There are many ways to approach a modern dining room, whether you’re designating a formal space to gather or incorporating a seating area into your open floor plan. A well-designed dining space can inspire lively conversation amongst guests, foster dinner parties that last hours, and serve as a backdrop for important decisions made over good food. Here, you’ll find inspiration and tips to create a modern dining room that’s both inviting and timeless. First, we answer questions on dining room furniture, chandeliers, and more that will help you get started on your modern design plan, then we provide dining room design inspiration worthy of their own dinner banter. Pull out a comfortable chair and start getting together your recipe books—we see a slew of grand meals in your future.
What is a modern dining room?
Modern design style is known for its simplicity. Clean lines and geometric shapes contribute to an overall uncluttered look. “It’s not to say that modern design style can’t be warm, but it can’t be overdone, it can’t be fussy,” explains Claire Paquin, founder of Clean Design in Scarsdale, New York. “The more simple you keep it, the more modern it will be and the more modern it will remain,” she says. A modern dining room should avoid unnecessary ornamentation and complexity, adds Cori Pfaff of Ashby Collective in Austin. However, that’s not to say that the space should be completely scarce. Statement pieces—like a striking pendant light or a personalized tabletop—and bright colors are often incorporated into modern dining areas.
What furniture should be included in a modern dining room?
“A traditional dining room table and chairs is going to be the most functional and longest-lasting setup,” Pfaff says. “You could do an interesting-shaped table for a more modern look.” Adding storage to the space is also essential, and many designers recommend a credenza or sideboard to store your dining sets. “Tall armoires or cabinets can make a space feel more traditional,” says designer Samantha Gallacher of South Florida–based IG Workshop. When choosing furniture, you’ll also want to consider how you plan to use the space for both everyday life and to entertain. For example, designers recommend a dining table that fills the space, but you can opt for smaller dining chairs if you’d like to fit more people.
How can a modern dining room feel more warm and inviting?
A modern dining room shouldn’t feel sterile. Warmth can be added through both the finishes and the furniture in the space. “Comfortable chairs are a must-have in a dining room,” says Christina Kim of Christina Kim Interior Design in New Jersey. “You want guests to enjoy a stylish setting but, more importantly, you want them to feel that they can linger.” Details such as velvet fabrics and wood grains can make the space feel more inviting overall. Designers also recommend utilizing multiple sources of lighting so that you can create your desired atmosphere for different occasions.
How do you accessorize a modern dining room?
Statement pieces complement the minimalist simplicity of a contemporary dining room. “Dining rooms are spaces that don’t need a ton of pieces, so pick a focal point and put a modern spin on it,” Kim says. One way to do so is through lighting, she adds, such as a chandelier that has a strong sculptural form or suspension lighting. Less is more in modern style, so opt for eye-catching centerpieces and statement art to add visual interest.