Your dining room isn’t going to be fully complete without a few key styling elements, but if you’re unsure what those are, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
Here, three interior designers highlight six touches that you will want to be sure to add to your dining space to make it look a bit more tailored and luxe. By no means do these tweaks break the bank, and they’ll make you even more excited to spend time in this room, whether you’re hosting friends or just sitting down for a weekday dinner.
Install Artwork
Do not forget to hang artwork in the dining room, instructs Kristin Keyes, the founder of Kristin Keyes Interiors. She recommends placing a piece or two in the center of the wall you see when you first walk into your dining space, noting that this will “create a strong focal point.”
Whether you’re interested in going big with an oversized canvas or building a gallery wall using smaller pieces is entirely up to you, the designer adds. However, if you do install a variety of works, Keyes recommends ensuring that at least one piece is centered on the wall and hangs 60 inches above the ground.
Tablescape Like a Pro
A well-styled dining room features a tablescape that would make any expert entertainer proud.
“Table details can make or break a dining room,” Keyes says. “Ours almost always include one or two floral arrangements, candles, and cloth napkins.”
And don’t hesitate to try a tablecloth, either, she adds, noting that this is a great way to add some variety to a matching table and chair set.
Add Flowers and Greenery
As Keyes touched on above, florals are a great way to elevate any tablescape, and Courtney Batten, the founder of Paige Studio, agrees that fresh flowers and greenery will make any dining room as a whole appear more finished.
“Even if you’re not hosting, it’s a small luxury that breathes life into the space and makes your home feel more inviting,” says Batten.
Hang Your Chandelier at the Right Height
As it turns out, the height at which you install your chandelier can have a major impact on how your dining room appears. Keyes suggests hanging yours so that the bottom is 30 inches above the tabletop.
“This location creates a sense of enclosure and ensures that the light hits people’s faces at a flattering angle when they’re sitting at the table,” she says.
Use Bold Drapery
Do not view drapery as an afterthought, when styling your dining room. Darlene Molnar, the founder of an eponymous design firm, swears by bold window coverings in this room of the home.
“Statement drapes are the new statement walls and are so much more elegant,” she says. “Going bold with a deep jewel tone or a vibrant print can instantly make a room look finished.”
Your best bet, the designer explains, is to look to another large surface in your dining room, such as a rug, when determining what type of drapery fabric to use for a cohesive look.
Don’t Clutter Your Shelves
Last but not least, it’s important to be mindful when styling any built-ins or other types of shelving in your dining room.
“Balance and restraint are key,” Batten says, noting that you will want to avoid displaying too many small options.
The best route to take, in her view, is to stick with larger-scale pieces or intentionally style a few more petite items altogether. Another tip the designer offers is to stick with largely dining room-specific decor items, like glassware and cookbooks, to keep the setup feeling room-appropriate at all times.