Whether it’s a small designated space in an open floor plan or a large formal dining room, modern touches or makeovers can make your dining space the crown jewel of your home.
There are many ways to make a design statement with your dining room, from creative wall colors and contemporary furniture to abstract light fixtures and decor pieces. A dining room is also an excellent area to showcase your personal style to friends and family through design choices.
Today, we’ll examine various modern dining room trends, from neutral modern farmhouse and minimalist spaces to mid-century modern rooms with bold pops of color.
Take a look!
1. Go Around
A light gray area rug on a dark-toned herringbone hardwood floor anchors this modern dining set for a collected, lived-in space. A huge round table with a wooden top and a sleek base sits under a statement-making light fixture whose contemporary design draws the eyes up.
A white marble accent wall with strip LED lighting adds interest while pairing with the white walls, ceiling, and cool-toned drapes to maintain a light and airy aesthetic.
2. Keep it Neutral
Streamlined, light-toned ceiling beams pair with the almost light gray wood floor to bring some inviting warmth to this neutral modern dining room. The curvy bases for the gray-toned wood table add a contemporary touch and pull in color from the walls and rug for a balanced look.
A marvelous, circular crystal chandelier draws the eyes up and makes a contemporary statement while complementing the floor mirror leaning on the wall. The white upholstered wrap-around chairs add to the modern feel, while black tones on the art, door, and console bring visual interest.
3. Traditional Meets Modern
Introducing modern dining room elements to a traditional-style home layout creates a timeless space where you can incorporate trends subtly without your room looking dated. A gray-inspired color palette and an exciting mix of textures give this dining room a modern edge.
A modern light fixture with three pendants introduces an industrial design touch, while the sleek black table and modern upholstered chairs provide a cool contrast to the gray palette. The barely dark gray wood floor helps create a cohesive color scheme, making the space feel harmonious and intentional.
4. Embrace Minimalism
Stark-white paneled walls and a light-toned wood floor set a modern tone in this sophisticated yet minimalist dining room. A large wood dining table and ample comfortable dining chairs create a space perfect for sitting and lingering, while light drapery allows natural light to flood in.
The dining room uses the “less is more” approach and a neutral color palette to create an elegant, calm aesthetic that allows statement pieces like the bubble chandelier and navy cabinet doors to stand out.
5. Layer Different Textures
This chic, modern dining room layers different natural materials and textures to create a fascinating two-tone look. The round table mirrors the wood accent wall, whose dark tones draw the eye to the ceiling.
A white and gray marble floor sets a bright tone and a solid foundation for the gray dining chairs. Several plants continue to infuse natural color and texture into the space, while a modern pendant light brings the wow factor.
6. Push it to the Wall
This modern dining room exudes charm and character. A striped, soft white area rug contrasts nicely with the dark brown marble floor and anchors the sleek dining table and chairs for a lived-in feel.
A menorah-inspired ceiling pendant brings in an industrial element. At the same time, a trio of abstract wall art pieces pairs with a dark brown wooden storage unit to contribute to the dining room’s timeless aesthetic.
7. Excel with LED Lighting
Using different LED lighting in your dining room is an excellent way to curate an elegant yet lived-in eating space. Various types of lighting on the walls and ceiling, such as LED and recessed lights, provide plenty of light, maintaining an open and uncluttered feel.
Simple silhouettes and bronze finishes on the chairs add sophisticated detail and balance out the more contemporary and streamlined dining table and pendant light.
8. Frame the Window
Two beige-toned abstract wall prints frame the window of this ultra-modern dining room. The creamy-beige hue and gold-toned frames pull in the warmth from the light-toned wood floor and lead the eye to the black window frames that echo the dining table’s black color.
An oval starburst chandelier continues the modern theme, while crisp white on the ceiling and walls keeps the space bright and airy. The armless, checkered modern dining chairs add a traditional vibe, but it doesn’t go over the top.
9. Go for Black and White
A dark gray hardwood floor sets the foundation and provides a backdrop for this modern dining room’s dominant black-and-white palette. A contemporary drum chandelier anchors the dining set and pairs with the table and French door frames for a cohesive look.
White on the ceiling and walls contrasts nicely with the black accents, with the gray dining chairs further complementing the palette. Massive abstract wall art adds a pop of color and interest to this otherwise minimalist space.
10. Make it Awe-Inspiring
Make a dramatic statement with a unique wall mirror in your dining room. The artistic, circular wall mirror here pairs with the elegant chandeliers to liven up this contemporary space and infuse it with a touch of whimsy.
The shiny décor elements also tie in an equally playful and modern dining table, chairs, and sculptures. A gray area rug defines the area and stands out against the black marble floor.
11. Bring Texture with Boho Style
Natural wood tones and accents take center stage in this modern boho dining room. A herringbone light wood floor mirrors the kitchen island for a cohesive look, while the glass partition walls provide a contemporary entrance to the space.
A round table with a marble top contrasts nicely with the wooden chairs, whose beautiful rattan detailing adds texture. The marble backsplash and countertop in the kitchen add depth and interest, while the oversized ceiling pendant maintains the organic theme.
12. Modern Scandi
This gorgeous, modern Scandinavian dining room is filled with visual drama, from clean lines and modern ceiling pendants to mirrored sections on the walls, a vast, oval-like marble table, and a moody, neutral color palette.
The alcove shelves with LED lighting further enhance the minimalist aesthetic while providing a harmonious blend of beauty and functionality.
13. Inspire with Gold Accents
Take inspiration from this elegant, modern dining room and layer your neutral palette with gold accents, light wood tones, and blush blooms. Even though all the tones are neutral and light, some are cool while others are warm, creating a layered design.
The gold metallic finishes on the dining table and chairs add a touch of shine that juxtaposes the warm, toned gray chairs and wood floor.
14. Combine with the Island
One way of maximizing space in an open-plan layout is combining your dining table with the island, and there are several ways you can make each unique. First, even though you might want a cohesive design, opt for contrasting colors like the marble island and dark wood table top used here.
Second, define your area—in this case, marble tiles and a statement chandelier do the trick. Third, introduce colorful accents, such as the comfy seat cushions and muted gold-toned drapery, to add visual interest.
15. Use Pastel Hues
The peach accent wall is the standout feature in this minimalist dining room, providing a calming backdrop to dark and warm-toned accents. A three-arm Sputnik chandelier creates a striking centerpiece above the mid-century modern dining table and chairs.
Splashes of soft white paint color on the ceiling and portions of the wall modernize the space, while the wall art pulls in the white and black hues from the space to help tie the color palette together.
16. Install a Banquette
Take a cue from this modern dining room and add a rustic, built-in banquette along the wall for extra seating and a warm, cozy space. The wood tones on the bench pair perfectly with the wood floor for a continuous look.
The brown terracotta area rug blends nicely with the hardwood floor and anchors the plush dining chairs and the sleek, marble-topped table. An oversized art piece creates a warm, cozy look, while the black chandelier maintains a contemporary tone.
17. Bring a Moody Feel
Light wood finishes on the walls and ceiling take center stage in this modern dining room, paired with gray accents to set a moody tone. The marble tile floor makes a bold statement, and low-slung minimalist chairs create a cozy feel.
Statement wall mirrors and floor-to-ceiling curtains create the illusion of space and height, while a wood console pulls in the warmth from the wood table to tie the space together. Two table lamps on the console add an element of symmetry.
18. Charm with a Vintage Mirror
The picture frame molding in this modern dining room adds character and an extra layer of visual interest to the plain white walls. It provides the perfect surface for the vintage circular mirror, making the space feel more sophisticated.
Gold accents provide depth, while the table, chairs, and walls introduce clean lines, maintaining a contemporary aesthetic. The gray area rug defines the space and pairs with the wood floor to complement the crisp white walls.
19. Integrate with the Kitchen
This modern dining room seamlessly integrates with a contemporary kitchen, with clean lines from the furniture, a sleek, modern pendant light fixture, and a neutral color palette, bringing a sense of sophistication and functionality.
The leg chairs blend nicely with the herringbone wood floor, which perfectly complements the wood cabinets for a continuous look. The white marble backsplash and island add interest and provide a visual break from the warm wood tones.
20. Play with the Layout
You don’t need much materials or effort to create a modern dining room.
A simple marble-topped table with a black metal frame and modern gray armless chairs add a contemporary touch. Tall windows allow abundant natural light to keep the space refreshing, and a pair of geometric chandeliers anchor the space.
21. Glam the Space
Recreate this modern dining room by installing iconic, shiny, bronze-toned light pendants and pairing them with a circular wood table and modern black chairs.
The sculptural base and beautifully veneered top of this round wood table keep the space simple and minimalist in approach without making it feel unfinished or dreary. The bowl on the table echoes the light pendants’ hue to maintain a cozy ambiance.
22. Shine with Black
Upholstered beige dining chairs, a black wood table, and textured, black wallpaper make for an elegant and timeless dining room. These warm and dark elements are balanced out by introducing white wainscoting, patterned drapes, and a cool gray, abstract area rug to modernize the space.
The light-toned wood floor and potted houseplant add a fresh, natural feel, while contemporary light fixtures above the dining table bring a sense of allure. A bold, abstract triptych defines the focal point of the space.
23. Layer Your Lighting
Lighting is an essential design element in any room, particularly a dining room. Light fixtures can make a visual impact and enable you to create an ambiance that sets a welcoming tone for the gathering space.
In addition to the single overhead fixture, bring in other multiple sources of light, like the LED wall sconces flanking the mirror, strip lights, and recessed lighting. The built-in storage units with glass fronts offer a contemporary touch.
24. Double It
If you have space, you can always include two separate dining rooms in your home. Black and gray tones on the entryway, light fixtures, drapery, and furniture help tie these two rooms together.
The smaller dining room, with a circular table and brown chairs, is used for more casual meals like breakfast, while a larger, black rectangular table with ample dining chairs in the adjacent room is used for more intimate meals with friends or family.
25. Capitalize on Art
Most people opt for a gallery wall in the dining room, but an oversized, show-stopping art piece can bring an unexpected touch. In this modern dining room, a black-and-white canvas sits between contemporary wall sconces, complementing the light-and-dark color scheme.
A brown, modern console table adds warmth and subtle color, while a white textured area rug pairs with the black marble floor to fit the color palette below. Two low-slung ceiling pendants add interest and symmetry.
26. Bring a Mid-Century Modern Feel
This mid-century modern dining set features a chic, round wood table with a white top, cylindrical base, and contemporary olive green side chairs that add a subtle pop of natural color.
A herringbone wood floor anchors the furniture, while wood cabinets and island chairs in the kitchen continue the organic theme and maintain visual continuity. A small plant on the table completes the look in a true mid-century modern style.
27. Make it Eclectic
Light pinks, deep browns, and gold touches work together to create a layered, eclectic feel in this bold, sophisticated, modern dining room. A textured area rug anchors the space and echoes the bold patterns and hues on the feature wall.
The white marble wall creates color contrast and highlights the gold wall detailing, while a modern glass chandelier adds a jewelry-like finishing touch. The herringbone wood floor and brown floor-to-ceiling curtains ground the palette.
28. Contemporary Elegance
If your dining room is part of an open floor plan, consider soft, muted hues and maintain the design style throughout the space for visual continuity. The soft gray area rug grounds the dining set, while the linear chandelier further anchors the space.
The beige chairs, polished wood table, and other gray accents pair with the ivory walls for a serene and inviting space. The marble island and backsplash add a touch of understated luxury.
29. Add a TV
A long, polished, modern wood table adds depth to this contemporary dining room, while plenty of side chairs provide additional seating. Oversized abstract wall art brings a cool contrast and ties in the Sputnik bubble-like chandelier.
The light gray hardwood floor gives this dining room a warm and welcoming feel and complements the beautiful wood detailing on the adjacent wall. The open-plan layout makes it possible to watch TV while enjoying your favorite meals!
30. Showcase Décor
If you have a fireplace in your dining room, it serves as the perfect spot for displaying personal decor and art pieces. The mantle for the modern fireplace in this dining room features an exciting arrangement of art and decor items, and its soft white hue unifies the space.
Freestanding glass shelves frame the focal point for an elevated display, while statement ceiling pendants anchor the modern dining set.