Decorating your dining room means making thoughtful choices that correspond to your current lifestyle and aesthetics, and can evolve as years go by without looking tired.
We asked an interior designer to name the dining room feature that almost always looks outdated, with advice about what to choose instead for a timeless look.
Matching Dining Set
When choosing dining room furniture, avoid a matching set that looks like it came straight from a showroom.
“A completely matching dining set—where the table, chairs, and storage pieces all come from the same collection—almost always makes a dining room feel dated,” says interior designer Laura Brophy. “Matching sets tend to feel static and overly coordinated, which takes away from the layered, collected feeling that makes a space feel timeless.”
Brophy points out that a matching set will often reflect a specific era or trend rather than evolving with the home and the people who live in it. This could mean a cherry wood dining set that looks overly formal, or a generic contemporary dining set that lacks personality.
“When every piece shares the same tone, finish, and style, the room loses depth and character,” she explains. “A well-designed dining room should be able to stand the test of time, yet still shift its mood or vibe easily with new textures, art, or lighting.”
When Does a Matching Set Work?
Because there are exceptions to every rule, keep in mind that a matching dining room set can become a feature in certain cases.
“If the pieces are truly exceptional—such as a vintage set with craftsmanship or strong design roots—a coordinated look can still feel intentional and enduring,” Brophy says. “The difference lies in the quality and the story behind the pieces.”
A vintage midcentury modern dining room set in solid wood such as walnut or oak with beautiful craftsmanship can work beautifully in a contemporary dining room, for example. If you currently have a matching dining room set and don’t want to refurnish your entire dining room, consider pairing the table with new chairs, a bench, or a banquette, or painting or refinishing a sideboard, hutch, or china cabinet in another color to refresh the look.
Don’t be afraid to combine old and new furniture—such as an antique table with contemporary seating—for an eclectic look.
Dining Room Design Tips
Brophy offered her top tips for designing a timeless dining room.
- Mix materials and styles to create a sense of balance and individuality.
- A warm wood table paired with upholstered or woven leather chairs, sculptural lighting, and organic textures like linen, rattan, or stone keeps the space grounded but sophisticated.
- “The goal is to design rooms that feel refined yet adaptable,” Brophy says. “Spaces that grow and shift effortlessly over time without losing their sense of harmony.”