perfect seating to complement your dining room table. It’s okay if your table and chairs aren’t a matching set — however, avoid mixing wood tones and keep the styles as similar as possible.

Consider:

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Material

The base material of your chairs should match that of your dining table.

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Upholstery

Cushions make your chairs more comfortable and can add a splash of color to the room.

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Additional seating

If you have extra space, consider adding an accent chair or two to your dining room. This can complement the room's style and give your guests a comfy place to sit before or after the meal

Lighting the Space

Choosing the right lighting important for your dining space . Lamps and chandeliers are more than just decorations — they help set the tone in the room and cast a flattering light on your decor.

Soft, warm light will help your room feel cozy. To add to the ambiance, consider layered lighting: Combine multiple lamps, wall sconces, and pendant lights rather than relying on one overhead light. Brass or wrought iron light fixtures are perfect for the modern formal style.

Choosing a Rug and Decor

Finally, it’s time to add the finishing touches. The right rug and décor will tie your room together.

When shopping for a rug, consider:

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Colors

A brightly colored rug will add some flare to your dining room. Just make sure the colors pair well with your chair upholstery, table runner, and other décor.

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Washability

A washable rug under your dining room table is a smart (and budget-friendly) choice — no need to stress over spills as you eat.

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Style

Traditional, contemporary, modern, Scandinavian, or casual rug styles will all look great in your modern formal dining room.

When shopping for dining room decor, try not to go overboard. The dining room is an isolated area in your home, so too many patterns and colors can get overwhelming. Stick to one or two statement pieces or a simple gallery wall. A hanging mirror is a great way to increase natural light or help a small room feel bigger.

Modern Formal Dining Room Style Ideas

Looking for a little more inspiration? Here are five modern formal dining room ideas to help make your room unique.

1. Go Rustic

If you’re a fan of rustic or farmhouse styles, consider a modern farmhouse dining room. Soft wood tones and statement lighting will make your room extra comfy while maintaining a little formality. During the holiday season, rustic fall decor will add even more coziness.

2. Build a Library Wall

Not sure what to do with that blank wall in your dining room? Consider a library wall with vintage books, cookbooks, and knickknacks. It’s a great way to spur conversation and add an eclectic touch to your formal dining room.

3. Choose Wallpaper

Patterned wallpaper can make your dining room feel more vintage. Pair a vibrant pattern with your neutral modern furniture to add color to your space without overwhelming it.

4. Hang a Gallery Wall

A gallery or photo wall is another excellent way to decorate a blank wall in your dining room. Choose a range of print sizes and colors that complement each other, and don’t hesitate to mix in a mirror or two. To reduce clutter, limit hanging decor on other walls in the room.

5. Decorate the Bar

Want to add a fun touch to your formal dining room? Pick a tasteful bar or bar cart and decorate it with vintage glassware, cocktail books, and a couple of funny prints in frames.

Get Creative With Your Modern Formal Dining Room

A formal dining room doesn’t have to be cold or stuffy. By mixing modern and formal styles, you can create a special space in your home where you can make lifelong memories. Use the tips in this guide to decorate a beautiful dining room where your guests and family will want to gather.

But remember, there are no rules! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make your dining room unique. You’ll find more inspiration, plus tons of dining room furniture from top brands, at furniture.com.

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